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The best walking trails in Auckland City Centre

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:44:15 GMT

When you’re looking for things to do in a big city, walking may not be one of the first possibilities to spring to mind. Shopping? Yes. Eating and drinking? Double yes. Museums? Concerts? Sports? Yes, yes and yes. But there are some fantastic walking options in Auckland too and you don’t even need to venture out of the CBD to reach them! We’re sharing some of our favourites because what better way is there to enjoy our beautiful city than by foot?!

Auckland Domain

Auckland domain is a little slice of green paradise in the middle of our busting city. At 75 hectares, it’s one of the largest parks in the Auckland, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in Parnell. The domain is full of walking and running trails that take you through native forest, past duck and fish ponds, fountains, gardens, sculptures and wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic too, so pack some refreshments and make a day of it!

Westhaven Promenade

Nothing beats a leisurely walk along the waterfront on a sunny day, and a stroll along Auckland’s Westhaven Promenade is a great way to check out all the action on and around the harbour. You can walk from the CBD through Wynyard Quarter, stopping off at one of the many cafés to grab a coffee or a cold drink, and continue around the harbour to Westhaven Marina while boat-watching along the way. The path can be cycled and enjoyed by families as well as those in wheelchairs and there are amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower on offer too—what more could you want in a city walk?!

Tamaki Drive

Tamaki Drive is one of Auckland’s most scenic walks, stretching east from the CBD to the affluent beachside suburb of St Heliers. You’ll pass by Bastion Point and Mission Bay Beach, famous in Auckland for its white sand and incredible views of Rangitoto Island, then through Kohimarama Beach before reaching St Heliers. The 10km walk offers easy access to a number of fantastic beachside cafés and restaurants, so you can take a break for a quick drink or a bite to eat before getting back to pounding the pavement.

Downtown, midtown, uptown heritage walks

Fancy a bit of history with your exercise? Auckland Council’s downtown, midtown and uptown heritage walks have been designed to showcase the history of the city’s people and places, from its architecture to its economic development and its incredible natural environment. All begin on Queen Street and are approximately 1.5 hours long. Simply download the relevant brochure from the Auckland Council website and set off at your own pace for a walk with a difference – you’ll never look at the CBD the same way again!

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on November 27, 2024

The best walking trails in Auckland City Centre

The Best Walking Trails In Auckland City Centre

Five Fantastic Places to Eat in Parnell

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 01:10:24 GMT

Foodies travel from far and wide to check out Parnell's impressive selection of bars, bistros, cafés and restaurants, with dozens of enticing options lining Parnell Road, St Georges Bay Road and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The only problem? With so many irresistible options, the choice of where to eat can be a little overwhelming! So in the interest of saving you some time and making your decision just a little bit easier, we've gathered a list of the best places to eat in our neighborhood.

Five Fantastic Places to Eat in Parnell

Here in Parnell, we’re lucky enough to have some of Auckland’s best restaurants on our doorstep.

Barulho: Parnell Tapas with Flair

Those looking for convenience, great service and a hearty meal will love Gladstones Café Restaurant in Parnell . Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can dine indoors amid the charm of the 1900s character building, or enjoy your meal outdoors on the sunny veranda. The menu serves up plenty of the classics we've all come to know and love - fish and chips, steaks, salads, burgers, pizza and pasta! There's bound to be a dish to suit even the fussiest of diners, and there's a kids menu to make family meals a breeze.

Cibo has been around for over 30 years and it's easy to see why this Parnell restaurant has stood the test of time. The elegant interior and breezy courtyard house a fusion of refined bistro food and fine dining. Fresh seasonal menus include dishes from an elevated surf n turf to sashimi and duck, as well as options for different dietary requirements.

Gladstones Café Restaurant: Comfort Food, Convenience and Character

Cibo: Fine Dining for Food-loving Families

Barulho is located towards the Rose Gardens on Watt Street, just a ten-minute walk from The Parnell Hotel .

Barulho means ‘noise' in Portuguese, but don't let that put you off trying this Spanish gem! What began a few years ago as a humble tapas bar grew rapidly in popularity. The result? A stylish, buzzing Spanish/Portuguese restaurant with room for 100 diners. When it comes to the food, the focus is on quality, not quantity. The menu is relatively small but every delicious dish is perfectly balanced for maximum flavour. Open from midday Tuesday to Friday, and from 3pm on Saturday, Barulhi is a favourite Parnell lunch spot during the week.

Bonus: As our in-house restaurant, Gladstones Restaurant is a zero-minute walk from The Parnell.

