Luna L.'s
School holiday ideas
- 12Adventure CapitalAuckland CentralOne of my favourite things to do in central Auckland is to jump on a bike and cycle along the Mission Bay waterfront. The views are stunning, there's a designated cycle lane (no need to worry about contending with cars on the road!), and in no time at all you arrive at a number of great beaches. All while getting exercise! Adventure Capital is great because their rental prices are much lower than others, they're so conveniently located and you always get friendly service.
- 25The Mind LabNewmarketThese school holidays, switch off the TV and computer games and take the kids to The Mind Lab for fun, interactive programmes in topics like Movie Creation, Animation and Artistic Invention. Kids as young as 7 years old can participate in learning, experiencing and creating with the latest technology available. If only regular school was this fun!
- 3293Auckland ZooWestern SpringsIt's all about Tasmanian devils and Australia these holidays at the Auckland Zoo. Take the kids to say g'day to the recent Tasmanian devil arrivals and explore their new home. There are daily encounters, lots of games, puzzles and activities, and kids even get a free mask with an activity book to become an official Auckland Zoo TasManiac!
- 431Auckland Central LibraryAuckland CentralIt's never too early (or too late) to get your kids stuck into reading! The theme for these school holidays is 'Horrible Histories and Heroes', and all the branches of the Auckland Libraries will be hosting tons of great activities, for free! Go online to find out more about what's on at which locations. Make sure to swing by the Central City branch to check out their fantastic new fit-out of the children's area too.
- 520Mt Albert Aquatic CentreMt AlbertThere's something for everyone at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre. Kids will love the Caribbean-themed wave pool, where waves are generated at set intervals, and the hydro slide too. Adults can choose to relax in the hot spa or sauna rooms, or teach the little ones to swim in the wading pool. There's also a 25m lane pool where swimming lessons can be had.
Luna L.'s
Easter Weekend
- 112House of ChocolateBeach HavenTreat yourself to the good stuff this Easter with handcrafted gourmet treats from House of Chocolate. Their unique hand-poured Easter Bunny comes in three varieties - milk, dark and white chocolate - and are crafted from a vintage 1940s mould!
- 224Olaf's Artisan Bakery & CafeMt EdenThis Easter, stop by Olaf's in Mt Eden for arguably the best hot cross buns in town. They'll be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but make sure to get your orders in well in advance to avoid missing out.
- 359Auckland DomainGraftonHead to Auckland Domain this Friday 18th for Egg Day Out, a free community-wide event for Easter. From 11 to 2, over a thousand Cadbury Easter eggs will be dropped by helicopter to be found, there'll be an egg-and-spoon race and lots of food stalls and activities. What's more, all the proceeds from the day will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- 42Bestow GiftsBotany DownsSpoil your family or loved ones with an Easter-themed hamper from Bestow Gifts. Flowers, cupcakes, and of course chocolates can all be purchased in-store or through their online shop.
- 51Acacia Restaurant & Garden BarEllerslieTake the family to Acacia Restaurant & Garden Bar for their special Easter Sunday brunch and buffet. Featuring a customised omelette station, a rosemary and garlic leg of lamb carving station, fresh pastries, and hidden chocolate Easter eggs in the garden for the kids to hunt, it's a great spot for a family get-together.
Luna L.'s
Best of British
- 14Princes Gate HotelRotorua CentralThe Signature High Tea at the Princes Gate Hotel is an elegant and memorable experience. Set in the lovingly-restored heritage hotel, the High Tea includes an array of petite sandwiches, little cakes and scones. Spring for the Champagne High Tea to enjoy a glass of bubbles.
- 29The Crown & BadgerTaurangaThe Crown & Badger is a classic English pub serving up great British-influenced fare. Start the day off right with their take on the English fry-up, the Badger's Big Breakfast, or try their famous Coronation Cheese Burger.
- 314Chantilly Cream Vintage Tea ShopTaurangaWhat could be more British than a cup of tea? Step back in time at Chantilly Cream Vintage Tea Shop, where you can select from a range of Harney & Sons teas to have with their delicious home-baked treats and goodies.
- 45Choice Of ChadwickGreertonChoice of Chadwick is a real treasure trove of a shop, where you can find a range of antiques, collectables and curios. Check out their fine china collection to complete your tea set.
