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walks

Inventive Ways to Cool Off in Auckland this Summer

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Auckland is famous for its summers, you can’t beat the long days, the luscious greenery and the beautiful feeling of wearing light clothing. But Summer in the city of sails doesn’t come without that famous dry heat that sticks around all summer long. So if you’re feeling like your sticking to everything, or melting away and need some quick remedies that are local and creative, then this is the list for you!

Bethells & Pākiri Beach

Obviously, this list is going to have a couple of our favorite beaches, it could be argued that Auckland has some of the best beaches in the country, and they’d be right.

For those who are looking for a little peace and quiet as they dip and cool off in the surrounding waters look no further than Bethell’s. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, Bethell’s Beach is the place to get some much need relaxing in as you cool off as it’s more sheltered and tucked away than many other surrounding beaches.

While we are on the topic of quiet beaches, Pākiri Beach is just that and is the perfect place for a wee escape from the city life of Auckland. The isolation makes it an idyllic and peaceful place when looking for some downtime. Pākiri Beach doesn’t allow amplified music and sometimes, silence is the only thing you need to get away and cool off!

Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream

Nothing screams summer like a classic ice cream parlor, and Ollies encapsulates every essence of the word. The retro fit-out features everything you’d expect, including chequered floors, arcade games, and a shiny red countertop, Its features the New Zealand staple of summer ice creams, Tip Top, we’re talking hokey pokey, orange chocolate chip, good- goody gumdrops, gold rush and all the other fabulous flavors this iconic Kiwi brand has introduced to us over the years. Alternatively, order yourself one of the eatery’s super-nostalgic banana splits, complete with all the trimmings.

Take a Stroll, or Relax Under Native Trees

 Sometimes just sitting under a tree and reading a book is just what the doctor ordered on a hot summer’s day. If you want to get some shade, take in the view of some magnificent native trees and maybe learn a thing or two along the way, then you can’t beat the beautiful Parry Kauri Park. Take an easy stroll along one of the well-made boardwalks, through the native bush, to the lookout and kauri tree grove. Pick up a brochure from the Museum souvenir shop that describes and identifies the native trees and shrubs found along the path.

Worth The Walk: Five Great Walks In Auckland

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It’s nearly November, the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming and the beaches are looking more and more attractive. Summer in Auckland can be spent many ways, but we believe that some of the best ways to explore the city and the country for that matter, is on foot. In this blog we are going to look at some of Auckland’s best walks that cover our beautiful nature, some of our historical parks as well as taking you across romantic walks by the water, to give you some inspiration to tie up your laces and get exploring on foot.  

Cornwall Park 
  

This walks is located a stones-throw away from our motel, so there is no excuse to visit her. And during summer and spring its worth a visit alone for the cherry trees providing you with enchanting pink flowers that make the park look like something out of a postcard.   

Hobson Bay Walkway 

We understand that sometimes you have a big schedule and a huge walk just can’t really fit in. Well, that where Hobson bay is perfect: the short-but-sweet walk will have you enjoying the scenery of boats, birds, boardwalks, Victorian style houses and a lookout to Rangitoto, North Head, and Mount Victoria. But be sure to check the tides, You can only access this walk at low tide. 

Coast To Coast Walkway  

There are not many places in the world where you can literally walk from one coastline to the other. This is a true taste of Auckland and all it has to offer, you’ll walk through inner city ‘burbs, volcanic mountains, historic sites, all the way through to Manukau Harbour. You can also do the round trip right from the doorstep of the motel as one of the stops is our neighbor, one tree hill.   

White’s Beach Day Walk  

The west coast of Auckland has a secret, and we’re willing to share. The White’s Beach day walk is an hour long and begins down a local resident’s driveway, so be sure to be respectful, from there, signs will direct you to White’s Beach, where the track meanders down toward the big blue, where sand dunes await. Scramble over the sandy hills, play in the sea and witness exactly why Auckland’s West Coast has become one of the countries most sought-after destinations.   

Narrow Neck Beach  

Devonport is an amazing little village, with its ice cream shops, boutique fashion and bookstores and historic sights, you’d have to be crazy to not visit this waterside village –  but there it also boasts the beautiful Narrow Neck Beach. This will deliver the goods with views of Rangitoto and the city, its perfect for a slow stroll with someone you love.

Low Cost Adventures In Auckland: Learning and Exploring

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There’s nothing like saving money on holiday and the best way to do that is by utilizing the best free activities a location has to offer, and in Auckland, there are plenty. In this blog we have gathered three of some of the most well-loved activities and what they have to offer and have focused on activities that are great for people of all ages, and that can offer something a little more, whether that be a little bit of learning, exercise or adventure, we have it covered. 