Food is best shared with family and friends, and Cibo's family Sundays make this easy, with a Sunday family lunch menu, special children's three-course menu, homemade milkshakes, and 10% off all alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is situated in Parnell's old chocolate factory, so be sure to pay homage to its sweet beginnings by finishing off your meal with their famous pavlova.

Cibo is a ten-minute walk from The Parnell Hotel, and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday, and for dinner on Saturdays.

For warming flavours in a comforting environment, family-run Persian restaurant Rumi is a fantastic choice. Dig into a shared mezze platter, or taste new dishes rich with spices, tantalising sauces, meats and vegetables. Rumi has a ‘’field to fork’’ approach, cooking their traditional recipes using ingredients from local farms, markets and small-scale sustainable producers, as well as their own small organic farm where they grow tomatoes, fresh herbs and some of their herbal teas.

Rumi: Auckland's Authentic Persian Eatery

Rumi is a two-minute drive or a 14-minute walk from The Parnell Hotel and Conference Center.

Cornelia: Award-winning Italian in the heart of Parnell

Craving Italian food in Parnell? Grab a table at Cornelia , a relaxed and rustic restaurant, awarded for its authentic Italian dishes. Owner Fabio hails from Rome, Italy, and worked in restaurants across the globe before bringing his passion for food and wine to Parnell. Offerings include simple, high quality dishes such as carpaccio, grilled octopus and bruschetta, alongside fine New Zealand wines. It's the perfect place to relax with a drink and a meal after a conference, or for long conversation-filled dinners with friends.

Cornelia is located on Gibraltar Crescent off Parnell Road, a two-minute drive or a 14-minute walk from The Parnell Hotel.

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on August 26, 2024

Parnell's Best Art Galleries

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:29:46 GMT

One of the best things to do in Auckland is to take a wander through Parnell village, Auckland’s heart of art, style and colonial architecture. Spend a day browsing its gorgeous art galleries, upmarket boutiques and cute back streets lined with Victorian-era cottages. Here’s a roundup of the best Parnell Art Galleries , plus patisserie and pizza spots, gift stores, street art and more!

Parnell for Art Lovers

A walk along Parnell Rise provides a moving art show of top New Zealand painters, potters, artisan jewellers, glassblowers, sculptors and greenstone artists. With seven art galleries in a short stretch, this is where Aucklander’s browse for that special piece of art to complete their new home, or for a coveted piece of custom jewellery.

The highly regarded Artis curates thought provoking artworks by some of New Zealand’s leading artists while the Black Door Gallery, nestled in a charming historic villa, presents a beautiful and ever-changing selection of statement paintings, sculpture, ceramics, lighting, glass and jewellery. The longstanding Parnell Gallery regularly exhibits contemporary artists in their large and airy space. While a visit to the Alvin Pankhurst Gallery, might find the artist himself hanging his latest piece to feature famous historical Māori carvings in stunning New Zealand landscapes.

Keep an eye out too for landmark sculptures on Parnell Rise, each with a story to tell like the well-known Terry Stringer Mountain Fountain, outside the stunning Holy Trinity Cathedral. Or the large and illuminated revolving plinth outside the Jonathan Grant Galleries, which profiles different outdoor sculptures.

Best Māori and Pasifika art: Kiwa Art

One of the top Parnell attractions is speciality gallery Kiwa Art. They focus exclusively on indigenous Māori artists with an emphasis on the lineage and significance behind each piece. Each treasure (or taonga) come with a unique story of its own, which the friendly and knowledgeable owners will readily share. The gallery is refreshed often with new carvings, rare Oceanic pieces, pounamu (greenstone), rare books and even delightful vintage finds. If you’re keen to gift greenstone to a special someone, then head here as the pieces range from downright exquisite to the small and affordable.

Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Domain Sculpture Walk

Possibly Australasia’s best neo-classical building and one of the most popular Parnell attractions, the Auckland Museum displays colonial and Māori art plus works from private collections. Along with a large dose of New Zealand history and shaky island geology. Join a guided tour to experience a Māori culture performance by the local iwi/tribe Ngati Whatua, which kicks off with a spine-tingling Haka or challenge. Afterwards, enjoy harbour views from the grassy knoll of a long-dormant volcano and follow the Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk for eight impressive sculptures by leading New Zealand artists, like Fred Graham and Greer Twiss.

