April 2019

With the wet weather setting in, sometimes it becomes harder to see the sights and sounds of the region, but what if we told you could see some of what the city has to offer from the comfort of your own car? In this blog we cover some of the best scenic drives of the city that you can take in over your visit!

Devonport

To get a real tranquil drive, that’s close to the city, simply head across the harbor bridge to Devonport. Reaching out towards the city, you’re guaranteed to have epic viewing spots. Two of our favourite drives are along King Edward Parade, which follows the beach, and Calliope Road, where you’re greeted with an impressive viewing spot at Stanley Bay.

Karaka, Clarks Beach And Waiuku

Take a trip somewhere away from the regular West Coast, and East Coast spots, and instead, head to the south west of Auckland. Start your roadie with a drive through Karaka, enjoy watching horses at the many pony clubs, and be tempted to swim at Karaka Lakes. Keep driving further out west and park up for awhile at Clarks Beach, when you’re done with that, drive around to Waiuku and enjoy river-watching at the Waiuku River.

Maraetai Coast Road

Once you’ve explored south-west Auckland, it’s time to head east towards Maraetai. Drive along Maraetai Coast Road and continue your journey until you reach Kawakawa Bay, offering views out over Hauraki Gulf and a taste of rural driving. There won’t be any stressing about traffic here.

Northcote Point

Pay a visit to the Shore and enjoy a scenic drive out to Northcote Point. It’s not your usual nature and ocean view drive—instead, you get to enjoy checking out the old villas. And the drive gets better. Once you arrive at Northcote Point, you’ll be greeted with the beautiful view looking back towards the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the City.

Awhitu Peninsula

Enjoy cliff top views overlooking black sand beaches, and epic coastal lookouts when driving along Awhitu Peninsula. Head along the peninsula and towards the Manukau Heads Lighthouse, where if you fancy getting some fresh air, then enjoy the views at the lighthouse, and head down to the wet and wild beaches below.

Herald Island

Yep that’s right, Auckland has an island that you can access without taking a boat. A causeway surrounded by mangroves connects the island to the mainland. With a bunch of parks, surrounding nature, and a wharf at the end of the island, there’s plenty of exploring to do.

Whangaparaoa

If you want to drive along lookout points with amazing ocean views and then head down to one of the beaches for a dip, then Whangaparaoa is for you. This spot is totally underrated, much to the locals’ amusement—they’ve been enjoying the peace and tranquillity for years. Drive along Whangaparaoa, through Gulf Harbour and then set up spot at Shakespear Regional Park.

It’s a popular time to visit Auckland this coming long weekend, with Anzac Day and Easter weekend falling so close together, many will be taking extra time off to make the most of the public holidays, and with school holidays falling in around the same time, you may be visiting us with the little ones in tow! So, to help navigate and figure out what’s going down in the city, we have scowered the internet to bring you some of your favorite events happening the big smoke this Easter.

The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg Hunt

Join The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg Hunt this April and go in the draw to win one of five ultimate family prize packs, including two nights accommodation plus breakfast in a Premium Suite for two adults and two children at SKYCITY Hotel, a $1,000 SKYCITY Gift Card, a family pas up the Sky Tower with a Magic memories photo pack to take home, plus valet parking during your stay.

Four eggs have a letter or symbol, write them on your entry form to complete the special phrase and drop your form in the draw box in the Atrium, there’s a special fifth golden egg hidden somewhere. Find it, write its location on the entry form and you’ll get an extra entry in to the draw (hint… it’s Sky high). Kids also go free these school holidays at SKYCITY Auckland, with a huge range of activities and special offers for the whole family.

The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg promotion runs from 9am on 1 April 2019 to midnight on 30 April 2019.

Dining in the Dark

Dans le Noir? (French for “In the Dark?”) is an international company offering patrons a unique experience by eating in complete darkness, guided and served by low vision or blind people. More than 1.3 million people have already lived this experience worldwide.

In the heart of Auckland City, at Rydges Auckland, surprise your senses as never before! Enjoy a unique sensory experience, thanks to our famous surprise menus in three different versions (Trust the Chef, Seafood and Vegan) assisted by unexpected guides.Your evening will be full of conviviality, excitement but also self-questioning. A full immersion in this sensual dining adventure will impress you as a once lifetime experience!

The Classic Late and Live

Ideal late-night entertainment after dinner or for those night owls looking for a laugh, the live and late showcase is a great late-night option to close your night out at the city. Feature up and comers and some established acts, it’s always a great time. Gather a group of you and 5 mates for the Table of 6 Discount!

Potted Potter

Playing to sold-out houses all over the world, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from the fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwart’s magic!

Created by double Olivier Award Best Entertainment nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the show is a must-see for Potter addicts and a great introduction to the series for anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about.