How to make the most of this week's weather?

Bill on 09/01/2024 - 16:39

Hello, friends! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the summer now that it has finally come.

I’ve been mostly indoors for the past few weeks this summer, but now that the weather is hot and sunny, I want to get out and explore to make the most of it.

What are some of the best ways to enjoy the fine weather this week? I'm open to pretty much everything and have quite a good amount of time to spend.

Also wondering now that everyone's back at work, are there any golden opportunities for me to take advantage of?

Have a wonderful week and stay safe.

General Discussion

Comments

  • Wakrak on 09/01/2024 - 16:57

    What's your location

    • Bill on 09/01/2024 - 17:21

      Auckland, but I can travel anywhere in the country.

  • Madao on 09/01/2024 - 20:35

    Went to Waiheke on Christmas Eve for wine tasting hopping and a quality lunch at Mudbrick. Spendy for just one day but a great experience, especially given work commitment's otherwise have meant no festive break or festivities.

    Slipper Island may be worth a look if they have space. I spent 6 months there as caretaker 10 or so years ago when it was family owned. Now it’s changed hands not sure how it is, or how much it costs, but amazing place.

    • Bill on 10/01/2024 - 14:55

      Not that keen on a wine tasting right now, I'll save it for later. Slipper Island doesn't seem to be taking bookings, but a visit to the Coromandel might be nice, especially if the crowds are gone.

  • sunshinenz on 09/01/2024 - 22:09

    From Auckland the cheapest place you can fly to is Christchurch. Christchurch is an awesome city to visit and to be based in for day trips. Cheap to fly to Wellington too but not much to see/do in Wellington. Queenstown can be quite expensive at this time of the year.

    • lbaty on 10/01/2024 - 08:33

      Can you elaborate on recommendations for what to do in Christchurch? Thanks!

      • Sadie on 10/01/2024 - 09:15
        +2

        Christchurch Adventure Park
        Antarctic Centre
        Orana Park/Willowbank Wildlife
        Vineyards in Waipara
        Hot water pools at New Brighton Beach
        Anthony Harper Summer Theatre (free outdoor theatre)
        Outdoor movies at the Arts Centre
        Summer Sundays (live music) at the Botanic Gardens
        Punting/Kayaking on the Avon River
        Rutherford’s Den
        Airforce Museum
        Dining at Riverside or Little High
        Day trips to Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura
        Mt Hutt ski field in winter

        • lbaty on 10/01/2024 - 13:05

          That's a great list of ideas. Thanks!

  • gcnz on 10/01/2024 - 08:09

    Bike rides are a great activity. All the "Great Rides" I've done have been great. The closed one to Auckland I've done is the Timber Trail, it was so good, loved the huge bridges. We've done a tiny bit of the Hauraki Rail Trail, I've heard it's pretty good. The Bridge to Nowhere part of the Mountains to Sea trail and the Remutaka Rail Trail were awesome day rides. My favourite place to ride is Otago, the Otago Central Rail Trail is awesome, we did 50km a day. The Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold can be combined into a really awesome multi day ride. If you're not into biking, doing walks to waterfalls is a nice option.

    • Bill on 10/01/2024 - 14:46

      I've always planned to do all the great rides and the great walks, just haven't gotten the right opportunity yet. I will probably do them in the next few years when I have more time. I just go to Woodhill sometimes for now. The Hauraki Rail Trail seems to be closer to Auckland than the Timber Trail, but in this heat, I'm not sure I want to be cooking on a bicycle. Visiting a waterfall sounds good, though. Could you recommend some for a day trip or a multi day from Auckland?

      • gcnz on 11/01/2024 - 10:13

        I've only been to Karekare Falls in the Auckland area, they are great, close to Piha, only a short walk though. Looks like there are some nice other ones around: https://www.aucklandforkids.co.nz/day-out/auckland-waterfall…. On a trip north we did some others, all easy cos we had a baby with us, Piroa Falls, Whangarei Falls, Rainbow Falls (Kerikeri), Waiotemarama Falls.

      • flembots on 12/01/2024 - 16:28

        The Timber Trail is mostly bush but the Hauraki is largely through farmland and brutal in the heat. The gorge is the best part and honestly the rest is quite boring.

  • La102 on 11/01/2024 - 09:38

    Pouakai Circuit - Mt. Taranaki is a tough but super epic journey. Check it out on Google - apparently they've laid more timber boardwalk down so it should be much easier compared to when I did it last. There's a shorter journey if you just want to see the tarn as well. Pretty breathtaking scenery tbh. I got photos on strava as well https://www.strava.com/activities/8291056324

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