Views from the Beach with TBBA

Talking Takapuna… your ultimate summer destination

We hope everyone had a wonderful New Year and that you are having an amazing start to 2021 so far! Takapuna was – and continues to be – the place to be for fun, sun and entertainment this summer.

We started the year off with our Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival on the 23rd of January, which featured myriad different kids entertainment, activities and an afternoon of live music. We also held a sandcastle building competition and awarded three groups the top prize for their age groups, thanks to New World Metro Shore City.

Most of us have settled back into our regular routines of work and everyday life by now – we know the struggle continues, as we glance longingly out our windows at the summer sun, wishing we were still on holiday – BUT! In Takapuna, the holiday doesn’t have to end; we have plenty of ways to keep the summer holiday vibes going while there’s still great weather AND work in between.

How does lunch by the sea sound? Regatta Bar and Eatery is the perfect location for a delicious bite to eat while relaxing and enjoying the sea views. While Regatta is renowned for their oysters and seafood, it also has the perfect meal for any taste, from chicken burgers to gnocchi or delicious salads.

Or how does a spot of retail therapy sound? Hurstmere Rd is home to many unique and boutique shops with the perfect little treat – from Augustine and Ruby, to Retrospace, and Life For Men, to Fifth Avenue Jewellers. There’s something for every shopper!

How does an afternoon of beach activities sound? The opportunities are endless at Takapuna Beach – if you’re after more than a leisurely swim, why not bring your snorkel, mask and flippers and inspect the reef down by the boat ramp. Or try your hand at some stand-up paddle boarding with Girls Get Out There NZ.

If want to escape the sun to a cooler temperature for a while, why not catch a movie at Monterey Cinemas, or head along to the Bruce Mason Centre or The PumpHouse for a dose of live-action entertainment! Pair that with some alfresco dining and you’ll have a summer night out worthy of a couple Instagram posts.

There is always something happening in Takapuna! The Takapuna Beach Cup is back from 19-21 February, and we’re excited to play host again for 2021. This is New Zealand’s premier outrigger and paddle festival, and while there may be a few less international paddlers, there will still be plenty of paddlers and racing around the Hauraki Gulf off our favourite beach. So make sure you head down, grab a good spot on the beach, check out the food vendors or grab a snack and coffee from your favourite local eatery and settle in to watch the action out on the water.

The end of February also sees the start of the long-anticipated Waterbourne festival, being held from 27th February through to 21st March. The month-long festival features a range of different events from water sports, free movie screenings, clean ups, sandcastle competition, and high profile music events – as well as the opportunity to watch all the America’s Cup action live on a big screen! Waterbourne will also feature The Long White Rooftop Bar, offering stunning views for all Waterbourne events and racing action, as well as a unique food and beverage menu and its own exclusive VIP bar. Check out waterbourne.co.nz for more information about the different events and timings for the festival.

We love to see what you get up to in and around Takapuna, so if you’re posting on social media, don’t forget to tag us (@ilovetakapuna), or use the hashtag #ilovetakapuna.

EVENTS: FEBRUARY – MARCH

• 23 Jan - 20 Feb: Auckland Shakespeare in the Park 2021, The PumpHouse • 1-6 Feb: Waterworld, Lake Pupuke

• 13 Feb: Chinese New Year Cultural Showcase,

• 13 Feb: Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival, Smales Farm • 15 Feb: Bruce Mason Centre, Morning Melodies with The Royal New

Zealand Navy Band • 19-21 Feb: Takapuna Beach Cup, Gould Reserve, Takapuna Beach • 20 Feb: NZ Walk of Fame, Bruce Mason Centre • 24-26 Feb: Woe is We, The PumpHouse • 26 Feb: The Lost Letter Office, Bruce Mason Centre • 27 Feb: 21 Mar: Waterbourne Beach Festival, Takapuna Beach • 27 Feb: The Howard Morrison Quartet Take Two, Bruce Mason Centre • 28 Feb: Acappella Gospel Choir – The Word is Love, The PumpHouse • 1 March: Morning Melodies - Robin Kelly & Friends play Elvis and The

Beatles, Bruce Mason Centre • 5-6 March: Subtle Dances, Bruce Mason Centre • 11-14 March: Jack and the Beanstalk, Bruce Mason Centre • 17 March: Celtica – A New Era of Irish Heritage, Bruce Mason Centre • 19 March: K-Pop Party, Bruce Mason Centre • 20 March: Lead Zipline, The PumpHouse • 27 March: Leaving Jackson, Bruce Mason Centre

Check out all the fantastic photos shared to us by fellow Takapuna lovers! Tag us @ilovetakapuna or use #ilovetakapuna on Instagram to share your pics with us.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…

PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Platinum sponsors…