Sometimes when you are traveling you want to save a few pennies here and there, especially if you have put most of your money into travel, accommodation, and one core activity such as a concert. But luckily for you, Auckland is bustling with a pleather of activities that have little to no cost, and we have gone out and done the research for you! Here are some of the best cheap activities in Auckland:
The Lightpath:
She’s a relatively new activity but is fast becoming one of Auckland’s most iconic, mainly due to the bright pink bridge that is quite hard to miss when driving into the city! This path takes you on a fun and interactive walk across the Auckland city center stopping by iconic locations and offering views only available on foot – and this one is absolutely free!
Silo Park:
Auckland is called the city of sails for a good reason, and a walk along Auckland’s waterfront to Silo park will reveal exactly why. Silo park features a lot of things kids dream of including two playgrounds, the water, and a great viewing platform. There is also a selection of great restaurants and gelato ice cream if you do feel like breaching the wallet!
Goat Island Marine Reserve
The perfect low-cost summer activity is to grab some snorkels and togs and head out to the Goat Island Marine Reserve and explore the depths and watch the wildlife if the bustle of the city just isn’t for you, this one is tailor-made for you.
Cheap flicks
In the opposite season when the weather isn’t so great, sometimes you just want to be indoors, so why not catch a movie. Now, I know what you are thinking, movies aren’t exactly cheap these days – buts that’s where you’re wrong! Auckland has not one, but two low-cost options that won’t break the bank: Reading Cinemas offers $10 tickets for films, and Capitol Cinemas offer $11 Tuesdays as well!
Check out some local Live Music
For a unique night out, why not check out what some of Auckland’s local talent has on offer? You can find bands playing original songs for free, or at a low cost at such famous local venues as whammy bar, wine cellar and Portland public house. Usually featuring a wide range of talent and genre, these gigs can offer you something small towns can’t.
Welcome to part two of our blog series looking at the top shopping destinations in Auckland! In this edition, we delve in to two different types of shopping budgets and the hidden side streets of Queen Street!
Onehunga
For those like me that sometimes need to shop on a budget, Onehunga will be a paradise for you. Located here is arguably one of the country’s biggest and best outlet malls that feature all the big-brand names from Barkers, Overland, Glassons and more. This mall is filled to the brim with discounted outlet stores that will please all fashion-forward people, and includes a food court for when spending all your hard-earned cash works up an appetite!
Also located in Onehunga is Auckland’s most famous second-hand bookstores: Hard To Find. This famous store is packed to the brim with rare and collectable books to common and affordable paperbacks, with over five hundred thousand books in their depository. Located in a Vintage two-story house, the experience alone of exploring this shop is worth the visit.
Britomart
On the opposite end of the affordability scale, we have Britomart. Located at the bottom of Queen street near the Warf, this shopping inlet is packed to the brim with designer boutiques, award-winning eateries, and classy bars. You’ll find some of New Zealand’s top designer brands located here including Karen Walker, Katherine Wilson, Juliette Hogan, and Taylor as well as hot international brands such as M.A.C Cosmetics, Lululemon, Ted Baker, and Chanel.
But it’s not all boutique shopping here, Britomart has made a name for itself with its exquisite eateries and bars that can please all pallets. Including the hidden New York style bar Caretaker, Ortolana a chic casual dining experience, Milse a dessert restaurant with mouth-watering treats and L’assiette, a little French café with a lot of flavor.
Queen Street
Queen Street is considered the heart of the city for its busy footpaths and many hidden alleyways packed to the brim with stores to explore. One of these such streets is High Street which features an array of top designer brands for both men and women. This tiny one-way street dedicated to everything a man needs for business and pleasure including two suit shops (Barkers and Crane Brother), a classic close shave barber, and a decent shoe shop (Merchant Man). But don’t fret ladies, there is plenty of shops for you to explore as well, including Ricochet, Ruby, Decjuba and Untouched World.
Federal and Elliot streets also connect off Queen Street and offer a more relaxing experience if you are looking to unwind while on holiday. This includes the East Day Spa and Bliss Reflexology which both offer massages and new ways to relax, leaving you refreshed for the rest of your visit!
Auckland has become a haven for shopping, but with a city so spread out as ours, its sometimes easy to get lost or not know where to go, so in our new two-part series we have done all the digging, research (and a bit of shopping) to report to you an in-depth look at what Auckland has to offer in retail!
Sylvia Park
Sylvia Park is renowned for its shopping experience, arguably the biggest shopping complex in the country, Sylvia Park offers everything a shopper needs from food, movies, to all the major retail brands and some international brands that are currently only exclusively located within the mall. You could easily waste a half a day here, send the kids to see a movie at the Imax Hoyts movie theatre while you take in the bevvy of shopping brands at your feet, and once you’ve finished, the food court has a selection of international and local food offerings to sink your teeth into.