Tastiest Parnell pitstops

Walking and gawking enviously at art can whet up an appetite so luckily the best places to eat in Parnell are nice and handy. Stop and refuel with a glass of wine and lunch at local favourites, Non-Solo Pizza, Di Vino’s or La Porchetta. For a quick bite, grab a homestyle treat from the heaving food counter at Winona Forever or a delicious Parisian- style pastry at Vaniyé, which attracts Aucklanders from far and wide.

Parnell's Best Gift Shop

Leave this spot for last as the credit card could get blasted. The Fantail Shop is the perfect destination for last-minute gift shopping, with its extensive range of ‘Made in NZ’ ceramics, crafts, homewares, fashion and affordable art, all locally sourced from over 140 clever and creative New Zealanders.

There’s so much to see and do besides browsing Parnell’s best art galleries, in one of Auckland’s most desirable city-fringe suburbs. Spend a day or two exploring Parnell’s attractions from the convenience of the Parnell Hotel, your Auckland home away from home.

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on December 01, 2022

Parnell's Best Art Galleries

Visit picturesque Parnell, one of the best things to do in Auckland for art-lovers. Discover the best Parnell Art galleries, shopping and food spots here

Our Favourite Coffee Shops In Parnell

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 02:03:28 GMT

There are lots of benefits to living, working and staying in Parnell. Not only is it just a hop, skip and a jump from the centre of Auckland, but it’s packed full of incredible cafés, bars and eateries. You only need to take a short stroll down Parnell Road to get a feel for exactly what we mean! Our guests here at The Parnell Hotel rave about the quality and diversity of all the restaurants—and we’re always asked for our personal recommendations. But another thing we’re regularly asked is, “where shall I go for coffee?”

The answer you get will depend on the staff member you approach on the day, but we’ve put together a handy list of the best coffee shops in Parnell to make sure you have options. All of these venues are in easy walking distance from our Parnell accommodation. So if you’re staying long enough, you might just get to visit them all!

VANIYE Patisserie

This isn’t just any old French patisserie—but an authentic one that does those gorgeous Parisian cafés justice! VANIYE Patisserie has received awards for being the best French patisserie in New Zealand and we’re lucky enough to have it on our doorstep. The café itself is fresh, modern and elegant, but it’s what’s artfully displayed in the cabinets that’ll really get your heart racing! Pastries for every occasion and every taste, and cakes that look too good to be eaten. The best part is that VANIYE Patisserie also serves great coffee—and we’re not just talking espresso. Here the Kokako coffee is creamy (if you like it that way) and the perfect way to start your day.

Walking time from The Parnell: 10-15 minutes
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4pm

Red Rabbit Coffee Shed

Die-hard coffee lovers will adore Red Rabbit. Here, the green single origin coffee is the real hero. Located in Parnell’s industrial hub—but still just a short stroll from The Parnell Hotel—Red Rabbit is a roastery too. With its high ceilings, exposed beams, open frontage and delicious aroma, it’s difficult to walk by Red Rabbit without popping in. Depending on your coffee selection, you might find notes of raspberry liquorice, sweet lemon, black cherry or caramel. The offerings change frequently depending on quality any availability, but you’re guaranteed to find a good coffee here, whatever your order. And if you like it enough, you can even buy your very own Red Rabbit espresso or filter coffee to take home with you.

Walking time from The Parnell: 12 minutes
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8am-3pm

Winona Forever

They say it best on the Winona Forever website: “Coffee. It’s important, OK?!” The people at Winona Forever know that the coffee can (and will) make or break a café experience, and here they truly deliver. Coffee Supreme is the blend of choice, known for being one of New Zealand’s best coffee brands. And if you were planning on getting your flat white to go, all we can say is beware! This quirky venue may just draw you in with its lovable character and charm. The bright display of delicious baked goods is one thing—but wait until you see the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Prime Instagram material, they’re immaculately presented and as colourful as they come. During the summer you can swap your usual caffeine hit for an iced coffee, iced mocha and iced coconut chai. Or go for a real (but tasty) mouthful and try the iced butterfly pea flower matcha latte!

Walking time from The Parnell: 15 minutes
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun, 8am-4pm

Rosie

Rosie is a popular spot for coffee and breakfast (and all meals actually)—especially if you want to impress! The corner venue is fresh and modern with a sophisticated menu to match. Dishes include breakfast paella, pork sausage with piccalilli and even a special range of breakfast cocktails if you’re feeling that way inclined. If you want to try your luck for coffee and breakfast, it’s best to get here early! Rosie opens daily at 6.30am daily and tends to pack out fast. And if you’re simply in search of a good coffee and a nice place to relax, you can walk into Rosie at any time. The staff are friendly, the coffee is great and the best thing is it’s only a few hundred metres from our Parnell accommodation.

