About 78 Picton St
78 Picton Street is home to The Prospect of Howick – also marketed as “The Good Home Howick” – a historic pub, restaurant and boutique hotel in the heart of Howick Village. The current brick building dates to 1930, when James Fletcher (later of Fletcher Construction) rebuilt the old Marine Hotel after it burned down . Its English-style garrison-bar décor reflects Howick’s settler history . In 1977 the establishment was renamed “The Prospect of Howick” , and a major 2006 renovation modernised the bar and dining areas while retaining the building’s old-world charm . Dir. Barry O’Shaughnessy, who once worked here and took over in the 1990s, has kept the place community-focused and welcoming.
Inside you’ll find multiple seating areas: a cosy “Den” lounge, a quiet “Library” nook, a private dining room (up to 6 diners), and a main restaurant bar. These all flow into a sun-drenched leafy courtyard out back . Signature features include two stately London plane trees (planted by town officials in 1936) on the front lawn . Altogether the complex seats roughly 80 in the restaurant and over 300 in the adjoining sports bar (Bosuns) for large gatherings . Frequent patrons say it feels more like a friendly village “local” than a corporate chain. Whether you come for a meal, pint or stay in one of its 12 upstairs rooms, The Prospect is known as “the place to be seen” in Howick .
Events and Programming
The Prospect hosts a full pub calendar. Regular weekly events include trivia/quiz nights and live music every weekend. For example, popular quiz nights run on weekdays and the venue features live bands or DJs on most Friday evenings . Sports lovers can catch major games on the big screens in the Bosuns bar. During summer the pub adds “lazy” Sunday afternoon bands for a laid-back atmosphere . Community and charity events are also common – the owners organize prostate- and breast-cancer fundraisers (Blue Ribbon and Pink Ribbon breakfasts) and even a local fun run each year . Special monthly meet-ups (like a Canadian Club “Caniwi” catch-up) have been known to fill the room . For private parties and functions, The Prospect offers spaces and catering for 10 up to 300 guests . Because most offerings (quiz, music, sports coverage) are open to the public, there is generally no admission fee – you simply pay for food and drink. Note that ticketed holiday events (like the annual Christmas Day lunch) do exist – for example, recent Christmas lunches were pre-paid at about NZ$125 per adult (kids ~NZ$40) .
Tickets and Booking
As a public house, The Prospect does not require or sell entry tickets for normal visits. You simply walk in and join the crowds. To avoid disappointment at peak times, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance. Reservations can be made by phone or through the venue’s website (management uses an online booking system). Large-group or function bookings (weddings, corporate dinners) should be arranged well ahead, since spaces can fill up. There is no traditional “box office,” and no formal ticket outlet; most events are free or pay-as-you-go. The only pre-paid pricing commonly announced is for special meals (for example, the holiday lunch menu mentioned above ). Payment for food and drink is made on-site.
Seating and Layout
The Prospect’s ground floor is divided into a few distinct zones. Up front is The Good Home Bar – an informal dining/lounge area with high tables – which can be sectioned off for private groups of up to about 30–40 people . Adjacent is The Good Home Restaurant, a mix of booth/banquet tables and lounge seating set amid warm wood décor. Off this main room is an outdoor terrace (the leafy courtyard) for alfresco meals . All dining sections share the same menu, so diners are free to sit wherever they like . In total the restaurant will seat roughly 80 people . Away to the side is Bosuns Sports Bar – a classic pub room with long communal tables, bar stools, and a pool table – which spills out into a glass-covered “garden bar” patio at the back . Bosuns can accommodate well over 100 guests for live events, up to 300 for large functions .
Seating is generally open – walk in and choose a free table. On busy nights you can ask staff to reserve or hold a table for your party. For entertainment: if live music or bands are playing, center-stage seats in Bosuns give the best view; if sports are on TV, face one of the big screens. Quiet diners may prefer a corner booth or the Library lounge. Avoid standing immediately by the entrance or bar when it’s crowded. Acoustics are typical of a lively pub: conversations carry, and music/sports audio can be loud in Bosuns. (The carpeted dining area stays cozier.)
Getting There and Parking
Location: 78 Picton Street is in the heritage Howick Village centre (postal code 2014), near the corner of Uxbridge Road. On Google Maps it’s the block of old red-brick buildings on Picton St. Driving north from Auckland, you can reach Howick via Panmure or Botany Hwy to Pakuranga/Highland Park and on into Howick Village. Expect ~30–35 minutes by car from the city or airport. Public parking is in limited supply: the pub has a small private carpark behind it, and 1–2 hour metered parking lines Picton and immediate side streets (often free after 6pm). A larger council-owned lot (Wellington St Carpark) is one block south. On event nights the official carpark may fill, so allow extra time or arrive off-peak.