The mall is also going under a huge expansion that will be open at the end of the year, so be sure to keep your eyes on this one. This one is easy to get to as well as it is a major stop for both bus links and trains.
Ponsonby
The self-described ‘Auckland Hippest Strip’ has a lot to live up to, and when it comes to shopping it goes above and beyond this title – especially if you are into fashion. When we say this suburb has clothes for all ages we aren’t kidding, there are baby boutique clothing stores, vintage and second-hand clothing stores and all the trendiest woman’s clothing.
Ponsonby Road is a bevvy of local and international clothing brands, including Karen Walker, Smith & Western, Miss Crabb, Suprette, Revie, and so, so much more. The vintage stores in Ponsonby also have the best hand selected offerings in the city including Tattys, Encore Fashion Recycle, and Vintage Vintage. If all that shopping builds up an appetite, there is a selection of award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from as well.
Parnell
This tiny little village located on the outskirts of the city centre is a wonderful place to kill a few hours, not just to take in a beautiful vintage Auckland location, but also to take in the hidden gems that lie within. Parnell is famous for its art galleries that showcase both international and local works, the Alan Pankhurst gallery and Black Door Gallery are high recommendations.
If you’re looking to spruce up your home with a few new pieces of home décor, then look no further than Parnell, it’s a local destination for original and quirky pieces handmade by locals, BARAN DE BORDEAUX offers a selection of sought-after antiques and orso de’ Fiori has a range of accessories and homewares perfect for gifts. And once you have done all your shopping, be sure to treat yourself to the famous chocolate boutique – Bill Clinton visited, and he loved it!
Karanagahape Road, or K road as it is more commonly known as is a famous strip of road in Auckland for many reasons, it has had a mixed history both good and bad but it is mostly remembered and celebrated for its diverse culture and offerings. Located at the top of Queen street, we’re going to take you on a small journey down a stretch of road that has defined Auckland’s Diversity for years.
One of K Road’s crowning glories is its divine selection of chic vintage boutique stores. For all you vintage and second-hand clothing fanatics out there, you’ll want to make sure this stretch of wonder is on your to-do list as it collects some of the most sought-after second-hand stores in Auckland, including Paper Bag Princess, American vintage, Metro Retro, and Thriftway just to name a few.
K Road also features some of Auckland most diverse and famous restaurants and cafes that can appeal to all pallets, including middle eastern, vegetarian, European and more. Some of our favourites include famed local vegetarian outlet Lord of The Fries, a burger joint for vegetarians that is to die for, Carmen Jones is a staple of the strip that offers a large selection of local flavours and is frequented by many local celebrities.
A visit to K Road isn’t the same without a stop at St. Kevin’s Arcade, which features local small business, cafes, Auckland’s famous dive bars, and local art galleries as well. Lets start with the dive bars – if you are looking for an iconic night out in Auckland’s underground, Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar are to local stalwarts that need to be seen to be believed, you can visit these bars most nights and catch a local musical act tearing up the stage and enjoy a bevy of beers on tap. As for the shopping you can choose between vintage American clothing stores, second-hand bookstores or support a selection of local small businesses offering haircuts, flowers, food, or massages!
K Road is most infamous for its nightlife, and you can choose from a classic location, or some newly opened venues, there is plenty to choose from! These can be the aforementioned whammy and wine cellar dive bars for local live music, Neck of the Woods for some quirky but modern happenings, the thirsty dog offers your classic New Zealand Pub offers and the famous Family Bar is also not to be missed!
So if you have a day to kill in the city and want to get the most local and diverse offering in Auckland, you can’t go any further than K Road.
For more information on This famous stretch of road, visit the Website.
When you see pictures of New Zealand being advertised or wonder what people from overseas think of our country there is a good chance that the Waitakere Ranges are exactly what you’d picture.
The crazy thing is that many people, locals included, don’t realise that these breathtaking views and walks are located just outside of Auckland city – 40 minutes to be exact.
But what exactly can one expect from The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park? To answer that question frankly, it’s the where the pure beauty of New Zealand meet – including 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 breathtaking 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.
For those looking to delve a little deeper into the ranges, we suggest 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.
In the summer you won’t want to miss some of the countries most famous beaches which are located At the base of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. These beautiful west coast black-sand surf beaches are famous for their long stretching curves and tumbling waves (they can be dangerous – so swim between the flags.) Be sure not to miss the huge cliff-top gannet colony at Muriwai and see majestic Lion Rock, an eroded neck of a volcano that erupted 16 million years ago that has important significance to local Maori.
