North of the Bombays
with a car. Pick up a rental when you get there and it’s easy to fill at least a couple of days.
How’s this for an itinerary for two? Ziplining above island vineyards with EcoZip Adventures, beer-tasting at Alibi Brewer’s Lounge, followed by dinner upstairs at Tantalus Estate or Spanishinspired tapas at Casita Miro.
Alternatively, wood-fired pizza from Dragonfired on Little Oneroa Beach, followed by something seasonal from Island Gelato, is a recommended sand-between-the-toes back-up plan. In summer, drive out to remote Man O’War Bay.
Located near Karangahape Rd and Ponsonby, Verandahs Parkside Lodge fills a gracious twostorey heritage villa with colourful dorms and larger single, double and family rooms. K’Rd’s nightlife is nearby. Check out Whammy Bar, the Wine Cellar, and Neck of the Woods for live gigs, and the 11 cuisines of the good-value Ponsonby International Food Court offer plenty of choice.
Close to Spark Arena for big concerts, and a short walk to the ferry building for trips to Waiheke and the heritage suburb of Devonport, the Adina Apartment Hotel has studio and apartment options with kitchenettes, and on Saturdays, Britomart’s Takutai Square hosts a good farmers’ market.
With easy transport links and access to Hauraki Gulf ferries, and diverse opportunities for eating and drinking, the Wynyard Quarter is a convenient place to stay. The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour has an absolute waterfront location, while Quest on Beaumont combines studio and apartment options near leafy Victoria Park.