Auckland Scene: Folk are running about in a veritable feeding frenzy in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup. Party Central looks like it’s going to end up being more of a state of mind and less of an actual place. The All Blacks are personally testing the public transport stretch into Kingsland. Mt Eden landlords are giving their tenants notice so they can pawn off their decrepit villas off to tourists for a few thousand a week. The remaining tenants are frantically inflating their old airbeds, hoping to rent out some floor space on the quiet (and maybe a hammock to utilize that wasted airspace in the hallway.) Madness.
I can’t help but think that I would be a fool not to cash in on some of this money-making potential. I therefore offer my sturdy 70’s pad to any world cup punters who need a place to lay their weary, rugby-loving heads. You can even use the garage, as soon as I’ve cleared it of the landlord’s stuff.
I live in Point Chevalier, which is a mere, sprightly 55 minute walk from the action at Eden Park. I gotta tell you though, you couldn’t ask for a nicer walk home after the game. It’s just a straight hoon down New North Road, one of the most under-rated roads in Auckland. You’ll take an extended dog’s leg to the right and eventually end up at the Point Chev shops on Great North Road, the perfect place to grab a late-night bite (your lodgings are meals exclusive, unless you dig canned soup.)
One of the first places you’ll hit is the grand old Pt. Chev RSA – perhaps here is the place fans of the English can commiserate over a home-cooked roast, a cheap pint and some lively banter with the locals. From there, it’s a veritable smorgasbord of the nations Turkish Kebabs at 1218 (with real lamb!). Sages Indian at 1228, or Gourmet Wok at 153 Pt. Chev Road. If it’s a decent pie you’re after, and 90 percent of the time it will be, you need look no further than Angkor Bakery at 1202, or the Take 5 Lunch Bar around the corner at 35 Pt. Chev Road – home of the famous Steak and Mussel pie!
From there it’s a short womble home to my place where I may be able to guarantee something from the swappa crate, dependant on what time you arrive home. If it’s any time after 7pm, don’t hold your breath.
…and most of all, stay away from the Harlequin Bar. That’s my local. And damn it if some things are just far too sacred.
Call me.
Check out the Point Chevalier hub
- Luke Oram
Tags: Auckland, Pt Chevalier
Loading ...