One of the most popular places to visit in Auckland also happens to be one of the cheapest! A combined trip to the Auckland Domain and Museum can be a worthwhile trip for the whole family, no matter the age.
The Auckland Domain
Located in the central city, and in the suburb of Grafton, the Auckland Domain was originally the site of a Maori pā because of the rich volcanic soil as well as the north-facing views. Maori names the land Pukekawa, which roughly translates to ‘hill of bitter memories’, as many land wars were fought on the site. The land was eventually purchased off the Maori by European settlers and was put aside as a local reserve and later a domain, over time the swap was drained and replaced with a cricket field, exotic donated trees were planted and the Auckland War Memorial Museum was established.
The Wintergardens
The winter gardens were opened in the early 1900s and house an ever-changing array of flowers and plants in a larger Victorian-style glass house. Inside the winter gardens, you will also find native ferns, marble statues, fountains and pools, lavish heat dependent plants and sprawling courtyards. Admission is free.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum
Considered one of the finest Greco-Roman buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, the museum 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 annexe 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 artefacts, 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 artefacts, 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.
A historic building filled with culture, history, and activities for all ages, the Auckland Art Gallery is one of central Auckland’s most frequented day-time activity – and most importantly, it’s free.
History
The Auckland Art Gallery has the distinct title of being New Zealand’s first art gallery, established in 1888 after many residences of the city called for municipal art collection, the gallery building was originally conjoined with the Auckland public library (which has since moved location). The gallery was originally erected thanks not to the local council, but instead by historic Auckland benefactors, who also promised a public library.
The gallery originally housed primarily European 19th-century art including watercolors and oil paintings sourced and gifted to many of the benefactors from Britain. The collection has since expanded to include a variety of mediums and works of a range of periods and currently numbers of 15,000 works in its collection. A collection of Maori paintings have been gifted to the gallery as well as many local works of art have been featured prominently as well.
Today the gallery is filled with a bounty of styles, mediums, and viewpoints from throughout time and often features interactive pieces that require participation from attendees.
Location
Nestled below the rolling slopes of Albert Park in central Auckland makes the gallery a prime location to start a day of perusing the city. 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.
For those guests that may be in Auckland to visit family/children studying at university, both The University of Auckland and AUT are located above the gallery off Albert Park.
Visiting
Check out the Auckland Art Gallery’s website for more information on what is being showcased at the gallery, as well as tours and activities for children. If you enjoy your visit to the gallery be sure to make a small donation so it can keep thriving and remain free to the public.
Walks and Sightseeing.
If you want panoramic views of the long stretches of beach all the way out to Rangitoto, look no further than Achilles Point. This local hidden gem, located at the tail end of Ladies Bay, commemorates the 1939 battle of the River Plate where New Zealand crewed HMS Achilles engaged with other allied vessels to defeat legendary German cruiser Graf Spee. Free to visit, and worth the windy walk, the serenity and scaling views are worth hunting out.
If you feel like learning a bit about the history of the St. Heliers area, the Historic walk is worth checking out! A downloadable map will take you on an annotated and engaging walk back in time, providing you with a history lesson and a good stroll across the scenic village. Some highlights include the old St Heliers Bay Hotel on the corner of Tamaki Drive and St Heliers Bay Road, a marble drinking fountain celebrating the first piped water supply to the district, the remains of a 1500 foot long wharf and a whole lot more – for local history buffs, this is a can’t miss.
If you like sandy beaches, panoramic views, fields, estuaries, and nature reserves with cow-studded country pastures take in the Point to Point, stretching from St Heliers Bay to Point England. You will get the opportunity to divert and enjoy beaches, lookouts and Ladies Bay along the way, and best of all whether you do the full three to four-hour walk, or just portions, it can be enjoyed by all, no matter your age or fitness level.
Wine and Dine
St. Heliers is renowned for its restaurants, especially those that cater to French cuisine, this includes La Fourchette, which is great for a casual brunch, four-course meal, high tea with Champagne, or a glass of wine and sharing plates. The restaurant also does special events such as “fete du Village”, “cheese & wine tasting” and “tour de France”.
La Vista is located on the beachfront near the end of Tamaki Drive overlooking the majestic view of Rangitoto that specialises in Spanish cuisine and encourages a sharing, social environment. Perfect in both seasons, in the winter La Vista restaurant is cosy, comfy and friendly, while in the summer, the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the warm blanket of the sun and a cool breeze.
