We have the down low on the best places to go and things to do this Fathers Day in Auckland.
Not only is Shakespeare the perfect spot for picnics and bbqs but there's also so many activities you can do there too - cockle picking,playing with the baby Lambs,viewing the sheering shed,numerous hikes and bike trails,Shakespeare is also known for one of the best kite boarding spots in Auckland too - just a side note LOL.
Directions to Shakespeare Regional Park
2. Mission Bay Waterfront
Mission Bay Water Front is perfect for Picnics and bbs, but it's also filled with family friendly activities within walking distance too - You can hire bikes, there's kids playgrounds, a giant fountain that we have seen kids having a play and swimming in, on more than one occasion, you can even catch a flick at the old school vintage cinema they have there too!
The beach is also perfectly situated just in front of the park, which is convenient.
Directions to Mission Bay Waterfront
3. Cornwall Park
Now if Corn Wall Park isn't an absolute winner for Father's day this year then I don't know what is! It is so rich with history,picturesque rolling hills for what feels like miles,cows and sheep for the kids to watch and walk with,lovely eateries, hikes,bike trails,memorial statues,play grounds and more!
1. Oyster & Chop
Definitely one of our favourites for any special occasion.They have incredible food (super instagram worthy) with a gorgeous ambiance, and being on the viaduct - the view isn't half bad either.
Top tip: try their oyster shots - they are to die for!
Take me to their website
2. The Auckland Seafood School Fathers Day Brunch
Now this one is definitely a must do!
Tickets cost $60 and speaking from experience,every event put on by Auckland seafood is always an absolute hit!submerge yourself in food with a super fun with 2+ hours of hands on cooking that you and the fan can dive into after the class!
Even better,it's suitable for the whole family.
Click here to buy tickets or for more info
3. Butterfly Creek Fathers Day Brunch Buffet
I have to admit, we have never personally gone to Butterfly Creek(as of yet)for any events, but word on the street is that it NEVER disappoints - with great food AND an activity the whole family will love, tickets for this special edition Fathers day at Butterfly Creek cost $38 for adults which includes food and free admission for Dad and 25% off for everyone that joins dad too.
Click here to buy tickets or for more info
4. Matakana Market Kitchen
okay this is definitely our top choice for fathers day as this is one of our absolute favourite food spot in auckland - okay so its bit of a drive north of auckland but it is well worth it!the drive has incredibly picturesque scenery and the food is soooooo good! try and book a table outside on the lake if the weathers good too as the atmosphere is so enriched with tranquility there. Top tip : try the baked scallops with a glass of crisp white wine - you won't be sorry! Even better - there are so many lovely little spots to visit in the area too - the honey cafe, puhoi village and the kauri museum,thats just to name a few.
Take me to their website
5. The Bushmans Grill
yes yes I know, how stereotypical - the South African that loves a South African restaurant LOL. but seriously guys, this one is a winner , if your looking to experience a place rich in bit of south african culture and flavours, with such a heart warming, belly filling feeling then is place is the perfect spot with so much meaty goodness to choose from - a perfect place for a steak loving Dad!
Take me to their website
6. The Pullman Fathers Day BBQ Smoke house
Now this is a Father's day treat! Dad can enjoy delicious BBQ Smoke house food, handcrafted beers,whisky and whilst you're at it,why not get a stylish new hair cut or beard by Barkers groomers?
A day that was made to be enjoyed with family and friends.
Click here to buy tickets or for more info
7. Burger Burger
A real hit amongst all men in general is a the famous Burger Burger, if Dad loves a unique,delicious burger then this is definitely the place to go, and the vibes is pretty awesome too!
Take me to their website
If you are more of an adventurous family then you should find this list rather fitting. In the list, we have included both paid and free activities you can do for Fathers day.
1. Sand Boarding At Bethells Beach/Lake Wainamu
Now this is some serious fun, take our word for it!One thing we would recommend for this activity though is to bring water along with you and your togs (to take a dip in lake Wainamu after, and rather than using a cardboard box to try and go down the slopes (speaking from experience - don't judge LOL) just use an old boogie board, If you don't have one laying around the house, you can also buy them from kmart,the children size will work perfectly - and they are cheap as chips.
It Can be bit tricky getting there but we found that the easiest place is to park at the Lake Wainamu car park (directions below) and walk from there .
