K.One's
Best summer spots
- 13Rere RockslideGisborne CentralAbout half an hour out of Gisborne. A 60m long rock slide into a pool at the bottom. Prepare for some bruises, but trust me the fun is worth the pain the next day.
- 219Copenhagen ConesMount MaunganuiIconic in The Mount. Be prepared to stand in line though as the queue get’s ridiculous in summer, but it’s well worth the wait. THE best soft serve waffle cones.
- 35Major Toms BarMount MaunganuiThe amazing vintage interior here is worth the look alone. Perfect spot for a beer and some people watching. They host up & coming live acts too and the food's great. You can even order Burger Fuel and have it delivered to you while you have a drink lol too cool.
- 42Waihi Beach HotelWaihi BeachFamous for it's live acts in the 'Back Room' this place is a must-stop for every big kiwi band on their summer tours with the likes of Shapeshifter, Six60, Kora, and Katchafire playing here nearly every year. Not just that, there's a restaurant, public bar, bottle store and bungalows making it one of the country's biggest hot-spots during the holiday period.
- 51Tolaga Bay WharfTolaga BayThe longest concrete wharf in the Southern Hemisphere. Not just one of the most popular fishing spots in the area, but a local icon. In summer it’s packed with locals and visitors alike trying their luck and at 660m long, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
K.One's
Things To Do this Weekend 4
- 13White Island ToursWhakataneTake a ferry out to NZ's only active marine volcano and be guided on an in-depth 6 hour tour. Expensive but well worth it.
- 210Visit the set which remains exactly how it was seen in the movie and learn about it's creation. The kids will love this. You can even hire The Green Dragon Inn for private themed functions, for all those fanatics.
- 36You have to try your luck if you’re in Taupo. I’ve never come anywhere close but it’s good fun trying and plenty of laughs if you’re with a group.
- 44Hot Water BeachWhitiangaNamed because of the underground hot springs which filter up through the sand. Dig yourself a hole in the sand and form your own thermal pool to relax in. Make sure you take a spade or you can hire one from the surf shop.
- 51Hawkes Bay Wine and Food Self-TourHastings CentralGrab a food and wine trail map and be your own guide. Over 30 wineries open for wine tasting many with restaurants.
K.One's
Summer threads
- 12Red Rat Clothing Limited HamiltonHamilton CentralI'm a big fan of the adidas originals range and these guys have always have a good range so I pop in whenever I'm around to see what's new.
- 23MaiMaiTaupoSuper trendy, helpful staff and a cool range.
- 31PlayerBayfairProbably my favorite store outside of Auckland. Urban and athletic gears, locally owned and operated. Has online store also.
- 41Vegas Surf, Skate and SnowRotorua CentralThese guys stock up heavily on all the homegrown brands which is cool. Whatever you’re into they’ve got you covered.
- 52Blitz Surf ShopGisborne CentralSurf, skate and streetwear. Perfect place to get all your summer gear.
K.One's
Getting inked
- 11Bloodline Tattoo CoNapier CentralSpecializing in pretty much everything. Script, custom sleeves, large pieces, old school traditional and Japanese style.
- 21Waihi Tattoo StudioWaihiHome of Deane Holland, who's been the resident artist since 1991 and is one of the many generations of Holland's tattooing here in NZ and around the world. Their work can often be found in popular American tattoo magazines, highly recommended.
- 33Famous Dave's Tattoo StudioMorrinsvilleYou have to check out these guy's colour work, it's amazing.
- 43ToiarikiRotorua CentralFor contemporary Ta Moko. Richard Francis is renowned for his custom pieces. Everything is free-hand no drawings before the day.
- 51Spacifik InkNapier CentralIf you’re looking for an Island piece. Owner Dwain travels around the country regularly and posts his travel schedule on his website so you can arrange an appointment when he’s in your area.
K.One's
Where to buy last minute Christmas presents
- 13Zohar Mt MaunganuiMount MaunganuiA landmark store in The Mount for 10 years now. Something for everyone here and most of it is made locally.
- 21The CD & DVD Store HamiltonHamilton CentralSince the internet and the invention of the MP3, CD stores have become a rarity. Even so, you still can’t beat a physical hard copy especially of a classic album.
- 33The Taupo Man CaveTaupoIf you’re buying for Dad or your Husband you can’t go wrong here. This place is a kiwi bloke’s dream.
- 41The Sanctuary NapierNapier CentralI’m from Masterton and The Sanctuary used to be my go-to store for gifts for my Mum and Sister. The Napier store is owned by the same people. They also do piercings so a gift voucher for your teenage daughter could be a cool gift idea.
- 52The AviaryGisborne CentralBest thing about this place is that everything is a one-off or only ordered in small quantities so you’re gift is going to be that extra bit special. Perfect for Mum.
K.One's
Things to do this weekend 3
- 11Cape KidnappersNapier CentralGood spot for a day-trip. Home to the world’s largest gannet colony which you can get within feet of. If you’re a golfer, the local course is ranked in the Top 50 in the world.
- 21Coroglen TavernCoroglenHave lunch and a beer at one of NZ’s most iconic pubs. Best known for the huge live gigs it holds over summer, you can bet most big kiwi bands have played here.
- 33Rere RockslideGisborne CentralAbout half an hour out of Gisborne. A 60m long rock slide into a pool at the bottom. Prepare for some bruises, but trust me the fun is worth the pain the next day.
- 46Huka Prawn ParkWairakeiCool place to take the kids, heaps for them to do including prawn fishing and a fun park. Or if you’re a big fan of prawns like myself, just the restaurant alone is worth the trip. THE best prawn curry.
- 53When the tours are named ‘Black Odyssey’ ‘Black Abyss’ and ‘Black Labryrinth’ you know you’re in for some extreme adventure. This one’s more for the thrillseekers, but there is tours to suit everyone.