Welcome to the second part of a two part series that covers how to tackle Auckland on a budget! Travelling is never cheap and if you wanting to take full advantage of the city but want to do so without breaking the bank, then we have you covered. When travelling find activities that aren’t going to cost an arm and a leg can be hard, especially if you are travelling with the whole family, but don’t worry we have your back, we have done the research and found five activities that are both cheap and exciting!
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Fill up your car tank and make your way to Manukau Heads Lighthouse to get a totally free amazing view of the city, enjoy a great walk where you can take in the sun, the sea air and learn a bit about the local history. If you are really lucky you might even spot a Maui dolphin – a rare breed of dolphin indigenous to New Zealand who are known to swim around the area.
Island Exploring
Speaking of adventures, for the simple cost of a return ticket on a ferry you could be dropped on either Waiheke or Rangitoto Island and soak up all new surroundings! If you pick a sunny day, just strolling around the island is enough to get your money’s worth especially if you want to see some of our nature, views and history.
The Lightpath
If urban exploring is more of your thing then you can’t go past the bright pink path that takes you all across the central city! The Lightpath which is more widely known as the Pink Bridge amongst Aucklanders offers a few of the city and intersections like no other and it’s 100% free, if you have some money to spare jump on an ONZO and do the path on a bike!
Auckland Art Gallery and Memorial Musesum
If you prefer to be indoors and want to Soak up some art, history and culture at the Auckland Art Gallery and museum. This is a perfect double whammy for a day trip and both are super cheap for what you get in return. Each feature classic pieces and new exhibitions so it’s always a refreshing and educational time.
Local live Music
Check out Auckland’s gig scene, they’re often either free or cheap with door sales and the talent is strong. One of our fave places to suggest is Whammy Bar, wine cellar or galatos its well worth it and the drinks are always cheap as well, who knows, you may just catch the next Lorde!
Welcome to the first part of a two part series that covers how to tackle Auckland on a budget! Travelling is never cheap and if you wanting to take full advantage of the city but want to do so without breaking the bank, then we have you covered. In this first edition we cover some of our favourite places to eat in the city that are both delicious and affordable.
New Flavour Restaurant
Dumplings and Auckland are just two things that go hand in hand, so it goes without saying we have to start this list off with a local favourite New Flavour Restaurant which serves up some of the best (and cheapest) in town. Their seemingly endless dumpling menu is priced around $13 for a serve of 20 delicious morsels.
Big J’s Takeaway
Speaking of Auckland institutions, we can’t go any further without mentioning this little local celebrity – Big J’s Takeaways. Located in an unassuming block of shops in the suburbs of Mt Wellington, Big J’s serves up burgers that are big on taste but small on price. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for their always-epic burger of the week. The ever-popular takeaway joint also serves fish, toasted sandwiches, hot dogs and classic Kiwi potato fritter.
Cotto
If you are looking to devour premium-quality handmade pasta and want to save money then we have to send you directly to Cotto on K’ Road where you’ll find an entire menu priced under 22 bucks. Starring a stylish fit-out and divine flavours, it’s hard to believe that the chic eatery is known and loved as an Auckland cheap eat. Impress your significant other with a date night to remember and they’ll even be room in the budget for dessert.
Freeman & Grey
Five dollar gourmet pizza – do I need to say more? Freeman and grey is a secret treat in Ponsonby and a great way to feel fancy on a budget. A little local secret – if you sign up to their loyalty club, your first pizza is on the house! Paired with a decent selection of beer and wine this is the perfect place to get the day started.
Burger Burger
Looking for some classic fast food but just want something better than maccas? Look no further than burger burger, For around twenty bucks, you can grab a burger and a side of their famous charred broccoli featuring garlic, butter and almond. While every burger is mouth-wateringly delicious, our favourite is the tender grilled chicken burger with an added slice of pineapple. Dining on a budget doesn’t get much better than this and located in three suburbs in The city (Ponsonby, Newmarket and Takapuna) it’s easy to find.
We are right in the thick of winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what this month has to offer! And what a month it is! From different film and photography festivals, live acts and wine weeks, June has it all! So, wrap up warm and take in some of these events when you visit:
Auckland Festival Of Photography
If you are a photography fan, you’ll be in the right city this June, as the annual Auckland-wide Festival of Photography returns for 2019 and features a range of new and established artists, showcasing their existing and new work. Images of deer throughout Auckland’s CBD, a dedication to countering Islamophobia and extremism, and photojournalism on the
Venezuela crisis are among the line-up of what to expect at this year’s festival.
Auckland Wine Week
For all those wine lovers out there, you may want to plan your trip around this week that celebraes the places and people behind New Zealand’s best wines, as well as a delicious wine tasting adventure, the week is full of fun events around our stunning winemaking region. Waiheke Wine Day Out, Matakana Magic and Wineries Out West are among the line-up of activities.
Michael McIntyre
The BAFTA award-winning comedian returns to Auckland to deliver his trademark spot-on observational comedy and uncanny ability to turn mundane situations into master-classes of human exasperation. McIntyre sells out arenas around the world and no doubt his Auckland shows will too, so jump online and book now!
Beauty and the Beast
The Auckland Performing Arts Academy brings the classic childhood story to life on stage at the waterfront with their talented cast. The classic story features the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under a spell. Only love can break the spell, and as time starts to run out the reality of being the Beast forever edges closer. The beautiful Belle is his last chance, but first, he has to learn how to love and be loved. Relive your childhood and catch the performance of the nostalgic and heartwarming story while you can.
Nick Offerman
Best known as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman is an accomplished entertainer with unique humour and comedic ability. As well as acting, he has also published four books and is an excellent live performer, thriving in front of an audience. Returning to New Zealand on his All Rise tour, Offerman delivers an evening of talking and light dance that will make you laugh from the get-go but also be probed to consider humanity as we know it.
Matariki Festival
The Matariki Festival celebrates the Maori new year and is full of exciting, cultural festivities that everyone is invited to get involved with. Auckland comes alive with the celebrations of the nation’s Maori identity, the Maori new year and new beginnings. Historically, Maori navigators were guided to New Zealand by the stars including Matariki, with crews using skilful voyaging techniques passed down through generations. These themes will be woven throughout the festival which has over 100 events and programmes—experience Maori stories, entertainment, discussions, performance and art all kicking off June 22nd.