Walking time from The Parnell: 4 minutes

Opening hours: Sun-Wed, 6.30am-3pm; Thurs-Sat, 6.30am-late

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on October 21, 2022

Our favourite coffee shops in Parnell

Some great coffee shop options, all within walking distance!

The Insider's Guide To Auckland

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 02:23:49 GMT

No wonder Auckland consistently ranks as one of world’s most liveable cities. With two sparkling harbours, idyllic islands, beautiful beaches and stunning volcanic vistas, it’s the perfect Pacific postcard. But some of the best things to do in Auckland hide deep in the central city with its top-notch restaurants, hip boutiques, bars, buskers and art galleries. That’s if you know where to go! So, here’s a guide to the city’s top spots and spaces you don’t want to miss.

Auckland’s best waterfront walk: City to North Wharf

Starting downtown at Auckland’s Ferry building, check out the harbour views from bustling Queen’s wharf. Then stroll west past the Viaduct, once home to Auckland’s fruit market and fishing fleet, to North Wharf. Here you’ll discover giant super yachts, a revitalised waterfront, busy eateries and unparalleled views of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. Enjoy promenading along this easy breezy walkway.

Best Auckland Restaurants

Sightseeing sure does work up an appetite and lucky for you, central Auckland is a foody paradise. The buzzing Viaduct Harbour is home to Soul Bar, Oyster and Chop and gorgeous St Alice. Head for Sky City on Federal St with its fifteen restaurants and check out local favourites Depot, Gusto or Sky Tower’s Sugar Club. Britomart has the superb Ostro, Amano and Ebisu while some of the best places to eat in Auckland can be found uptown, on vibrant K'Road with the brilliant Apero, Cotto and Cocoa’s Cantina. For a hearty brunch in the city, check out Odette’s or Chuffed or grab a flat white coffee at the Espresso Workshop.

Best Rooftop Bars Auckland

Quench your thirst, mingle with the locals and admire a bird’s eye view from a city rooftop bar. Hey, it’s not New York but Dr Rudi’s at Viaduct Harbour provides the best perch for people watching and possibly Auckland’s best waterfront deck. The craft beer is brewed on-site, and the pizzas are great too, with free bowling lanes for added entertainment! For a classier experience with killer cocktails, dress up and head to the QT, the Sheraton’s Churchill Bar or the So Hotel terrace bar on Customs St. These Auckland rooftop bars are where the cool cats hang out.

Best Culture Fix: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki and the Auckland Maritime Museum

Explore the history, art and culture of beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand by visiting The Auckland Art Gallery or Toi O Tamaki (‘our treasure house’). This is the home or wharenui of New Zealand art and presents around 800 pieces (going back around 700 years) and visiting international exhibitions. The works of famous New Zealand artists like Charles Goldie, Ralph Hotere and Colin McCahon are on public display instead of hidden away in private vaults. The Gallery runs one-hour tours daily (except Xmas Day) at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

At downtown’s Auckland Maritime Museum, set sail and discover the stories which helped to shape our nautical nation including winning the America’s Cup. Take a one-hour voyage on the heritage scow, Ted Ashby to discover why Auckland really nails its reputation as the “city of sails.”

The Fashion edit: where to shop

Head downtown for Auckland’s best shopping to the stylish Britomart precinct for Kiwi designers or take a stroll up nearby High Street for gifts, shoes, books and vintage apparel. For international designers, stick to Queen Street and drop into heritage department store Smith and Caughey or the newest shopping destination downtown, the high-brow Commercial Bay.

Ask the friendly Parnell Hotel team about other things to do in Auckland and nearby Parnell village, as they have a wealth of local knowledge. You won’t put a foot wrong with their sound advice.

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on August 23, 2022

The Insider’s Guide to Auckland

Discover top-notch food spots, shopping, arts and culture.

MEETINGS 2022

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 02:31:54 GMT

As one of the biggest industry events since 2021, it was great for the team to make it down for MEEETINGS 2022 hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) at Te Pae Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Our General Manager Wayne, and our Conference & Events Reservations Supervisor Patricia, represented the Hotel meeting with buyers from across New Zealand and Australia.

As an industry that was hit hard from lockdowns and border closures, MEETINGS 2022 allowed the opportunity to showcase our Conference Centre, Hotel & Restaurant offerings for those looking to host events in Auckland. The team will be attending other forthcoming events including Maximum Occupancy being hosted 26/27 July in Auckland.

