[K&CS]

I'm going up to Auckland on Friday for OH's xmas do. I've somehow managed to farm out the kids, and I'll be travelling up alone (!) and checking into a hotel at lunchtime and will have the whole afternoon to myself before hooking up with OH and going to the party. I've never been to Auckland before and will have no transport, but also don't fancy taking buses etc. I'm hoping to have a nice relaxing afternoon (I basically never get time out without kids etc) but just wondered what there was to do around that area within walking distance (will be staying in Spencer on Byron Hotel).

Any suggestions anyone??

Thanks

Kate

[Park City Partner]

I think that hotel is in Takapuna..if so, go for a walk on the beach as it is lovely! At the north end of the beach there is a big carpark, walk up the road from that and it will take you to a stretch of cafes....I like one called Latin Larder as they have some very yummy sweets...and their savory items are yummy too...

As an alternative you could book in for a massage. I go to a place called Just Massage they have good therapists and are at 18 Anzac street...

Have a lovely time....

[K&CS]

Thanks! Unfortunately, the forecast is now for peeing rain, so my idea of sitting outside a bar with a vino watching the world go by has been scuppered. I'm liking the massage idea though....

[kiwidebs]

Will PM you.

Debs

[Tia Maria]

Kate,

I’ve literally just stepped off a plane from Singapore, so excuse me if I don’t make too much sense! But as I’m the mug staying up to do twenty loads of washing I’ve got time you give you a quick guide to Takapuna:

The Spencer is a lovely hotel and the staff are very friendly, it’s got a roof top pool which you can often get to yourself – it can get a bit windy. When you first come out of the Spencer turn left (there is nothing worth seeing going right), then walk down to the busy road (Lake road). You could nip across Byron to grab a free Property Press from outside the estate agents so you can have a laugh at the prices in Takapuna – it’s quite big, so maybe get it on the way back.

From Byron you want to turn left on to Lake Road – Takapuna isn’t that big so you can cover most of it in one walk round. You should notice Wildfire on the other side, a possible place to eat with the OH, assuming you are not vegetarian:

www.wildfirerestaurant.co.nz/contact.htm

You will then pass Paint the Earth, very friendly place:

www.painttheearth.co.nz

You will come to a big junction; if the weather is OK follow signs to the beach & library, down The Strand. Takapuna has a lovely beach with views of Rangitoto:

www.rangitoto.org

Unfortunately Takapuna, IMHO, is really badly designed, you hardly know the beach is there and it all centres around a car park, bus station and Burger King, perhaps I’ll start a petition to have the car park turned into a square with fountains and cafes. It will be interesting to see what you think.

On the way to the beach is a great swim shop, not cheap but some really nice swimwear:

www.aktivworx.co.nz/contact.shtml

Once you’ve finished on the beach walk back up The Strand and turn onto Hurstmere Road, this has got various shops including a chocolate shop that sells Galaxy chocolate for about $5 a bar (or so I’ve been told). As you wonder down Hurstmere road you will see the Tourist Information Centre, they’ll be able to give you a handy 1 page map of the area and let you know about any local cafes etc.

www.nscc.govt.nz/Community-Services/City-attractions/Visitor-info.htm

A bit further up Hurstmere Road you will find a cluster of cafes, this site has some good links:

www.takapunabeach.co.nz

You will then come to a roundabout, you can either carry straight on to look at the Bruce Mason Centre, I’m not sure What’s On, but I think their Christmas tree appeal has started:

www.bmcentre.co.nz

This will also lead you up to the Promenade which is another way to access Takapuna Beach. Or down Killarney Street to the Pump House and Lake Pupuke (watch out for the Geese droppings!)

www.pumphouse.co.nz/index.php

www.tourismnorthshore.org.nz/id/7/top10/

Then walk back down The Terrace to get to the Westfield Shopping Centre

Or you can turn left onto Anzac Street, where you will find Burger Fuel:

www.burgerfuel.com

Go and see the Puppies at the pet shop:

http://humdinga.net.nz/ladygay/home.htm

or pop to the cinema:

www.berkeleycinemas.co.nz/default.asp?SectionID=17

You will then find yourself at the Westfield Shopping Centre, called Shore City:

http://westfield.com/shorecity/

You enter through Farmers and it’s got a few shops and a food court, not the most exciting place but might be a possible rainy option, or an easy place to a grab a bite to eat.

When you come out of Farmers, you turn right, walking down Lake Road past the car park, past Paint the Earth etc which brings you full circle back to Byron and your hotel!

I think Takapuna is going to change a lot over the next few years, so you are probably catching it just before all the development starts, some people (especially teenagers!), can’t wait to have somewhere a bit more exciting on the North Shore, others worry its will become Tacky Takapuna.

Have Fun :D

Cheers

Tia

[K&CS]

Tia

You are an angel! Thank you so much for going to all that trouble!! I'll certainly let you have my thoughts. You get on with that washing now! I shall print this off and take it with me!!

Kate x

[Tia Maria]

Goodness me - did I write all that?! Last night is all a bit of a blur, but the washing seems to be done and folded, so I must have been busy. :laugh

night night ..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Cheers

Tia