Public Transit: Howick Village is an AT Metro bus hub. The closest stop is “Howick Village” on Picton St, a 30-second walk from the pub. Buses 72C, 72M and 72X (running between Botany, Howick and Panmure/Auckland) all stop here . Also, route 735 runs from Half Moon Bay ferry (Lloyd Elsmore Park) through Howick to Botany . These provide regular service most of the day; check AT’s schedule for current times. There is no train service to Howick. For ferries, take the Half Moon Bay ferry from downtown Auckland, then catch the 735 bus or grab a taxi to reach Picton St.
Other: Rideshare apps (Uber, Ola, etc.) and taxis can drop off on Picton Street right in front of The Prospect. Cycling is also easy – cycle lanes run into Howick Village and bike parking is on Picton St. If arriving on foot from nearby shops or Howick Historical Village, it’s just a few minutes’ walk along Picton (follow the footpaths to the main street).
Inside the Venue
Step through the doors and expect a warm, friendly Kiwi pub atmosphere. The decor is a mix of polished timber floors, high ceilings and eclectic English-country pub charms. Service is casual but attentive – the staff will seat you or let you pick a table, and then serve at your table or the bar. ID (passport or driver’s licence) is required for anyone ordering alcoholic drinks (NZ law). You mix with families, regular locals and visitors – it’s very much a “local’s local.”
Food & Drink: The venue offers a full menu of hearty New Zealand pub fare (breakfast to late-night pub snacks). Menu items include classic dishes like burgers, fish and chips, grilled steaks and stews, plus pizzas from the wood-fired oven . Portion sizes are generous and prices are reasonable (most main dishes are in the NZ$18–22 range ). Kids and vegetarian items are available. The drink list features a dozen craft beers/ciders on tap and a curated wine list , along with standard spirits and soft drinks. Daily specials and bar snacks are offered all day.
Entertainment: Seven TV screens broadcast live sports throughout, and there are darts and occasional open-mic or DJ nights . Bosuns Bar includes TAB betting and a gaming room with slot machines – common in NZ pubs . Trivia quiz nights are run frequently. The music played is varied (classic rock, country, pop giveaways) to suit the crowd. There is background music in the dining area but focus is on conversation.
Amenities: Accessible restrooms (including disabled stall) are on the ground floor. There’s no formal coat check (you can hang coats at your table). Free Wi-Fi is generally provided (ask for the password if needed), and cellphone reception is good. No merchandise is sold on site. Photography of the building and performances is allowed, but please respect privacy of guests. Smoking is only allowed outside in the courtyard/garden area (NZ law prohibits indoor smoking). The pub operates a responsible service of alcohol policy, so management reserves the right to refuse service to overly intoxicated patrons.
Nearby Amenities
Howick Village is highly walkable. In the immediate block you'll find bakeries, cafes and quick bites for a pre-show meal (e.g. Howick Village Café, Gold Leaf Bakery). A few doors down is the historic Shamrock Cottage pub and several Asian and Mediterranean restaurants. Specialty coffee shops and dessert cafés (The Barn Owl Coffee, Steampunk Coffee, Kemono) line Uxbridge and Picton Streets. For shopping, small boutiques and a bakery form the commercial strip. The Howick Historical Village (a living museum) is two blocks north on Uxbridge – worth a visit in daylight. Minor convenience stores and clinics (Howick Pharmacy, Picton Surgery) are nearby, as are AT buses and taxi stands by the village square.
If you plan to stay overnight locally, The Prospect offers 12 rooms upstairs . Otherwise, larger motels and hotels in East Auckland (Pakuranga/Pakuranga Road, or near Half Moon Bay) are a short drive away. For transportation home, note that late-night public bus options are limited in suburban Auckland after ~9pm, so plan a rideshare or taxi if staying late. As a general tip, arrive 15–20 minutes before your event–time to find parking and get settled in this lively centre.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Prospect of Howick is not just another bar – it’s a cornerstone of Howick’s heritage. The 1930 brick building itself is an early work of Fletcher Construction and was the site of Howick’s first hotel . Local legend notes that the infamous 1925 fire at the original Marine Hotel led to Howick establishing its water supply and fire brigade . Visitors often sense this history: original high ceilings, timber beams and commemorative old photos give the pub a warm nostalgia. In 1936 town leaders even planted the grand plane trees outside the pub, which still stand today . The name “Prospect” hints at its outlook; indeed in good weather you can glimpse coastlines from certain windows, and the veranda was once a scenic vantage point for honeymooners and holiday makers . Notably, playwright George Bernard Shaw stayed here in 1934 during an Auckland visit – a fun trivia bit that staff love to share.