If you are looking for the perfect place to walk off the golden sands of St Heliers beach, then Porch is the place for you. This casual bar and eatery perfectly encapsulates beach-side chic and is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Porch is the ultimate day to night destination that boasts a great selection of wines and craft beers on tap combined with friendly, local ambience and service. For a casual bite to eat or a night out with someone special, look no further than this local hotspot.
When you are on holiday in scenic New Zealand, there is so much on offer: water sports, breathtaking beaches, scenic and historic walks, but sometimes being spoilt and relaxing and getting a little tipsy is what the doctor ordered, and boy do we have just the experience for you: The NZ WinePro Tours.
Winning numerous awards in tourism this company offers the gold standard of day trips, curated by Tour Director John McFarlane who created the company in 2002, McFarlane has developed the company into one of Auckland prestigious experiences, and working with the department of conservation, has gained access to some of the city’s most beautiful and protected areas. WinePro offers four tours to choose from, each exploring a different part of Auckland.
Vineyards Honey and Black Sand Beaches
This tour is a six-hour journey around the rugged West Coast including the Muriwai black sand beach, but don’t fret, there is also a selection of historic and award-winning wineries to explore as well! First stop is Kumeu River Wines, Pioneers in New Zealand winemaking since 1944, sourcing wine from grapes grown on their own ten Kumeu and Huapai Vineyards. Following that, it’s Soljans Estate which also features special honey made from the native NZ Tea Tree, and after lunch an afternoon visit to West Brook Wines or the Hunting Lodge Winery for a lavish selection of wines in the cellar door shop.
Matakana Coastal Getaway Wine Tour
Heading North West on this tour, you will experience a tour through the coastal seaside resort towns of Orewa and Waiwera Mineral Springs. The wineries on this tour include Hunting Lodge Winery, lunch at Plume Vineyard Restaurant and an afternoon tasting at either Omaha Bay wines or Ascension Wines. Along the way, you will also get to stop in at the Puhoi Cheese Factory to taste some delicious cheeses, see a rare 850-year-old Kauri tree, and sample some native flora honey at the New Zealand Honey Centre.
Piha Karekare Rain Forest Wine Adventure
Head out west to the Piha region where you will Head up into the stunning Waitakere Ranges, Piha, and he beautiful Karekare waterfalls. During your journey you will get to taste of varietals and blends at Soljans Winery, Hunting Lodge Winery and West Brook Wines, Situated in the picturesque Waimauku Valley.
Muriwai Scenic Morning Or Afternoon Wine Tour
The smallest and most affordable tour available takes you out to the market garden and lifestyle areas of Kumeu, Huapai, Waimauku and the black sand beaches of Muriwai. In terms of tasting wine, you’ll be taken to West Brook Wines for a cellar door tasting and The Hunting Lodge Winery a modern winery to finish it off.
So if you are up for a day of exploring what the outer reaches of Auckland and this country has to offer, while experiencing some of our best wineries, this award-winning tour is one that is not to be missed.
We mention a lot in our blogs about the stunning views from Mission Bay and Kohimarama of Rangitoto, the large ex-volcano that stands beautifully out on the water for all to admire. Many visitors are curious about the island and want to know the history of Auckland most prominent volcano and whether or not you can visit it, and today, we are going to answer all those questions.
The History
Auckland is built on and around approximately 50 volcanoes that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field and Rangitoto is the most recent of them – and when I say recent, I mean it’s over 600 years old, and its last known activity was around 550 years ago. When New Zealand was colonized, the island was purchased by the crown and used primarily originally used as a source of basalt for the local construction industry. It was later developed with a wharf and rounds to source scoria and provide access for day-trippers, roads and a track to the summit were eventually constructed as well as a series of baches – some of which still stand on the island today. The department of conservation completed a significant restoration programme on Rangitoto Island and its neighbor Motutapu Island. The islands are now a safe pest-free haven for precious native flora and fauna to survive and thrive, so when visiting the island you must be sure to follow the strict guidelines to help with the efforts in preserving the biology on the island.
Exploring Rangitoto
Day trips to the island to explore it and its many walking tracks are extremely popular, and getting to the island is a breeze. Fullers offers trips to the island at different times of the day, from there you have a selection of options to explore the island including the summit climb, the most popular walk that takes you to the top of the island and features informative signs about the history of the island. There is also the option of a 4wd “road train”, a guided tour that takes you to the summit of the island that can be combined with the cost of your ferry ticket. Lava Caves are also located from the summit on the eastern side which can also be explored, the caves were left behind after the passage of liquid lava and can be exciting to explore, so bring a torch!
So if your curiosity about the island and a sense of adventure is drawing you to explore, answer the call and make a day trip to Auckland’s most historic volcano.
