Memories over miles: South Aucklanders share their favourite holiday getaways

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

Nothing says summer holiday like a good getaway.

From beaches to backyards, everyone has a favourite holiday escape, often a place their mind drifts back to. While some memories are nostalgic and happy, others stick out for their death-defying moments that make for great stories.

PMN News took to the streets of Manukau to find out where people’s most unforgettable holiday memories were made.

Losaline Alatini lit up when mentioning that her top holiday spot is somewhere close to her heart. “I would say that it’s my Nana’s house where all our family comes together.”

For many of the people PMN News spoke with, holidays at family homesteads were often the pinnacle of their childhood, while family trips to the beach, road trips, and hearty feasts created some of their most wholesome memories.

New Chums beach, the Coromandel. Photo/thecoromandel.nz

I’talia Fatialofa is the daughter of the late Papaliitele Peter “Papa Fats” Fatialofa, a Sāmoan rugby Hall of Famer and former captain of Manu Sāmoa. She reflected on her family’s time spent back in the motherland to honour her father’s first anniversary.

“It was the first time my younger siblings had gone,” Fatialofa says. “It was memorable to see why he (her father) went back so often.

“I think that healed a little bit of [hurt], or you know, some kind of issues that we had because he was always there. But when you go back and see just how amazing it is there and what people make of life, with so much less, you’re like, no wonder why he was so happy here.”

Matt Bolton jumping at Little Manly on the Hibiscus Coast in North Auckland. Photo/Matt Bolton/Rodney-Times

Sammy Pasa says a family reunion at her uncle’s house in Karaka is a treasured memory, while her friend, Saynt Tuimauga, says a cousin’s wedding in Sydney was a cherished holiday for their family.

Dakoda Iosefa says his most memorable holiday happened 10 years ago at Weymouth Beach near Manurewa, where, at the time, had an 18-year health risk warning.

“Christmas 2015, because my whole family was around. We all went to the beach, but we weren’t really supposed to go swimming. It’s not a good beach, but we survived.”

Water safety doesn’t seem to be of major concern, as many locals shared stories of close calls and risky moments at the beach and local rivers.

“Port Waikato is always memorable,” Bianka Holgate, who lives in Tuakau, says. “Almost always drowning every time, you know, but it’s really fun. When the waves flip you around, it’s just fun as.”

For another local who wishes to remain anonymous, nothing beats a 30 metre jump off a cliff. “It’s how I learned to swim,” he says.

Cyril Toto gave no hesitation in saying Queenstown was his best holiday getaway.

“It’s different, everyone is pretty welcoming. I’d say that Queenstown is pretty good. I’m from South Auckland, so it’s really different to here.”

Ezrah Lavea was the only person to mention international travel outside of the Pacific.

“Best holiday, I think, money-wise, would be Bali. The fact that massages and food are so cheap. An hour and a half massage is like $20. That’s a nice, cheap holiday.

“For a fun holiday, Las Vegas. I feel like it is everything you’ve seen in the movies.”

No matter where these holidays are set to happen, the memories share a common thread: connection, laughter, and a little bit of adventure. For many, it’s not about the destination but rather the stories that stick, the moments that teach, and the people who make them unforgettable.