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Overview
Rounding out Auckland Anniversary Weekend on Monday, February 1 is St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, a celebration of acts coming in hot on the indie radar. We are excited, and no doubt thousands of people hitting our city will be too.
But what would we tell our visiting festie mad compadres to do this coming long weekend? With Laneway being a festival that always does things differently, we thought we would adopt the same principle and put together our own little itinerary that isn't necessarily on everyone's radar. As you should know, in Auckland the show never stops and neither should you, so pack your bags and get out there and make the most of this beautiful place.
Karekare Falls
Saturday morning
Start your weekend right with a visit to mother nature's doorstep. And the good thing about Auckland is that paradise is only a short burn through the suburbs. More than just a vertical discharge of water, Karekare Falls has earned its cinematic stripes with a cameo in The Piano, and was the inspiration behind an entire Crowded House album. The enclosed horsetail waterfall has all the necessary functionality for a brilliant day out - picnic table, short walk from the road - combined with the perfect amount of romance thanks to its seclusion and the ability of being able to swim underneath the beauty. It’ll also easily produce double digit love on your favourite social media outlet.
Eat and Drink in the Britomart Precinct
Saturday afternoon
Once you've earned your exercise points out west, head into the heart of the CBD, where you’ll be spoilt for choice in the food and drink department. There's something for every palate and every wallet size. High points include lively Vietnamese eatery Cafe Hanoi, neighbouring dumpling bar Xuxu, “garden to fork” restaurant Ortolana, Japanese dining experience Ebisu, upscale brasserie and bar Ostro, and US-style burger joint Better Burger. Dessert mecca Milse is the ideal way to round off any meal with their tempting array of handmade sweets. A short stroll to Fort Street/Lane and Wynyard Quarter will open up a whole new bag of great dining options, and of course, if you stick around, the nightlife of Auckland is second to none.
La Cigale French Farmer's Market
Sunday morning
A night out in Auckland requires a sleep in. But once you wake, you'll need some taste. And if warm pastries, freshly brewed coffee and fine cheeses excites your senses, then the La Cigale French Farmers Market is worth adding to your checklist. Held in Parnell on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, the French-style market is the perfect spot to unwind after a night on the town. When you arrive, head inside, grab a cup of java and an almond croissant, pull up a chair at the communal tables and soak in the atmosphere. The abundance of fresh local produce will also provide for an inspired meal.
Ponsonby Road
Sunday evening
If you haven't already booked your trip to Waiheke Island to catch Fat Freddy's Drop, our suggestion would be to head into the heart of Ponsonby Road. Sundays have had a resurgence in Auckland of late, and Ponsonby Road has always been leading the charge for that sundowner session on the sabbath. The Chapel attracts the hordes of singles looking for that last chance of romance, expect to see most of the Laneway crowd sipping on a pint of Hallertau in Golden Dawn, or slip into Little Easy for a cheeky tenner and have a laugh with their popular comedy night.
Cruise to The Riverhead Tavern
Monday morning
The big day has arrived. Now where to start? Our pick is The Riverhead Tavern. The Riverhead is thought to be New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern and holds the country’s second oldest liquor licence. More than your average tavern, the establishment caters to all scenarios with a slick restaurant, friendly neighbourhood bar, and a grassy knoll to sit back and soak up the sun. Situated on the shoulder of the upper Waitemata, you can get there by taking a ferry from the Auckland Harbour or make the voyage in your own vessel. Just be wary of the tides. For Monday, February 1, high tide is at 2pm, so you should be set for a midday departure. The ferry will drop you back within arms reach of Laneway so you can make a grand entrance and get into full festival mode. For bookings, head to the Riverhead Ferry website.
For more ways to make the most of the long weekend in Auckland and plan your trip, visit aucklandnz.com.