Five Scooter Friendly Destinations in Central Auckland

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As well as being flexible to park, nifty in backlogged traffic, environmentally friendly and cheap on the gas, scooters are fun to ride and great for accessing places that cars would never approach in their wildest dreams.

We were lucky enough to be given a Peugeot Speedfight Sport Scooter to ring out for a couple of days. Stacked with a 2 stroke single cylinder 49cc engine, we took it for a hoon around the inner city to discover some of the most scooter-friendly dining districts in the central CBD.

Newmarket

It’s no secret that parking in Newmarket is difficult on any given day of the week, unless you’re a master at shoving a sausage though the eye of a needle or have ample loose change available for parking buildings. Pulling up to Best Ugly on York Street was a dream, the shared alley way is the perfect spot to position a hog. There was already one bike there when I turned up, so it felt completely acceptable to blame the other person if I was in the wrong. Furthermore, it’s only a couple of steps to get a delicious bagel from Best Ugly or a brew from York Street Mechanics - who are proud pocket rocket enthusiasts.

Britomart Precinct

A prime spot for ticket wardens and an even harder spot to nab a park. After discovering from an hi-vis emblazoned security guard that the middle of the courtyard between Ortolana and Milse was out of bounds for motor vehicles, I decided to have a go at the pavement. Again, there was already a couple of fellow hog-riders parked up on the sidewalk, so I followed suit. There’s also a motorcycle parking spot with easy access to The Store, Tyler Street Garage, BCC, 1885 - without the price tag. TSG also have hooks on the ends of some tables for helmets (probably for handbags).

Silo Park/Wynyard Quarter

I’ve never noticed so many motorcycle parks in one place, and in such close proximity to such a great stretch of bars and restaurants. At stones throw, there's 16Tun, Miss Clawdy, Baduzzi, Jack Tar and The Conservatory. Over the weekend it's the perfect spot to nip down for a quick bite to eat without the added hassle of finding a park. Just be sure to remember which space you parked in.

Skycity/City Works Depot

There are a few options around here. The City Works Depot has another great range of eateries and aggressive parking wardens. The newly established Odetta welcomes two-wheeled vehicles with open arms - it was home of the motorcycle themed cafe Deus Ex Machina after all. Up the road there’s ample footpath space to park up in front of Fed Deli, Depot and Masu. With security tight around the Skytower, it’s probably best to go down by City Life Church and park up in the large allocated motorcycle space - unless you get a table out the front to keep an eye on your dream machine.

Ponsonby Central

You could always park out the back by the garbage bins, but this feisty machine needs to be seen and requires an optimum position. I was tempted to ride through The Lane, but the footpath directly outside Ponsonby Central proved to be the perfect spot. This is one place you actually look pretty cool walking in with a helmet.