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green dress in a garden

Auckland staycation ideas for when you want a holiday without the stress

24 January 2020

green dress in a garden

If a road trip or weekend away seems like too much work, consider staying home – it can be just as fun.

A trip away from home, while delightful, isn’t always feasible due to time, money and commitments. Sometimes staying put and enjoying your own city can be just as rewarding – and less stressful.

A staycation removes the hassle of accommodation, cross-country driving, taking annual leave and packing, leaving a wealth of time and money to instead be spent having fun and prioritising leisure.

Discovering or reacquainting yourself with what’s on your doorstep can also make you more appreciative and grateful for your hometown.

Decided to stay put this Auckland Anniversary weekend? Discover our favourite things to do on a staycation in and around Tāmaki Makaurau.

takapuna to milford view

1/9

Do the Takapuna-Milford beach walk

“Start at Takapuna Beach Café and follow the path around the waterfront towards Milford; you’ll find yourself climbing up rocks, crossing concrete bridges and walking on the sand in some parts. You can’t beat the sea air and the great views. I love to stop at the little beach at Minnehaha for a swim on the return trip and it would be rude not to circle back to the Takapuna Beach Café for lunch or maybe a gelato.” – Kelly McAuliffe, digital editor

community garden

2/9

Enjoy a waterfall, community garden, and a sandwich

“I can’t drive so I’ve got to keep things extremely local. There is a shady and short walk to the Oakley Creek Waterfall from Blockhouse Bay Road and if you keep going you’ll end up at the Mahi Whenua community gardens which are lush AF. Post walk you can reward yourself at Hare and the Turtle (order the baloney sandwich then add an egg).” – Imogen Temm, art director

beach with umbrella

3/9

Hit the beaches near Auckland

“There has to be salt, sand and water involved for me to feel truly relaxed be it staycay or vacay. Luckily for me, we’re spoilt for choice here in Tāmaki Makaurau and the options are endless, but top picks for me include sailing over to little Oneroa on Waiheke Island with friends to order a pizza from Dragonfired, or spending a day horizontal in a bikini on my favourite white sand spot Pakiri beach (pictured). All I need to get by is a good book, umbrella and a chilly-bin.” – Sally-Ann Mullin, fashion department director

can of vb on a picnic

4/9

Enjoy an inner-city afternoon

“We don’t have a car, so we’re limited by public transport and how far our feet can take us. Luckily we live in the central city, so there’s plenty around. One of my favourite things to do on a sunny weekend afternoon is head to Western Park in Freeman’s Bay with some cold beer, cheese and crackers, our Bluetooth speaker and a couple of close friends. It’s a great way to unwind and socialise – and it’s cheap. When I feel like splashing out a little, my partner and I will head to Federal Delicatessen for bottomless coffee, chicken sandwiches and poutine, then walk up (slowly after all that) to our go-to vintage stores around Karangahape Road (Cross Street Market, the Auckland City Mission Shop, and Waves Vintage). Come evening we might go to our favourite new bar Clay for a decanter of natural wine and one of their delicious pizzas, or our old favourites Wine Cellar and Peach Pit.” – Emma Gleason, features director

5/9

Visit Point Chevalier beach

“Although I am the first one in the car to escape the city for an empty beach most weekends… sometimes it is rather lovely to stay a little closer to home.  Luckily, living in Point Chev I don’t have to venture very far at all! My favourite part of an Auckland staycay is finding a little spot at Point Chev beach during high tide for a dip and some sunshine. It’s always bustling with activity but I love seeing the same local beachgoers each weekend, and don’t forget to grab a coffee and pastry from Daily Bread on the way.” – Ruby Hamilton, digital content producer

6/9

Head to Hobsonville

“For me the perfect way to spend a summers’ day in and around the city usually involves a wander outdoors, good coffee and a pastry of some sort! I can have all three if we head to Hobsonville Market (by car or ferry from downtown), then take a walk around Bomb Point. The historic munitions stores for the Air Force are now home to a leisurely coastal walk with lots of cute dogs to pat on the way thanks to the nearby dog park. If we’ve mustered up a further appetite or thirst on returning from the loop walk, a beer at Little Creatures beer hall or the beautiful waterside Fabric bar and bistro is always a great way to while away an afternoon. If I’m keen on a more active day, walks to some of the city’s waterfalls and dams at Hunua, Piha, Huia and Waitakere (on approved tracks, ensuring we respect the closures to protect against Kauri dieback) are regularly on our agenda.” – Megan Bedford, beauty editor

7/9

Day-trip to Tawharanui

“One of my goals this summer is to explore my own backyard more. I’m planning a mini road trip to the pinch-me pretty Tawharanui, via the Matakana Farmers Markets on a Saturday morning to fill-up my picnic hamper.” – Jessica-Belle Greer, features editor

8/9

Stop by the French markets then do some antiquing

“La Cigale in Parnell is one of my favourite places to head to on a sunny Sunday morning. Tahsin’s stall (pictured) has the most incredible Turkish gözleme – highly recommend – and a ridiculous amount of hummus. Up the road in Remuera are, in my opinion, two of the best antique jewellery stores in Auckland – Jems of Remuera and Abbey Antiques. A French market and some antique jewellery for a chill Sunday morning, what could be better?” – Benjamin Alexander, premium stylist

9/9

Pop over to Beach Haven’s secret beach

“We discovered the beautiful Charcoal Bay, near Beach Haven, on the Shore last summer – it’s a 15 minute drive from downtown Auckland. There’s foot access only down a windy little path, but so worth it when you reach the bottom. Quiet, pretty, with beautiful mature pohutukawa. Swing by Sugar at Chelsea Bay for some delicious pastries and an iced coffee en route. Or pack a chilly bag, and pop to Beach Haven in the arvo for fish and chips.” – Tori Ambler, stylist

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