Annabel M.'s
Avondale for Kids
- 12Avondale Kids Bike ParkAvondaleKids who love bikes, love this neat little Bike Park in Avondale. Parents love that there’s a playground nearby for when they get sick of cycling, and it's close to good coffee at Salvation Kitchen and a handy public toilet. If your kid is really into wheels and transportation, you can even take the train there, though it's a wee hike from the station.
- 21Waterview ReserveWaterviewThis awesome new kids playground was opened in 2015, built to order from the requests of the students at nearby Waterview Primary. There’s a splash pad, some risk-taking areas, slides, swings and plenty of newbie fruit trees for fresh fruit snacks in future years. It’s great to have a park that offers water play - the little kids love it, and it’s great for big kids too (plus a BMX area and skate park are opening in 2016 apparently!).
- 36Snacks & ScoopsAvondaleThe obvious place to start on the menu of milkshakes is with the winner of the New Zealand's Best Milkshake Award - the Strawberry. But it's also worth trying their entry in this year's competition - the Chocolate, made with a Whittaker's Sante bar. Even better, go for one of the incredible fruit and nut options. The Date & Almond and the Date & Walnuts can be made without icecream, for a sugar-free shake. Or try the Cashew & Figs. So much yum!
- 41Avondale ShoesAvondaleI love the hand-written sign-writing on Avondale Shoes. To me it encapsulates all that is quirky and character-filled about this cool Auckland suburb. It's a great place for kids shoes, and when mine start school I'll be bringing them here for regulation footwear that is rock solid wihtout breaking the budget.
- 53Oakley Creek FallsMount AlbertA waterfall in the city? Yes it’s true. Only a five minute walk down a pretty track just off Great North Road (yes really!), this waterfall is a beauty - especially after rain. This is a really secret swimming spot in Auckland central, if you’re brave enough to ignore the ‘Danger’ sign (I’m not). But you can watch the local kids doing huge bombs and back flips, and last time I took the kids here there was a family washing their dog under the waterfall. Not exactly eco-friendly but a funny thing for the kids to see.
Annabel M.'s
Avondale's Secret Spots
- 11Dollar SaverAvondaleOne of those truly great Auckland suburb stores, where you can pick up some truly useful things on the cheap (picnic mats, reflective vests and jackets for cyclists, sarongs, luggage, undies, kids toys) and there’s enough truly weird stuff to make it interesting. This is a great stop for a dress up party - the hats and dresses are primo.
- 27Flourishing CafeAvondaleI discovered Flourishing through the cheapeats.co.nz website. They know their Auckland cheap eats, and when Flourishing Cafe reviewed well I knew it was worth a visit. It's amazing value and great quality - a little known fact is that it's the sister restaurant to the incredibly popular Canton Cafe in Kingsland. Like its big sis, Flourishing is BYO and there's no corkage charged, making it an ideal place for a super cheap (under $20/head), super rowdy dinner with mates.
- 33Oakley Creek FallsMount AlbertA waterfall in the city? Yes it’s true. Only a five minute walk down a pretty track just off Great North Road (yes really!), this waterfall is a beauty - especially after rain. This is a really secret swimming spot in Auckland central, if you’re brave enough to ignore the ‘Danger’ sign (I’m not). But you can watch the local kids doing huge bombs and back flips, and last time I took the kids here there was a family washing their dog under the waterfall. Not exactly eco-friendly but a funny thing for the kids to see.
- 415Spice World - AvondaleAvondaleWalk into Spice World and you’ll be sniffing in no time - the smell of exotic freshly ground spices surrounds you, but in a lovely fresh way that isn’t overpowering. This unassuming store is a foodie’s dream, especially if you dream of creating authentic Indian-influenced dishes. Instant Indian packet meals are also available here, so you can fake it till you make it. It’s also a budget friendly place with bulk bins selling store cupboard essentials at good prices. Pick up some $1 packs of incense while you are here!
- 52Avondale FisheriesAvondaleLooking to buy fresh fish out West? This place is the best! An old-school fishmonger, with really fresh fish at a good price, with good advice thrown in for good measure.