Spring has sprung, and this playground has bloomed
The existing playground at Cranston Street Reserve was looking somewhat the worse for wear, so it’s fitting that it has been refreshed in time for spring. The new equipment is great for sliding, climbing, and hanging, while a surrounding balance trail provides a challenge for the little ones. Check it out at 32 Cranston Street, Torbay.
Green fingers at the ready!
The Auckland Plant Market is back at Goodside, Smales Farm, with all the botanical goodies on show: indoor plants, outdoor plants, pots and macrame, stands, art, and more. Whether you’re new to gardening or already a plant connoisseur, you’ll find dozens of things to suit your needs (or wants!). 19 October, 9am – 3pm. Find out more at smalesfarm.co.nz/event/auckland-plant-market/
Swoon for the Filipino food and all the baked goodies
Here’s a hidden gem at the bottom of Woodside Ave. Moreno Café blends Filipino culture with Kiwi favourites – it’s a great place for a coffee and a scroll or a full-blown breakfast, brunch or lunch. Get in early or book ahead because it has built a big fan following. The coffee is top-notch, and it’s such a beautifully designed space, too. 29D Woodside Ave, Northcote. Open 7 days till 3pm. Morenocafe.co.nz
Sail away in Devonport
Pic Coastal Classic yacht race starts from Devonport Wharf on Friday, 24 October, with boats arriving at the start line between 8am and 9am. It finishes at Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands. The fastest boats will do the race in six hours (wind permitting), with others taking more than 24 hours. You can get a good view of the start from Maungauika North Head if you get there early. Alternatively, follow the results on the website coastalclassic.co.nz or the Facebook page.
The best fun to be had on Tuesdays
Starting 21 October, Harcourts Cooper and Co Beach Series is back on Tuesday evenings at Takapuna Beach, starting at 6.15pm. You can register to join in for ocean swims, standup paddleboard (SUP) races, and the Sandbox fitness challenge, or just pack a picnic dinner and watch. There are also kids' events, and – because Harcourts Cooper & Co is on a mission to inspire the next generation to embrace an active lifestyle – the kids' event on 21 October is free for 12-year-olds and under. The series runs until March, so there are plenty of opportunities to join in Beachseries.co.nz.
Are your little monsters ready for Halloween?
Noughty Wasters is holding a Halloween Helmets session on Sunday, 19 or 26 October, 1 - 4 pm, for 7-12-year-olds, where you can upcycle your bike helmet to a monster theme. $20pp. Noughty Wasters is a zero-waste makerspace at Resource Recovery Devonport, 27 Lake Road. Tickets here events.humantix.com/Halloween-helmets
Got a burger-sized hole in your life?
Great reviews are piling up for the burgers at Good Town Burger Shop, 89 Kitchener Road, Milford. They do a great smash patty cheeseburger, the BBQ Howdy is delicious, and the Korean fried chicken burger is properly juicy. You can also get a veggie burger or go gluten-free with a GF bun or a lettuce wrap. Open Tuesday to Saturday, goodtownburgershop.co.nz
Have a cuppa at CMA Friendship Centres
CMA (Companionship and Activities for Seniors) is an organisation focused on keeping seniors connected in their communities through friendship and fun. Groups meet once a week in different centres across the North Shore (Mairangi Bay, Sunnynook, Birkdale, Albany, Belmont, Glenfield, and Stanmore Bay) for a cuppa, a natter, and activities run by a lovely group of volunteers. Find out more at cmans.org.nz
