Although this lovely cottage is only open twice a month, 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, from…read more11.00 am to 3.00 pm. It is worth seeing how the early settlers had to survive. Makes you think how much we take for granted these days!!

Be the seriously greatest person ever with a photo at this true NZ Landmark!!!…read morehttps://www.vroomvroomvroom.com/big-things-to-see/l-and-p-bottle-paeroa/ --Paeroa is located about halfway between New Zealand's largest city Auckland (90 minutes northwest driving) and another urban centre, Tauranga (75 minutes southeast). Paeroa has a population of about 4 thousand - but its WORLDWIDE FAME is thanks to being the birthplace of Lemon and Paeroa, or L and P for short. The popular New Zealand soda was traditionally made by mixing carbonated mineral water from Paeroa's natural springs with lemon juice. --These days it's bottled by Coca-Cola. Over the years, L and P's comical ad slogan "World famous in New Zealand" has become a popular New Zealand saying.

Waiheke Island is a stunning and short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand. This serene oasis of…read morethe bluest water has beautiful, world-class wineries, and unique activities, making for a perfect day trip with friends. Once you land on Waiheke, look behind you for wonderful views of the skyline of Auckland. Ready, set, sip wine!

We spent a day on Waiheke Island, one of the highlights of our trip. The island has over 9,400…read moreresidents and is a popular tourist destination. Just 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, it made for an easy day trip. Our plan was to visit various wineries and have a nice dinner in the evening. We did wine tastings at Wild Estate, Stonyridge Vineyard, and Cable Bay Vineyard; lunch at Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery; and dinner at Mudbrick. Unfortunately we missed the bus we needed to take us form the ferry terminal to the first winery, and the next one wasn't departing for another half an hour or so. However, the bus driver of another bus route suggested we hop on his bus, which, while it would not take us to our destination, he could drop us off in an area with some shops where we could look around while we wait for our bus. It was a good suggestion, because waiting half an hour in a cute village is much more enjoyable than waiting half an hour at a ferry terminal with nothing to do. Also, while in the village, we had just enough time to stop into a store where my husband found a great rain jacket. So perhaps it was a good thing that we missed the bus! The first winery we went to was Wild On Waiheke, and we walked between Wild, Heke Kitchen, and Stonyridge Vineyard. We took a cab from Stonyridge to Cable Bay, which was in another area of the island, and from Mudbrick back to the ferry. Despite all the rain we experienced on our trip, we got pretty lucky with the weather while we were on Waiheke Island. If you go to Auckland, I highly recommend a day trip to Waiheke Island, especially if you like wine! [Yelp collections: NZ/Fiji 2023; New Zealand 2023; Wine Time!]

A really beautiful historic building that you can visit and explore, and is also a venue for…read moreweddings. I was involved in a wedding here and at the dress rehearsal we had the opportunity to take in the building, and it's really like walking into another era with the old-fashioned wallpaper and pictures on the wall, and seeing into the past as you head upstairs and have a look around. It's a beautiful space for a wedding; the ceremony was on the steps out the front of the house and the hall inside was a nice intimate space for speeches and socialising. The man who we liaised with regarding the function was really great - friendly and flexible. If you are thinking about having a wedding here just keep in mind - no stilettos inside! (Which, if you're me, is a great excuse to take off your bridesmaid shoes that you can't walk properly in anyway.)

Alberton was definitely in the running when I was choosing a wedding venue as it is just so…read morebeautiful. It's one of those places that is constantly used for fashion, film and even music video shoots because its historic character is so well preserved. It is grand, old and beautiful but there are some rules and regulations that apply to keeping it that way so keep that in mind if you are thinking of using it for an event. The great thing is that it's open to the public so all you have to do is wander on in and explore all its nooks and crannies at your leisure. You will have to pay for the pleasure but that's as it should be in order to keep preserve places like this for future generations. The grounds are stunning as well and a visit here can take you back in time for some romantic day-dreaming. Great for kids too - history is so much more interesting when it's tangible.

I have been to Nathan Homestead for a few events, my friends wedding, a graduation party, the…read moreMalawian independence day celebrations and a 21st. It is one of those places that can be set up for your venue. The graduation party was in the small room, that had a kitchen. We were able to serve food plus have a great time. The 21st was in the grand hall and my friend made her grand entrance down the stairs in the venue. For the wedding it was outside in the beautiful garden. I have always enjoyed myself at the events at Nathan Homestead and I recommend it to people who are looking for a place to host their next event.

Who says that libraries have to be big starchy places that make you feel uncomfortable, this little…read moregem is quite the opposite! It's quaint but still holds a lot of books and I have never really had an issue finding a book. If they have ever not had anything that I have specifically wanted I just order it in on my library card...easy! The people who work here are what make this library special, they are so passionate about books and about helping you learn through these books. The building itself is beautiful, really old and historic with a grand looking entrance up some steps. There is quite good parking on Remuera Rd, but I always find the most success on Saint Vincent's Ave which is the side road that the library runs alongside.

Great library in an awesome historic building. Really looks grand. The staff are great, and they…read morehave a really good children's section. It's a popular and busy after-school location, so if you're imagining coming here for a quiet read or to get some work done then I suggest you think wisely before heading here after 3pm. One downside is trying to park nearby. There is meter parking on Remuera Road in front of the library, or free street parking round the corner on Cotter Ave. Sometimes you might have to park further down the hill (meaning a bit of a walk up the hill) but I have always been able to get a park down there. Secret tip, don't tell anyone.

During my photography course at uni, I really needed to discover natural locations that looked like…read moreuntamed wildernesses. I got on google and searched around, discovering Otuataua Stonefields. When I got there it was amazing! It had farm type fields, small beaches, forest and track walks. It took the best part of a day to walk around and I didn't see a single person the whole time. It has excellent parking, no security but I guess you just park there at your own risk. Also if you visit, take some food and water because there definitely is nothing around haha, also wear good walking shoes. Another thing, there are NO toilets there, just saying, things could get a little awkward. I still think regularly think about my day at the stonefields and can't wait to return!

A really neat place to wander around if you a) like wandering around, and b) are interested in the…read morehistory of the area. If neither of those things appeal then this isn't the place for you. I walked through the Stonefields on my journey on the Te Araroa trail so I didn't linger too long as I had a full pack in tow, but I enjoyed the quiet emptiness of the place. Didn't see anyone else (which helped when I had to answer to nature's call; what can I say, I was super hydrated) which makes you feel like you're having a more remote experience which is nice. It's a cool place to explore, as long as you don't get too unnerved by sharing the area with cows.