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on June 20, 2022

MEETINGS 2022

Auckland Museum

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 02:55:47 GMT

Looking for things to do in Auckland while staying at our Parnell hotel ? Our accommodation near Auckland Domain is a short walk from the Auckland War Memorial Museum . The Museum is a great place to spend a few hours, marvel at some incredible exhibits and discover things you didn’t know about our special country.

About Auckland War Memorial Museum

Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum was built in 1929 and is is one of New Zealand's first Museums. Its Māori name means ‘Auckland's memorial to fallen chiefs and their gathered taonga’. The Museum is bursting with stories, artworks, photographs, artefacts, artwork and many other exhibits that tell the stories of New Zealand and the Pacific, its people and its places.

Exhibitions At Auckland Museum

Te Rā: navigating Home has been extended, and will now be on display at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum until Sun 17 August 2025.

Te Rā is the only known traditional Māori sail in existence. Woven from harakeke and almost 4.5 metres long, Te Rā is accompanied by two sibling sails created by Te Rā Ringa Raupā, a group of highly skilled weavers mentored by weaver, installation artist and researcher, Dr Maureen Lander.

Te Rā usually resides in the collection of the British Museum. For the first time in its over 200 year history, it has returned to Aotearoa, giving New Zealanders the opportunity to see this culturally significant sail in person.

Because it is partly funded by Auckland ratepayers, general admission is free for Auckland residents – and those visiting from out of town will be asked for a koha or donation. Some special exhibitions also require an entry fee.

Special exhibitions including RELICS: A New World Rises featuring incredible LEGO worlds, DIVA exploring the social impact of superstars, and the interactive Sharks exhibit keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Permanent exhibitions are set over three levels and include the stories of our people, New Zealand’s natural environment and our country’s involvement in wars. The museum is also home to a valuable collection of Māori taonga which is displayed in the two main Māori galleries.

Places to Eat at Auckland Museum

There are three different places to eat within Auckland Museum and they truly have all bases covered. 1929 Espresso Bar offers coffee, cold drinks and baked goods, while Tuitui Museum Bistro and Café is a popular place to sit and enjoy a meal or a cocktail. There is also the Kai Room within the South Atrium where you can bring your own food to prepare and enjoy using the communal seating and kitchen facilities. If you're strolling to or from the museum, you can also stop by some of the best places to eat in Parnell .

How to get to Auckland Museum

Visiting the Auckland Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Parnell, so the fact that it’s within walking distance of The Parnell Hotel and Conference Centre is a great bonus for our guests. The Museum is located in the crater rim of the Auckland Domain, one of the city’s largest parks. It’s just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from our accommodation near Auckland Domain, and we are happy to help you with maps, directions, bookings and more so you can get the most out of your visit.

Posted by The Parnell Hotel on April 20, 2022

Auckland Museum

A highlight to many families adventures around Auckland.

theparnell

The best walking trails in Auckland City Centre

The best walking trails in Auckland City Centre ﻿

The Best Walking Trails In Auckland City Centre

Five Fantastic Places to Eat in Parnell

Five Fantastic Places to Eat in Parnell

Barulho: Parnell Tapas with Flair

Gladstones Café Restaurant: Comfort Food, Convenience and Character

Cibo: Fine Dining for Food-loving Families

Rumi: Auckland's Authentic Persian Eatery

Cornelia: Award-winning Italian in the heart of Parnell

Parnell's Best Art Galleries

Parnell for Art Lovers

Best Māori and Pasifika art: Kiwa Art

Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Domain Sculpture Walk

Tastiest Parnell pitstops

Parnell's Best Gift Shop

Parnell's Best Art Galleries

Our Favourite Coffee Shops In Parnell

VANIYE Patisserie

Red Rabbit Coffee Shed

Winona Forever

Rosie

Our favourite coffee shops in Parnell

The Insider's Guide To Auckland

Auckland’s best waterfront walk: City to North Wharf

Best Auckland Restaurants

Best Rooftop Bars Auckland

Best Culture Fix: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki and the Auckland Maritime Museum

The Fashion edit: where to shop

The Insider’s Guide to Auckland

MEETINGS 2022

MEETINGS 2022 ﻿

Auckland Museum

About Auckland War Memorial Museum

Exhibitions At Auckland Museum

Places to Eat at Auckland Museum

How to get to Auckland Museum

Auckland Museum

The best walking trails in Auckland City Centre

MEETINGS 2022