A Day Out in Howick
Distance:
13 kms from Manukau to Howick Village – 20 minutes travelling time depending on traffic
Approximate time: We spent a full day exploring
Date: 24/04/2021
Author: Tina Kaihau
I am a student at MIT studying Tourism and I was invited to take a trip to Howick and write about my experience there.
It was a fun day enjoying the activities and attractions of the eastern suburb of Auckland. A memorable and enjoyable experience in Howick, venturing out to the variety of local attractions and activities that Howick has to offer.
On a sunny morning I decided to drive to Howick Village that I had not been to before, since the weather was perfect for a trip to Howick, an eastern suburb of Auckland. By 10am a friend and I were on the road. While driving through Manukau City, we saw new developments across from MIT, such as the new Tech Park. Arriving in Auckland’s east, we noticed another new structure, the Ormiston Town Centre. The drive from Manukau to Howick was enjoyable. East Auckland is an authentic experience. The village has a sense of character, in comparison to the city aesthetics with tall sky-scraper buildings and large shopping malls.
Our first stop was the Howick Village Market. There is no better start to a weekend with an air full of the most tempting food and my favourite pastry pretzel bread with Nutella stuffing. After an hour of wandering around the Howick Village market, it was time to sit down for a proper breakfast at The Apothecary, a café in Howick Village that had a rustic and antique interior. On the way we stopped at Stockade Hill, the location of a stockade built by British settlers to defend against indigenous Maori during the British colonisation of New Zealand.
I enjoy learning about history, and appreciated being able to experience a living history museum, which is the Howick Historical Village. The Historical Village provides an insight into the Fencibles in the 1850s and the soldier settlers. What I enjoyed the most from this museum was we were able to touch the real-life things they used and walk into the houses, which was unique. It helps you experience how Howick was in the 1850s. Walking around it is an activity you can enjoy with kids, teens and adults.
We then finished our day at Howick’s own Monterey Cinemas. We went home feeling happy and ready to get rested for the next day
website links
The Apothecary. (2020). The Apothecary Licensed eatery. https://theapothecary.co.nz/
Monterey Cinemas. (2020). Monterey Howick. https://www.montereyhowick.co.nz/
Howick Historical Village. (2020). Historical Village. https://www.historicalvillage.org.nz/
Howick Markets. (2020). Howick Village Business Association. https://www.howickvillage.co.nz/howick-markets/
Our Tip:
Visit one or more of the many eateries in Howick. There is a range of different cafes, pubs and restaurants – definitely something for everyone – and in the school holidays enjoy a Freak Shake from Apothecary. Delicious!!!
Things to do nearby:
Enjoy a swim at the beach and check if there is an exhibition on at Uxbridge Art & Culture.
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