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kids activities

Browsing Britomart

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In many of our blogs and guides to the city, we have briefly touched on Britomart, a small boutique collection of shops and cafes at the bottom of Queen street near the waterfront. Over the past few years, this space has blossomed into a popular heaven for shoppers and those with an exotic taste for food. In this blog we take a closer look at what makes this place such a must-visit destination:

Boutique Shopping

Wardrobe in need of a refresh, and have you got some money to burn? Then you are going to find the little craven of Britomart to be a shoppers’ paradise, with all your favourite brands in one shoppable space! This includes a mix New Zealand’s hottest fashion designers including Deadly Ponies, Juliette Hogan, Karen Walker, and Trelise Cooper as well as the hottest high-end international brands such as Prada, Gucci, Jo Malone London, Lululemon, Ted Baker, Tiffany & Co, just to name a few.

Catchup, Stroll and Brunch!

One of the greatest benefits of Britomart is the urban modern space which allows for a perfect walk’n’talk catch-up with friends with a follow up of brunch. Wander through Takutai Square and to nearby Queens Wharf. There’s always something happening at both these spots: the square is home to a Saturday morning market and the wharf regularly hosts art exhibitions and food trucks. If you’re really up for a stroll, head west to North Wharf and along the Westhaven Promenade. To take in the instagrammable views of the Waitemata Harbour.

The Nightlife

Britomart is perfect for those looking for a decent meal and a good night out. The quarter has a bit of everything to please all palate, including classic American-style burgers at better burger, take in some Vietnamese at Café Hanoi, a mix of traditional Japanese at Ebisu, or the French goodies at L’assiette. When it comes to having a night on the town, we would recommend starting at Brew on Quay for their dizzying selection of craft beers on tap, a stop at the one and only 1885 is a suburb and classy stable of the city, and Caretaker brings out the golden age New York feel in its intimate setting with a menu filled with delicious beverages.

La Cigale Market

But don’t feel like this place is only buzzing during the night, during Saturdays from 8am to 1pm you’ll come across a market that injects a sense of Parisian flair into the traditional kiwi market model. The result? A beautiful collision of locally grown, fresh fruit and vegetable stalls sit alongside international fare such as cured meats, specialty chocolates and nut butters. There are more than twenty stalls to peruse – constantly changing in theme, taste and flair!

Keep the Kids Busy In Auckland Part Two: Activities for All Seasons

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Sometimes traveling with kids can be tiresome and finding activities that they will equally love can be time-consuming, but luckily for you, we have gone out and done the research for you!     

In part two we head out for adventure looking at some of the best indoor and outdoor activities that cans can enjoy and adults and get a little fun out of too. Better yet these activities are great all year round so you can keep the kids busy no matter the weather.  

Snow Planet: 

Snowplanet is Auckland’s only indoor ski slope. Grab your beanies and warm jackets for a fantastic day out, only 30 minutes north of the city. At Snowplanet there is something for everyone; a chilly snow dome to ski, snowboard or snow tube and a warm relaxing restaurant for a bite to eat and coffee with panoramic views to watch all the action. 

Escape Masters:  

This internationally popular phenomenon promises a vivid experience where you can become the main character of a captivating mystery. An adventure, where you and your friends are locked in a themed room with the common goal to break out within an hour. To escape, you will need to find clues and solve unique puzzles. 

Bounce and Beyond:  

The whole family will have a blast playing at Bounce & Beyond’s indoor playground. There are inflatable slides, obstacle course, bounce houses, interactive games, toddler activities and more. Bring a book, bring your friends, and enjoy a coffee while your little one runs wild in the 1800 square meter inflatable playground.  

Around-The-World Mini Golf  

Prepare for a trip around the world, see the Arc de Triomphe, Effiel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the kings of the beasts on the African plains.  

Rainbows End  

It’s fun on demand at Rainbow’s End!  With over 20 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone. Thrill seekers can try the big 5 Thrill Rides: Stratosfear, Fearfall, Invader, Power Surge and the Corkscrew Roller Coaster. Or for something to suit the entire family try the Log Flume, Dodgems or Family Karts. It’s your fun, and you can put it together any way you like.  

Kelly Tarltons 

With over 80 marine species and over 1000 amazing creatures across 13 themed zones, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium has it all. You can enjoy after dark events, animal encounters, special animals talks and feeds and so much more!  

Rocket-Ropes  

Rocket Ropes has an adventure high ropes course for kids aged 6 years plus and adults. Plus there is a Rocketeer course for kids aged 2 to 6 years old, to experience a climbing course using carabiners. They can scale the pirate ship, delve into the tunnels, bounce on the spring steps and more to give them a climbing adventure like no other. Bookings are essential.

Keep the Kids Busy In Auckland Part One: The Best Playgrounds in Auckland

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Sometimes traveling with kids can be tiresome and finding activities that they will equally love can be time-consuming, but luckily for you, we have gone out and done the research for you!  In part one, we hit the bark, jump on the monkey bars and reach the sky on some swings and list some of the best playgrounds in Auckland for the little ones to pour all that pent-up energy into! 

  1. Tui Glen Park 

Located in Henderson this wooden wonderland is based around a ‘tree-top’ theme to reflect the natural landscape of mature towering trees, and the history of it being a previous campsite – New Zealand’s first in fact. Kids will feel like they live up in the trees with the Eagle nest and Pyramid tower, as well as the dual flying fox and tree hut makes this a young adventurers paradise.  

  1. Madills Farm Playground 

This colorful playground is located on a bustling green park and features all the major staples of a great playground: Climbing nets, baskets swing, climbing frames, sea-saws and it’s all full fenced so you can relax and take in the sunshine! 

  1. Takapuna beach Reserve Playground

Full warning: this is a kid’s dream come true, a twisty turvey playground located right next to the beach and ice cream? It’s heaven for kids. Located right by the water, this playground features slides that look like they have jumped right out of a Dr. Suess book, basket swings, climbing tower, merry-go-round, trampolines, and even a hamster wheel?! 

  1. Onepoto Domain  

There seems to be one thing kids love these days – scooters. And if yours have decided to pack theirs with them on your trip away – then we have the perfect park for you! This playground has all the classics such as a slide, swings and flying fox, but also features fantastic bike and scooter tracks as well as a duck pond!  

  1. Western Park 

This recently renovated park located in Freemans Bay is a perfect adventure playground for kids of all ages and features two slides great for racing, two treehouses, swings, a seesaw, balancing features, two small trampolines, and a flying fox! Located close to Ponsonby, it’s a great way to use up the kid’s energy before doing a spot of shopping or lunch!  

  1. Myers Park Playground 

Located right on the waterfront and next to a bunch of fantastic restaurants and cafes (if you need a coffee to keep up with the little ones) This quirky playground features animal themed climbing frames, birds, sculptures, and a giant basket swing!