Get your fright on at the Lake House
Ever thought that the house at the heart of Lake House Arts Centre looks a little scary after dark? The intriguing history of the house and its residents is now showcased in the Dark Arts Tour and Ghost Hunt – part heritage tour, part immersive lights-out ghost hunt! It happens on the second Saturday of each month, in conjunction with NZ Paranormal, and builds from its investigations and Lake House’s archival community experiences dating back to the 1950s. It’s spooky but social with some real laughs along the way. Book here: lakehousearts.org.nz/dark-arts-tours/
Or perhaps it’s less frightening to learn carving
Sign up for a five-week course with master carver Natanahira Pona, learn about different types of wood and their qualities, Māori patterns, carving tools and how to carve a beautiful wooden panel. There’s a beginners’ course for adults or one for children aged 11 or older. Find out more here: lakehousearts.org.nz/product/beginners-panel-carving-with-natanahira-pona-5-wk-blocks/
Monarch butterflies need our help
Monarchs seek out safety in numbers over winter (overwintering), where they cluster together in tall trees to survive. Over recent years, overwintering groups have been fewer, and the sites harder to find. The Moths and Butterflies New Zealand Trust (MBNZT) is concerned and is renewing efforts to track them. They’ve set up a special page on iNaturalist where people can report finding groups. You could even find a tagged monarch with a small sticker and a unique code, and a link to report its location. For more information and to get involved, visit: iNaturalist NZ nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/tagging/
Pétanque with a view
Have you seen these stunning views over Ngataringa Bay? They’re from Stanley Bay Pétanque Club, which has recently been renovated and would be a great place for a function. If you’re not planning a party, why not try some social pétanque! They have 18 international-sized pistes (that’s the playing areas to those of us who don’t know). Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm, and 4pm on Friday and Sunday at 20 Stanley Point Road. Beginners are welcome. sporty.co.nz/stanleybaypetanque
Bounce, flip and twist on Apollo Drive
North Harbour Gymnastics, New Zealand’s largest gymnastics club, has a new location at 75C Apollo Drive. They have trampolining lessons as well as gymnastics, so your kids can move from backyard superstars to learning next-level skills with coaches in a safe environment. Find out more: nhgym.co.nz
We need tacos!
Renowned as the most famous tacos in New Zealand, Broke Boy Tacos has recently opened its second store. And it’s on our side of the bridge in Birkenhead. You really must try the famous birria taco, beef that’s been slow-cooked for 16 hours in a blend of Mexican chillies and spices. Now open at 32 Birkenhead Ave. brokeboytaco.com
Pop-up tiny gardens
Need a spot of colour to brighten your winter shopping? City Botanics has popped up a garden display in Milford Shopping Centre to show us that our balconies, patios, courtyards, and awkward leftover outdoor corners could be transformed into a lush little paradise. Plus, you could win a custom garden design package valued at up to $2,995 of your own! Simply visit the pop-up garden and scan the QR code on display. For advice about your own small spaces, speak with an expert on site on Tuesday or Saturday from 11am to 1pm, until July 20.