First up is the Waitakere Ranges, located just forty minutes outside of the city, you’ll find the pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, and rugged black sand surf beaches. Many who visit the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park describe it as having a ‘wild west’ feel for its breath-taking natural towering sculptures and tranquil serenity that you don’t quite get living in the city.  

For all those out there who love a good walk in natural splendor, the regional park boasts 250 kilometers of walking tracks, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Notable scenic spots such as the Karekare Falls, are very accessible by foot – an experience for all members of the family. The Kitekite track (45 minutes) which will take you on a tour of the best things New Zealand’s native bushes have to offer, including waterfalls, streams, pools and beautiful native wildlife. The ranges also hold some of the countries most famous beaches – These beautiful west coast black-sand surf beaches are famous for their long stretching curves and tumbling waves. 

Next, we have The Auckland Museum, this famous landmark has shifted around a few sites in Auckland since its beginnings in 1852, including a farmer’s cottage and the Auckland Society before finally landing on top of Pukekawa in 1921, to commemorate the fallen soldiers of war world one. Since opening the museum has had a number of upgrades and renovations including an administration annex with a large semi-circular courtyard was added to the southern rear to commemorate the soldiers of war world two. 

The museum house a number of popular exhibitions including a large collection of Maori and Pacific Island artifacts, including a life-sized meeting house and Te Toki ā Tāpiri – the last great war canoe used in battle and carved from a giant totara tree. The museum also has floors dedicated to domestic and international wars, landmarks and encounters that contains art and artifacts, as well as fossils, history of toys, fashion and more. 

The museum is free for entry for Auckland locals, a donation is required for New Zealand residents, and international visitors have an admission fee of $25 for adults. 

Finally, Nestled below the rolling slopes of Albert Park in central Auckland is the Auckland Art Gallery. The gallery features its own in-house café that does a selection of food and beverages, otherwise why not walk just above the gallery and sit in Albert Park and enjoy a picnic by the fountain or below its many grand old trees? A mere two-minute walk will land you on Queen Street, one of Auckland’s oldest and most populated streets, filled with history, food, and shopping that leads you down to the waterfront which is a grand historic walk on a nice day, that features a bevy of restaurants and bars.

Views and Vineyards: Great Day Trips in Auckland

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Auckland, being built on hundreds of extinct volcanos, has resulted in a landscape that features some great walks, explorations, and adventures that are well worth your time. Whether it be climbing Rangitoto, exploring historic Devonport, or enjoying a wine on Waiheke, here are some of the most iconic location that has taken thousands of years to form for your enjoyment: 

Rangitoto:  

For a more adventurous island escape, check out Rangitoto. Emerging from the sea 600 years ago, Rangitoto Island is one of Auckland’s many volcanoes – and one of the last that is considered “active”. An iconic Auckland landmark, it’s a popular day trip for those keen on hiking, boating and all things nature. The summit track will take you through the world’s largest pohutukawa forest and the views from the pinnacle will take your breath away. The walk up is only an hour long, but make sure you set aside some time to crawl through the lava caves and tunnels you’ll pass on the way up, and take a walk around some of the old abandoned batches that still sparsely litter the shore. 

Mount Eden  

We can’t do a list like this without mentioning our neighboring summit Mt. Eden. The perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset, this is a paradise for romancers and adventurers. Once you’re at the top, the views of Auckland and the ocean are pretty spectacular. The last eruption left a crater 50 meters deep which widens as you wind your way to the summit. Walk all around the top to make sure you see Auckland from every angle then check out Eden Gardens, a 5.5 acre award-winning garden on the slopes of the mountain. Be sure to reward yourself with the many food and beverage offerings in Eden Village too. 

 Devonport 

Arguably one of Auckland’s prettiest and most vintage villages that is historical Devonport. Accessible by ferry or by car (the ferry is a great time, heads up), Devonport is situated on a picturesque peninsula and boasts some of the most beautiful bays in Auckland. stroll through the town browsing their tempting selection of cafes and boutiques that includes second-hand books and clothes for all you hipster types as well as some of the most gorgeous and award-winning restaurants by the water. Climb up Mount Victoria for incredible views of Auckland city and its harbor, then tackle North Head for awe-inspiring vistas of Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. 

Waiheke Island  

Known as the island of wine, and just a small ferry ride from the city is Waiheke Island which is home to a plethora of interesting art galleries and eateries – but the real attractions are Waiheke’s beautiful beaches and stunning vineyards. Join a guided tour for tastings of some of New Zealand’s best wines or take things at your own pace and break up all that booze with a stroll along Oneroa or Onetangi beach. Whether you’re there for a day trip or a weekend, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Waiheke.