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exploring Archives - Epsom Motel

Nov 19
0

Exploring St. Kevins Arcade

By | Activities, day trips, food & Drink, Nightlife | No Comments

The crown jewel of K Road is St. Kevin’s Arcade which is packed with some of Auckland’s most popular bars, shops, and restaurants. The Arcade started out as a large estate, occupied by the Nathan family until 1918 and then demolished in 1920. Before the Nathan family vacated their city abode, they gifted a strip of land to serve as a passage from K’ Road to Myers Park, and this strip of land is where the famous St Kevin’s Arcade sits today.

The Arcade has grown since, after being extended in 1926, and with a thriving economy, K’road became one of Auckland’s premier shopping destination, often compared to Oxford Street in London. During this time of flourishment, St Kevin’s Arcade was home to the best of Auckland’s Tailors and Dressmakers, tea rooms and photography studios.

But with the introduction of the inner-city motorway and suburban malls in the 1960’s K’ Road and the surrounding area lost its appeal. But today, with more people living central, and the inner city reclaiming its vibrancy, St. Kevin’s arcade has become a staple for entertainment, food and shopping, especially for young people.

Shops in the arcade include the vintage denim bar, Stalgic Society, where you can choose from a large selection of on-trend vintage brands such as Calvin Klein, Gas, Wrangler, Tommy Hilfiger, GUESS and more. Then become your own designer and choose how store-owner Sarah will spice up your new love-worn threads with patches, crops, cuts, frays and other distressing techniques. If you are lucky you’ll catch Stalgic during one of their host guest artist’s sessions, to further personalise your jeans.

You can also book a nice Swedish relaxation and deep-tissue massage at Nicetouch, pick up a book from the hand-picked collection of quality second-hand books at The Green Dolphin, or pick-up a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your day from rose-tinted flowers.

If all that shopping works up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice for food at St. Kevins, with highlights being Lord of the Fries, an ethical, fast food friend that specialises in Burgers, hot dogs, fries, sides, shakes and more. Dive into some Lebanese food at Gemmayze St with some local décor that matches the food, if you are on the go, pick up some tasty treats from Auckland’s favourite family-owned bakery Tart. If you want to dive into some eggy goodness, try the selection on offer at Egg and Spoon, an eatery solely dedicated to the humble egg – the brekkie burger is a local favourite.

The nightlife is also alive in this tiny nook, Both Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar offer a range of local craft beers and wine, and usually, have local and international acts gracing their stage with a wide range of music.

So if you are heading into the city, be sure to find some time to check out this local favourite and find out why some of the best-kept secrets are worth finding.

Mar 08
2

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

By | Activities, kids activities | No Comments

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!

Jan 08
0

Views and Vineyards: Great Day Trips in Auckland

By | Activities, Uncategorised, walks | No Comments

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.