Luna L.'s
Best of British
- 11Brantome VillaWhangarei CentralThe Devonshire Cream Tea Experience at Brantome Villa is a relaxing girly time out. Set in a lush garden with the lake nearby, breathe in the fresh air while enjoying tea and warm scones - with jam and cream of course.
- 24Dickens InnVinetownA classic English pub in the heart of Whangarei, the Dickens Inn takes on a theme around writer Charles Dickens, with reproductions of his original files displayed around the place in a Tudor-style building. Start the day off right with the Dickens' Breakfast, their take on the English fry-up.
- 32Kerikeri Organic TeaKerikeriIf you consider yourself to be a tea connoisseur, order a selection from Kerikeri Organic Tea and have yourself a High Tea at the comfort of your own home. Certified organic and fair-trade, their hand-blended selections range from the fruity to the most premium of Indian darjeeling and Earl Grey.
- 42Cafler ParkWhangarei CentralTake a turn around Cafler Park and breathe in the perfume of the rose gardens. The park also contains Botanica Whangarei, a unique conservatory and fernery which has year-round displays of colourful subtropical flowers and houses containing cool, green ferns and filmy ferns.
Luna L.'s
High Tea in Auckland
- 16The Tea LadyBirkenheadFor a grand old time with the girls, head to The Tea Lady in Birkenhead. The beautiful vintage-inspired store is filled with all sorts of retro collectables, home-baked goodies and a huge range of teas to choose from. Dress up and make an afternoon of it!
- 263Orbit Revolving Restaurant - Sky CityAuckland CentralFor high tea with a view, head straight to the top. The top of the Sky Tower, that is. From here you can see all of Auckland spread out below, and the revolving dining room means that you get to soak in the panoramic views while nibbling on treats both savoury and sweet. The price also includes admission to the Main Observation level.
- 34Peace & Plenty InnDevonportThe High Tea service at Peace and Plenty Inn provides a fabulous Victorian experience. Choose from a wide array of amazing hats before indulging in a tasty selection of nibbles and tea. Pinkies up!
- 47Auckland's Waitakere EstateHenderson ValleyTake in a High Tea experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At Waitakere Estate, you can drink in the stunning views overlooking native rainforest, Waitamata Harbour and Rangitoto island while indulging in such delights as rosewater and vanilla scones, pumpkin & goats cheese brioche sliders and strawberry opera slices.
- 536Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality GroupAuckland CentralThe Tiffin Afternoon Tea service at the Langham Hotel is easily the poshest High Tea spot in town, and during the month of April, they're holding a special Taste of Britain High Tea service to commemorate the Royal Visit. British-inspired temptations include roast beef with horseradish cream on Yorkshire pudding, Earl Grey-cured salmon, and scones with clotted cream!
Luna L.'s
Best of British
- 14Zealong Tea EstatePuketahaFor High Tea as an immersive experience, head to Zealong's Gordonton Estate. At New Zealand's only tea plantation, you'll be rewarded with stunning views, the Discover Tea Experience tour that takes you behind the scenes of Zealong and the creation and traditions of tea, and enjoy High Tea with the estate's finest brews.
- 21Corogate CafeWaitakaruruQuirky, kooky, quaint but absolutely brilliant. For anyone who loves following the Royals or is an expat, then calling in to Corogate Cafe is a must. The owner dresses in traditional English outfits and the walls are plastered with British memorabilia. Sit down for some home baking and a spot of tea while being stared at by the Royal Mannequin family. And before you leave make sure you pop out the back to the "Throne Room" even if you don't need to go.
- 34The LondonerHamilton CentralTransport yourself to Britain without leaving the country by stepping into The Londoner. Located in a historic building in central Hamilton, it's a great place to pull up a pint of Old Speckled Hen and sample something from the classic English gastropub menu. Try the Scotch Egg, made with free-range eggs produced by the owner's own chooks!
- 43Urge Coffee & TeaHamilton CentralWhat could be more British than a hot cuppa tea? Urge Coffee & Tea Boutique is a cute little beverage shop with a great array of loose-leaf teas to choose from. Settle in for a sip, or buy some to take home. There's also a great selection of Dunoon fine bone china mugs available, made using traditional methods from Staffordshire.