Ian Ferguson - My perfect weekend in South Auckland

Olympic gold-medal champion canoeist and patron of the newly-opened Vector Wero Whitewater Park, Ian Ferguson talks about the local spots that make a weekend in Manukau special.

48 Hours

First thing Saturday morning, I’m usually... Often at my bach up north, but if I’m in Auckland I go for a walk with my wife through the rose gardens at the Auckland Botanic Gardens (a particularly good idea if we have the grandkids staying with us).

Breakfast/brunch is... A flat white and a scone at Café Miko in the Botanic Gardens.

My favourite weekend activity is... Heading to Vector Wero for a paddle down the rapids. Alternatively, we all go on a bike ride through Totara Park.

Saturday night out is... Often at Volaré Italian restaurant in the Gardens, or if I’m with my family and the grandkids, we go to The Blacksmith in Takanini or Broncos in Manukau.

On Sunday morning, I am usually... Out doing the shopping at Westfield Manukau, or going around the DIY shops. I love just looking in these shops to get good ideas.

I spend the rest of the day... If we have the grandkids staying with us, we often take them to Butterfly Creek. My favourite

Sunday dinner is... A roast: lamb, potatoes and pumpkin. I wind down on Sunday night by... Drinking good wine and catching
up on some TV.

↑ ↘︎ Auckland Botanic Gardens offers 64 hectares within which to walk, reflect and explore.