Culturally, the pub has hosted generations of village life: wedding receptions, club meetings, runs, and club days. In 1953 it was reportedly the only Howick business open on Christmas, with 53 cars outside . Today it carries that tradition of community spirit with charity breakfasts and sports club events. Regulars will say that both patrons and visiting performers love The Prospect for its character – it feels like home. The mix of its storied past and lively present (complete with modern brew taps and hearty meals) makes it uniquely Howick’s heart.
Visitor Tips and Information
– The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible, with ramped entry and accessible toilets . The main bar and courtyard are all on one level. (Note: the upstairs guest rooms involve stairs.)
– Bring photo ID if you plan to drink (New Zealand age-18 laws). Cards (EFTPOS/credit) are accepted throughout the pub; cash works too. Tipping is appreciated but not required in NZ.
– On YOUR first visit, introduce yourself to the friendly staff – they are known for local knowledge. Be prepared for a busy atmosphere during weekend sports or events. Booking a table is wise for Fri/Sat nights. Conversely, late-afternoon midweek is a quiet time to sit outside with a pizza.
– Dress is completely casual. There is no formal dress code (shorts, t-shirts and even shorts are common). The pub eyes you more by ID than by clothing.
– The courtyard is exposed to weather. In summer nights it’s usually fine, but bring a light jacket for wind. In winter the indoor areas stay warm, so plan to move inside after dark.
– If you’re driving, note that Howick’s street parking may require a ticket during the day (often P180 limits). Meter machines are by the main carparks. Evening parking is usually free. The free on-site lot can fill up – allow time to find a spot, especially at night.
– For public transit, buy an AT HOP card if you have one (cash-on-board is limited). Howick Village is served by frequent daytime buses (see Getting There above).
– No outside food/drink allowed. All food must be ordered from the kitchen/bar. Only service animals are allowed inside. Smoking is only on the patio.
– The Wi-Fi password can be obtained from staff. Download movies or maps beforehand if you rely on internet, as rural suburbs can have patchy mobile data at peak times. But generally phone coverage (Vodafone/Spark/2degrees) is reliable here.
– Last call for alcohol is typically around 10:30–11pm (closing ~11pm), though hours may vary on event nights. Check local notices for holiday hours – the pub is sometimes closed on public holidays aside from special lunches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a ticket to enter The Prospect?
No – general entry to the pub is free. The Prospect is a casual bar/restaurant, so you simply come in and order. Most weekly events (trivia, live music, sports nights) have free admission. The only time you pay up front is for special set-price meals or fundraisers (for example, the Christmas Day lunch was pre-booked at NZ$125 per adult ). Otherwise there are no cover charges.
How do I make a reservation or book a function?
To reserve a table, simply call the venue or book online through The Prospect’s website. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners or large groups. There isn’t a separate ticket office. For functions (weddings, birthdays, corporate parties), contact the events manager well in advance. They handle groups from about 10 up to 300 people and can tailor food/drink packages.
Are children allowed at The Prospect? Is there a kids menu?
Yes, children and families are welcome. The Good Home restaurant area is family-friendly and has high chairs available. A dedicated kids menu is offered (and even a special children’s holiday menu – e.g. NZ$40 for kids at Christmas) . Children can join adults in the dining and courtyard areas. (Note: The gaming lounge and TAB machines are for adults only.)
What are the opening hours?
The Prospect is open daily in the afternoon and evening. The restaurant/bar opens at noon (Monday–Sunday) and closes around 11pm . Dinner service starts about 5:30pm each night . The Bosuns sports bar similarly opens at noon Mon–Sat and 2pm on Sunday . (Exact closing times may vary, but typically last call is around 10:30 or 11pm.) Always check for holiday hours: the pub often does special lunches on Christmas with advance booking, but may otherwise close on major public holidays.
How can I get to Howick Village by public transport?
