zaras dad

Hey all,

My mum n dad are coming over at the end of next month for 11 weeks. Its their 3rd visit here, they are in their mid to late 60s, are of Irish heritage and dont have money to burn.

I'm going to be off for some of the time they are here but obviously not all the time so that is why I'm posting

I've learnt from the previous visits and busy parents = happier parents. They do want to chill out and soak up the sun but I'm putting it to you all to come up with suggestions for things to do during this summer that wont break the bank in and around the auckland area.

I'm sure there are plenty of activities that I havent considered or heard of (realistic ones of course, hang gliding, adventure sports I can rule out) that could be a "goer"

They like old country and western music, and socialising too

Its a shame that they couldnt get a gold card as they couldve taken advantage of the free travel etc after 09.30.


Over to you folks. All appreciated of course.

cappuccino

Day trip to Waiheke Island with the bus tour add on. Look at the Fullers site for options.

Justcol

Go to Auckland art gallery to see the Goldie's (its also just a nice place to visit anyway)
http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/
Auckland Museum
http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/
lunch at the top of sky tower
http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/Restaurants/Orbit.html
ferry trip to Devonport and walk up North head to see the view of the city and old city defences
http://www.devonport.co.nz/
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/...toric-reserve/
Return ferry trip from the city to the Riverhead pub for lunch
http://www.riverheadferry.co.nz/
http://www.theredboats.co.nz/the-riv...s.html#anchor2
Kelly Tarltons
Auckland Zoo (a really excellent zoo)
Trip to Rangitoto
http://www.fullers.co.nz/destination...oto-island.php
Visit Motat
http://www.motat.org.nz/

Moomoo

All the above (you can spend hours in the museum) plus:

Picnic at Western Springs (next to MOTAT/zoo).

Viaduct/Wynyard Quarter - stroll around

Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill.

Mission Bay - fish and chips/ice cream.

Waterfront walk - Tamaki Drive.

pricklykina

My parents (aged 78 and 64 ) liked

Gannets at Muriwai

Twilight trip on the Rainforest Express in the Waitakeres

Going to the RSA

Hunua Falls

Arataki visitor centre in the Waitakeres

Botanic Gardens in Manurewa

Awhitu peninsula with Manukau Heads lighthouse

The Zoo

Bellringing at St Matthews in the city

Galbraiths pub

Pah Homestead - James Wallace art collections

zaras dad

thanks for the tips so far - keep em coming

Bo-Jangles

If you don't already have an Entertainment Book it would be a worthwhile investment and you'll easily recover the costs, as well as get plenty of ideas on things to do.

hazeandsteve

I'd also say the RSA and Cossie clubs are spot on if they like (ahem) socialising. You'd be surprised how many times they can tell complete strangers how proud they are of you for making the move.
We took Mum to the Cossie to see The Drifters, a band she last saw in Sheffield forty odd years ago! Never stopped smiling all night.

GoingIn2011

Living on the doorstep to the Waitaks, I would second Arataki. That is a a good 90 mins and if you include a walk, it is a good half a day. Depending on their level of fitness, maybe some of the walks? We just did Kitekite Falls yesterday which was amazing, or perhaps visits to Piha and Karekare?

The little Waitakere train http://waitakeretramline.org.nz/ is re opening late next month too... That could be well worth a visit or perhaps the rainforest express?

http://www.watercare.co.nz/community...s/default.aspx

Lots to do out West!

zaras dad

keep em coming peeps. Theyre here in 3 weeks