Food scene
My personal favourite – Walnut Cottage, with excellent yummy food and surroundings, breakfast and brunch/lunch. Can't recommend this highly enough! Lots of parking, and safe for little kids to play, with outdoor seating when it's warm enough. There's even ducks to feed, and across the road from the northern end of Orewa beach, to walk off the yummy fare.
10 locals recommend
Hollywood Bakery and Espresso
4 Hillary SquareMy personal favourite – Walnut Cottage, with excellent yummy food and surroundings, breakfast and brunch/lunch. Can't recommend this highly enough! Lots of parking, and safe for little kids to play, with outdoor seating when it's warm enough. There's even ducks to feed, and across the road from the northern end of Orewa beach, to walk off the yummy fare.
A consistant family favourite for unbelievable asian fusion fare, with a fascinating menu and reliable and quick service.
23 locals recommend
CHEEK AND CHONG
348 Hibiscus Coast HwyA consistant family favourite for unbelievable asian fusion fare, with a fascinating menu and reliable and quick service.
Spice & Soda Indian Restaurant
15 Karepiro DriveThese guys just get the flavours right!
Charm Thai
2 Milner AveWe love good thai food, and this is one we love!
Walk down the end of our street, and along the estuary walk-way and this is the first cafe you come too. Next to the Orewa Skate ramp for the kids.
Driftwood Cafe
214B Hibiscus Coast HighwayWalk down the end of our street, and along the estuary walk-way and this is the first cafe you come too. Next to the Orewa Skate ramp for the kids.
Sightseeing
Visiting Wenderholm is a must, for a sheltered (usually) lovely white sand beach, with walks. There's always somewhere shady to park and rest up and read, if that's your thing too.
55 locals recommend
Wenderholm Regional Park
37 Schischka RdVisiting Wenderholm is a must, for a sheltered (usually) lovely white sand beach, with walks. There's always somewhere shady to park and rest up and read, if that's your thing too.
Muriwai is always worthy of a picnic; black sand beach that literally goes for miles, golf course, cafes, horse-riding in this location. If you're hiking, there is a waterfall you can get to.
89 locals recommend
Muriwai Beach
458 Motutara RdMuriwai is always worthy of a picnic; black sand beach that literally goes for miles, golf course, cafes, horse-riding in this location. If you're hiking, there is a waterfall you can get to.
Magnificent picnic spot, glorious views and many walking tracks. This is protected and the pukekos are enormous! Perfect family outing - you can even collect cockles on the safe beach, that is very shallow.
126 locals recommend
Shakespear Regional Park
1501 Whangaparaoa RdMagnificent picnic spot, glorious views and many walking tracks. This is protected and the pukekos are enormous! Perfect family outing - you can even collect cockles on the safe beach, that is very shallow.
Catch the Gulf Harbour ferry, and head away for an unforgettable day-trip. Fullers ferry tickets, day trips, e-bikes and more info.
407 locals recommend
Waiheke Island
25 Karaka RdCatch the Gulf Harbour ferry, and head away for an unforgettable day-trip. Fullers ferry tickets, day trips, e-bikes and more info.
Absolute beautiful spot, especially if you're wanting photographs. Next to museum and Auckland hospital, close by to Parnell's famous top-class shopping.
69 locals recommend
Domain Wintergardens
Wintergarden RoadAbsolute beautiful spot, especially if you're wanting photographs. Next to museum and Auckland hospital, close by to Parnell's famous top-class shopping.
Drive or walk up to the incredible structure, and historical site. Breath-taking views, particularly at night.
11 locals recommend
Bastion Point
19 Hapimana StDrive or walk up to the incredible structure, and historical site. Breath-taking views, particularly at night.
Stunning place to walk and meet up with friends or family in the southern Auckland location. Cafe and sometimes events. If you're heading to Hamilton, after staying, also check out the Hamilton Gardens - they are unrivaled!
99 locals recommend
Auckland Botanic Gardens
102 Hill RdStunning place to walk and meet up with friends or family in the southern Auckland location. Cafe and sometimes events. If you're heading to Hamilton, after staying, also check out the Hamilton Gardens - they are unrivaled!
Fun things to do
HOYTS Hibiscus Coast
6 Link CresMovies anyone? Close by, and an easy fun thing to do!
Fun thing to do, cheap and cheerful, and great for a rainy day activity for any age.
17 locals recommend
Tenpin Bowling
14 Link CresFun thing to do, cheap and cheerful, and great for a rainy day activity for any age.
For all ability levels, or just to eat their yummy food at the indoor fireside cafe. Get the muscles ready, before you head off to the real mountain!
99 locals recommend
Snowplanet
91 Small RdFor all ability levels, or just to eat their yummy food at the indoor fireside cafe. Get the muscles ready, before you head off to the real mountain!
Indoor pool/s, suits all ages, plus a gym. Check the time-table for aquarobics, or fitness classes. Absolute go-to and close by.
17 locals recommend
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre
159 Brightside RdIndoor pool/s, suits all ages, plus a gym. Check the time-table for aquarobics, or fitness classes. Absolute go-to and close by.
Matakana Oysters
1217 Leigh RdPerfect gift and fun experience, about 45mins drive.
Matakana Village Farmers' Market
2 Matakana Valley RdMatakana Village market on Saturday mornings.
Arts and Culture
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Wellesley Street EastAuckland War Memorial Museum
Supermarket
Countdown
Whangaparaoa RoadTraveler advice
Ways to save
Museum is free for Aucklanders
Aucklanders with rate payer evidence; iphone emails showing rates account
Ways to save
Deals for zoo, movies, outings
Check grab one deals
and
check gold card local info
Getting around
Bus service can save time. Uber is great here.
Gold card holders - free on some bus and ferry timetables, mostly off peak
Book before you go
The Dog Den local doggie day care Silverdale
Book your doggie in, before you go exploring/shopping