Several Auckland bus routes serve the Howick Village bus stop (on Picton Street, a short walk from The Prospect). Key routes include 72C, 72M and 72X (from Panmure or Botany) and 735 (from the Half Moon Bay ferry terminal) . These run frequently during the day. There is no rail service to Howick. To use the ferry, take the Half Moon Bay ferry from Auckland CBD, then transfer to bus 735 or take a taxi/ride-share to Picton St.
Is there parking available?
Yes – The Prospect provides a small on-site carpark at the rear of the building . There is also metered street parking on Picton and nearby roads (with limits, typically up to 1–2 hours) and a public carpark (Wellington St) about 100m away. Evening parking in Howick Village is usually free. On busy nights, we recommend arriving early to secure a spot in the private lot or nearby streets.
Is The Prospect wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair-friendly. The ground floor and courtyard are all on one level, and a ramped entrance is provided . Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor. The Bosuns bar and main dining area can be reached without stairs. (Only the upstairs guest rooms use stairs.) You should have no trouble moving around the main bar and restaurant with a wheelchair.
Are dogs or pets allowed on the premises?
No, dogs and other pets (aside from service animals) are not allowed inside the licensed areas. This is standard in New Zealand food/drink venues. Pet owners sometimes bring their dog outside to the courtyard, which is technically allowed as long as the dog is kept under control and off the furniture. Inside, only trained assistance animals may enter.
What kind of food and drink do they serve?
The kitchen serves classic Kiwi pub fare with a modern touch . Think hearty burgers, fish & chips, grilled steaks and lamb, salads, plus wood-fire pizzas and daily specials. Most main meals range from about NZ$18–22 . There is a children’s menu as well. Drinks include over a dozen craft beers and ciders on tap and a broad selection of wines , plus the usual spirits and non-alcoholic options. Bar snacks and pizza are available all day.
Is there accommodation on-site?
Yes – upstairs is The Prospect’s own bed-and-breakfast. There are 12 rooms (mostly singles and doubles) overlooking the village or harbor. Rates range from around NZ$90 for a single to $120 (shoulder season) for a queen room . A continental breakfast buffet is included each morning . Guests can stay overnight and enjoy the downstairs pub and restaurant only steps away.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. The menu includes several vegetarian dishes and sides (green salads, roasted vegetables, a mushroom or vegan pizza, etc.) . When ordering, feel free to ask the staff about vegan or gluten-free alternatives – the kitchen is accustomed to accommodating dietary requests. Notice the “Vegetarian” pizza and chicken or nut salads on the menu, and many dishes can be modified on request.
Is Wi-Fi available for customers?
Yes, The Prospect offers free Wi-Fi for patrons. The network generally reaches the lounge, restaurant and courtyard areas. If you need it, just ask the staff for the login password. This can be handy for checking schedules or uploading photos of your meal.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is very relaxed – think smart-casual. Most patrons wear jeans, shorts, polo shirts or casual dresses. There is no requirement for jackets or formal attire. Just dress comfortably for a pub setting. (However, avoid swimwear or beach attire in the evening.)
What forms of payment are accepted?
The pub accepts all standard payment methods. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, EFTPOS etc.) are fine, as is cash. Contactless “tap” payments are also accepted. There is usually no extra charge for card use. Since it’s ordinary NZ pricing, tipping is optional and at your discretion (some patrons do leave a tip for good service, but it is not expected).
What is the total capacity?
In total the venue can host a few hundred people. The restaurant bar and lounge seat around 80 guests (plus ~30–40 in the front bar area) . The connected Bosuns sports bar can fit up to 300 people for events . So combined, the rooms can comfortably handle roughly 200–300 patrons at once during a large function.
Can I host a private event here?
Absolutely. The Prospect is frequently booked for private events like birthdays, weddings and corporate functions. They have multiple spaces and custom catering for groups from as few as 10 people up to 300 . You can hire just the restaurant area for a sit-down meal (2–80 people) or the Bosuns sports bar for a larger party. Contact the venue well ahead of time to arrange menus and seating.
What is historically significant about The Prospect?
The Prospect sits on the site of Howick’s original 1906 Marine Hotel . Its rebuild in 1930 sparked the town’s first fire brigade and water supply after an earlier fire . It has hosted countless local events (even Nobel laureate George Bernard Shaw stayed here in 1934 ). The 1930s brick architecture and 1936 plane-tree frontage remain, making it a rare surviving landmark from that era. In short, it’s woven into Howick’s heritage – few other venues here can claim a century of stories behind them.
