Discover the quaint charm of Howick with rental cars by Hertz

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by Hertz NZ - 11 November 2016

Auckland is one of those eclectic cities with a curious blend of old heritage and an exciting vision of the future. There’s something for everyone in Auckland, from the wild to the mild – be it shopping, exquisite food and wine and exciting adventure sports. However, if you’re looking for something quieter and more peaceful, then take a trip to the quaint old town of Howick, located in East Auckland.

 

With old world charm and a rich history, Howick is located about 30 minutes from central Auckland. There’s a multitude of travel options available to get to Howick. You could choose rental cars to get there, since it’s easily accessible by road from both south Auckland as well as the main city. Alternatively, you could take a bus from Downtown Auckland, from where Howick and Eastern Bus Company buses depart. If you want to take in a more scenic view as you make your way to Howick, you could hop onto a ferry, which shuttles between Downtown Auckland and Half Moon Bay.


The highlight of Howick is the Howick Historical Village, a living, breathing museum that is an ode to the colonial days of the past. Spread over a seven-acre site, gardens and buildings from the 1840s to the 1880s have still been well maintained, in a Fencible settlement. There are over thirty odd structures on the site, all of which have been restored and maintained to retain their former glory. Another highlight of Howick is that it houses New Zealand’s second oldest church, which is worth a visit.


The village also has a bustling cafe scene, where you can experience the authentic caffeine flavours of the 1800s. Sip on a latte, take in the panoramic view and step back in time! Another attraction in the Village are the numerous stalls, which are set up every Saturday at the Village Market. With over 60 stalls, each offering products that will leave you spoilt for choice. Savour local flavours with free tastings, or find a handmade piece of jewellery at these local stalls. 
Apart from having a blast from the past, visitors can also tee off at the Howick Golf Club, which has an unbeatable view. Play a round while looking over the Hauraki Gulf or head over to the Pakuranga Golf Club, for a more park-like setting. After a long day of exploring, you can always kick back at one of Howick’s many cafes!