Directions to Lake Wainamu Car park for the dunes
2. Beer Tasting At The Beer Spot
This is another must do,especially for all the beer loving Dads for fathers day,as the beer spot has over 40 different craft beers to try and not to mention - they change them up on the regular too!
Directions to The Beer Spot
3. Snorkeling/Glass Bottom Boat At Goat Island
Spend a lovely Fathers day with the family, with an incredibly beautiful drive up to Goat Island Marine Reserve,for some fun in the sun,snorkelling with all the colourful sea life and maybe even a trip on the glass bottom boat!?
This one is a winner for the whole family.
4. Adventure Waiheke For The Day
Ah, Beautiful Waiheke Island - a lovely destination with a holiday feel and an abundance of activities - hikes,beaches,beach side restaurants,wine tasting in gorgeous vineyards,scooter and bike hire and much more.
But the best part about it, is that its only a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland City!
Fullers Ferry time table and fares
5. Browse The Markets
Browsing all the unique bits and bobs on offer at the markets is such a lovely way to spend your Fathers day morning, So we have listed a few markets worth strolling this Fathers day.
6. Try Your Hand At Putt Putt/Adventure Golf
Adventure golf is always a good crowd pleaser!
Grab the kids and spend the day competing for a win at one of the five awesome adventure golf venues listed below.
7. Visit The Star Dome For Their Special Fathers Day Show
A mesmerising experience that the whole family will enjoy! There is something so captivating and interesting about space so if you're looking for a unique way to spend this Fathers day then the Stardome has got you covered, they are even doing a feature especially for Fathers day too and even better - Dads/Grandads gain free entry with each paying person/family.
Take me to their website
8. Submerge Yourself In History At The Auckland Museum
One of our very favourite options for Fathers day is definitely the Auckland Museum!
Considering it is so enriched with history,there's bound to be heaps that interests every Dad out there!
You can easily spend a whole day exploring Aucklands museum especially considering it is such a vast space filled with history!
Dinosaurs, War, Sea life, Volcanoes and much more! You name it, and they'll have an exhibition to suit LOL.
Free entry for NZ permanent residents/citizens but a small donation upon entry is encouraged.
9. Tap Into Your Creative Side At The Auckland Art Gallery
As you all know, here at BB we are obsessed with all forms of art and creativity so listing one of our all time favourite spots in all of Auckland City - The Auckland Art Gallery as a Father's day must do, should come as no surprise!
There is just no better way to spend Fathers day than by submerging the whole family in colour, creativity and art!
Seriously one of our top 5 picks for Father's day this year, and its free to all NZ permanent residents/citizens (so bring your NZ drivers along).
Small donations upon entry are encouraged.
Gifts for Dad this Fathers day just got, not only better, but easier too!as BLOOM BERRY has got you covered this Fathers day with a collection all Dads will love.
1. THE CLASSY BUSINESS DAD
Especially curated for the busy Dad that after a long day enjoys nothing more than kicking back with a whiskey (in his very own personalised tumbler) tucking into some incredibly delicious snacks and admiring his new gifts.
2. THE HANDY DAD
An obvious winner for the Dad that enjoys a good beer whilst working with their hands, Featuring numerous multi tools and a personalised beer mug with an abundance of snack,you can't go wrong with this gift!
3. THE CHILLED DAD
For the hard working Dad that is in need of a good pampering to recharge his battery, Let Dad relax and wind down with some awesome gourmet snacks,a luxurious 100% cotton waffle robe and much more!
4. THE HUNGRY DAD
Oh boy,a Dad that can eat just couldnt get any happier after receiving this bad boy for Father's day, filled with a variety of luxury snacks and gourmet foods - he'll be smiling from ear to ear.
A truly perfect gift for those hard to buy for Dads or the Dads that already have everything
5. DAD KNOWS BEST
A unique gift that is specially personalised for Dad, with 30 decadent Lindor truffles, a trendy bowtie, a decorative DAD pick and a personalised 500ml beer mug.
What more could he possibly want!?.
6. MOST DADS LIKE RED RIGHT?
Give Dad a fiery start to his fathers day with this popular edible chocolate bouquet!
A unique gift that definitely speaks louder than words.
7. FOR THE NUMBER 1 DAD
A Dapper looking gift for a dapper looking Dad! suited up in a stylish bowtie and personalised to Dad's needs!
You can't go wrong with a gift like this, Thats for sure!