[Tia Maria]

Anyone been to Howick Historical Village? Would a 6 and a 4 year old enjoy it?

Also any parks or child friendly cafes nearby?

Thought we might finally get around to visiting that part of Auckland and we also wanted to take a general look at Howick/Bucklands Beach area.

So any tips on a route (walking or driving) that takes in local shops/cafes/parks/schools/poshest roads and family suburbs, would be most welcome.

Cheers

Tia

[jubjub]

There is a cafe at the historical village, looks like and old fashioned english tea room (we have taken babies in) But there is also the cafe at the swimming pool in Lloyd Elsmore park, and there are swings and such opposite (and a duck pond).

Not been into the village itself though, but I am sure others have.

Eastern Beach is nice, lots of sand and shallow water (mind you bit cold at the mo for that!)

Poshest bits are to the left of Pakuranga Highway (as you drive towards Howick), towards Bucklands and Eastern beaches.

Its all quite spread out so driving may be better. You can get shops at Botany town centre, Pakuranga Plaza or Highland Park shopping centre.

PM me when you are coming, we could have a wee meet up!

[Marie P]

Hi Tia

We have been to the village and all the family enjoyed it ,especially playing with the old fashioned toys.

You can freely walk around going into all the different buildings ,lots of little Schools and Churches .

My 8 year daughter went on a School trip too and loves the place ,I am sure we will go again in the summer holidays when all the relatives come again.

Marie x

Ps I will post some photos when I get home from work.

[Marie P]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/wilson1964/IMG_0055.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c379/wilson1964/SNB21219.jpg

[gil]

Hi Tia,
Depends how far your littlies can/will walk, but if you park in Half Moon Bay Marina, you can walk up along Takutai Ave (quite posh), out onto Bucklands Beach Road and then either down Laings Road to The Parade or down Eastern Beach Road to er, Eastern Beach.
On reflection, it's probably too far for them to walk, but it's a nice drive! The Marina has cafes/restaurants, so worth a look anyway. If you start with The Parade as mentioned, you'll see Little Bucks Beach and around the headland, Big Bucks Beach. There are a couple of restaurants there, the Barracuda and the Beach House. Been to Barracuda, would recommend. Not been to Beach House though. From the Parade, drive up to Musick Point, very pretty. Back down from there and up Clovelly Road and then hang a left into Eastern Beach Road. Nice restaurant, La Mama and good cafe, was The Oasis, now Lou-Lou on the Beach. Dare you to walk up the steps at the top of Hostel Access Road!

As Sal said, when're you coming? If it's a weekend, let me know...
Gil

[The Hodges]

Hi Tia,

Never been, but in case you haven't found the Howick Historic website, it is here (http://www.fencible.org.nz).

Not sure about parks or child friendly cafes though.

Let us know how it you get on.

[Tia Maria]

Great photos Marie! I think my boys would enjoy the toys also.

Interersting they have a map of the UK in the classroom. I notice from the website they have 'live days' but they don't seem to have one in July.

By the way Claire, how do you post a link under a word? (in your case 'here')
I've been meaning to work that one out for a while.

Cheers

Tia

[KerryS]

I've been too - I went last summer when some friends with children visited from Finland. It wasn't somewhere I'd have thought about going otherwise, and I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed it.
I love history, and it was really interesting learning about the place. If you think houses are cold and damp now - you wait til you see the ones there!

[The Hodges]

By the way Claire, how do you post a link under a word? (in your case 'here')
I've been meaning to work that one out for a while.

I'll pm you on this.