Talking Takapuna

What an amazing start to 2020 it’s been. Takapuna was – and continues to be – the place to be for fun, sun and entertainment this summer.

We started the year off with our Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival on the 18th of January, which featured all kinds of entertainment and activities! From POPs games, to bouncy castles, to face-painting, clowns, magicians and beach games – there was something to keep all kids (young and old!) entertained and active all day. Then from 3pm, we settled in for a relaxed afternoon of amazing music, starting with the ever-popular Encore band, then kicked it up a notch with Big Ticket who bring their jazz-swing twist to all your favourite hits, and rounded the evening off with the up-and-coming, indie-pop sensations Alae! Supported by our wonderful food vendors, locals and visitors alike were treated to a glorious day in the sun on Takapuna beach, and it was fantastic to see so many come out to enjoy the free activities. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

As most of us have settled back in to our regular routines of work and everyday life by now, we know the struggle continues, as we glance longingly out our windows at the summer sun, wishing we were still on holiday… BUT! In Takapuna, the holiday doesn’t have to end – we have plenty of ways to keep the summer holiday vibe going while there’s still great weather, AND work in between.

How does lunch by the sea sound? Regatta Bar and Eatery is the perfect location for a delicious bite to eat while relaxing and enjoying the sea views. While they’re renowned for their oysters and seafood, Regatta also has the perfect meal for any taste, from chicken burgers to gnocchi or delicious salads.

How does a spot of retail therapy sound?  Hurstmere Rd is home to many unique and boutique shops filled with treats – from Augustine and Tuesday, to Retrospace, and from Life For Men, to Fifth Avenue Jewellers – there’s something for every shopper.

How does an afternoon of beach activities sound? The opportunities are endless at Takapuna Beach – if you’re after more than a leisurely swim, why not bring your snorkel, mask and flippers and inspect the reef down by the boat ramp. Or try your hand at some stand-up paddleboarding through Girls Get Out There NZ.

If want to escape the sun to a cooler temperature for a while, why not catch a movie at Monterey Cinemas, or head along to the Bruce Mason Centre or the Pumphouse for a dose of live-action entertainment? Pair that with some al fresco dining and you’ll have a summer night out worthy of a couple Instagram posts.

There is always something happening in Takapuna.  

Every Friday and Sunday in February, Regatta has Karn Hall and Misty G mixing tracks at its pop-up Malfy Gin Garden Bar, 

Over the weekend of the 14-16th of Feb, Takapuna Beach is again host to the annual Takapuna Beach Cup, a three-day outrigger festival. So make sure you head down, grab a good spot on the beach and watch the action out on the water.

There’s plenty more to see, do and experience coming up in Takapuna, so don’t forget to follow us @ILoveTakapuna on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep up to date! We also love to see what you get up to in and around Takapuna, so if you’re posting on social media, don’t forget to tag us, or use the hashtag #ilovetakapuna.

Feb – March Events in Takapuna

12 Feb – Lake House Arts Centre: Free preschool art play

15 Feb – Smales Farm: Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival

15 Feb – Lake House Arts Centre: Auckland Pride festival, Oldest Friend 

16 Feb – 38 Hurstmere: CHALK

16 Feb – 38 Hurstmere: Peg pets workshop

22 Feb – Bruce Mason Centre: Our Preposterous Universe with Sean Carroll

22 Feb – 38 Hurstmere: Live dance and music

23 Feb – 38 Hurstmere: Takachella

29 Feb – 38 Hurstmere: 10-minute drum lessons

29 Feb - I Love Takapuna: Asian Food Festival

4 March - Lake House Arts Centre: Free preschool art play

6-8 March – 38 Hurstmere: Swing dance classes

14 March – 38 Hurstmere: Live art

14 March – Takapuna Playground: Charlie’s Playdate

21 March – Lake House Arts Centre: 'this is us 2020' Children's art exhibition and community day

21-23 March – Bruce Mason Centre: Auckland Arts Festival, Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus

22 March – 38 Hurstmere: Community open mic session

28 March – 38 Hurstmere: Youth film showcase

29 March – Smales Farm: Young designers and creators market


Issue 106 February 2020