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AUCKLAND CITY LIMITS
This festival has gracefully slammed into the abyss left by the Big Day Out. With a range of music genres – from rock and indie to blues and jazz, it pulls in a big crowd. The grassy Western Springs Park was a smart decision, giving it a relaxed vibe with a chance to get close to the wildness in the mosh pit or hang back on the hilly areas and take in a bigger view. Here’s some suggestions for a road trip from the Bay of Islands.
1 Farmers’ Market, Paihia
Stock up on treats. Munch on some French crepes or go for a Cheese-krainer as you gather cheeses, fruit, fudge and limoncello for the road.
60 Marsden Rd, Paihia, open 1pm-4.30pm Thursday.
2 Burger Bank, Whangarei
Further down the line, the best in town, these burgers are stacked with deliciousness like pulled pork, plus they have two good vege options. They also make some mean onion rings.
58 Bank St, open from 11am.
3 Te Matau A Pohe, Whangarei
While you’re enjoying that burger, drive across Te Matau A Pohe, a spectacular, architect-designed bascule bridge that lifts for boats cruising up the Hatea River.
4 Whangarei Falls
Go on. They are spectacular at 26m and free to gawp at. If you’re hot you can jump into the pool at the base of the mighty curtain of water.
6 Ngunguru Rd, Tikipunga.
5 Waipu Caves
Step back into the Jurassic era and freak yourself out (kidding). These caves are large but they’re not commercial or guided so are absolutely free. Bones of bats, birds, and reptiles lurk with some fantastic stalactites. The third chamber has glow-worms but you’ll need to put on your togs, as you’ll get wet wading in. Entry is at your own risk. Take a torch.
The Waipu Caves track is located off SH 1, on Waipu Caves Rd, south of Whangarei near Waipu.
6 McLeods Pizza Barn, Waipu
If you’re hungry or thirsty, stop at McLeods and grab a local brew. The pizzas are lip-smackingly different (try the Gumdigger). Award-winning beers range from pale ale, IPA, to the “wee heavy”, Scotch Ale.
2 Cove Rd, Waipu.
7 Sculptureum, Matakana.
A magical place that will have your imagination well lit for ACL. There are hundreds of pieces from local and international artists including an original Picasso and a huge rhino from Normandy made of old sacks. The giant pink snails make the perfect backdrop for a unique selfie.
40 Omaha Flats Rd, Matakana.
8 Puhoi Valley cheese or icecream.
With their artisan range of cheese, yoghurts and gourmet icecreamery it’s a feast in a store in a cafe in a valley. Closes at 4pm.
275 Ahuroa Rd, Puhoi.
On your way home, head to Waiwera Hot Pools or if the water’s okay, cool down at Warkworth’s Old Cement Works lake.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
