Summer Guide: Auckland 2020–21
Slap on your sunscreen and get out there — clear blues, secluded bush spots and ice-cold beers await.
Summer is here, folks. And with it comes eased restrictions and a whole country to explore. After spending most of the year indoors, it's time to get outside. It's time to make the most of Auckland's sunny evenings that stay bright long after you've escaped the office, the gold-coloured sunsets at Piha, the city's plethora of rooftop bars, the openair gigs by the harbour and the bushwalks ending with dips in waterfalls.
While most years we'd likely pause here and say something about taking it all for granted, in 2020, we're not. We all have a newfound appreciation for the bounty of experiences available to us in Auckland. And to help you enjoy the best of it, we've put together the Summer Guide: a shortlist of all the good stuff going down in the city between December and March.
Go forth and frolic. Summer is the ultimate Auckland pop-up and it waits for no one.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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The Best Summer Day Trips Out of Auckland
Wineries, weekend markets and wild beaches are only a short drive away.
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Five Scenic Spots to Watch the Sun Go Down in Auckland
Head to one of these scenic spots when the forecast promises clear skies and dreamy colours.
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The Five Best Beaches for Learning to Surf Around Auckland
Whether you're a first timer or looking to brush up on the basics, nab a lesson or two at one of these popular surf beaches.
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Ten of the Best Walks You Can Do with Your Dog in and Around Auckland
Whether you're after native bush, off-leash paddocks or urban wetlands, Auckland has plenty of accessible dog-friendly walks to choose from.
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Eleven Classic Picnic Spots to Try Around Auckland This Summer
Nothing says summer like eating your lunch surrounded by trees.
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Six Ways to Splash Around in NZ That Aren't Just Going to the Beach
Slide down a natural rock formation, swim in turquoise glacial waters and dig your own geothermal spa pool on an island sanctuary.
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Eight Brilliant On-Water Experiences That You Should Book for Summer
Nose dive into an underwater network of caves, go island hopping on a jet ski tour or jump behind the wheel of a high-performance sailboat.
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Five Eco-Sanctuaries Where You Can Spot Native Wildlife in New Zealand
Head here to spot flightless birdlife, native reptile species, multi-coloured reef fish and giant bugs.
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The Eight Best Places to Stargaze Near Auckland
From satellite stations to the only island-based dark sanctuary in the world, you'll want to look up here.
THINGS TO DO
OUT-OF-TOWN ADVENTURES
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Fifteen of the Most Unique Stays You Can Book Around New Zealand
Spend a few nights in a leafy treehouse, a beautifully restored truck perched right on the bay or even a mountaintop cabin with views for days.
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Seven New Zealand Holiday Homes That Come With Private Beach Access
From exclusive campgrounds to secluded cabins in the winterless north, here's where you can stretch out on your own private beach this summer.
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Five Lesser-Known Wine Regions to Visit in New Zealand
Not mentioned: Central Otago, Marlborough nor Hawke's Bay.
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Ten Epic New Zealand Beaches You Need to Visit at Least Once in Your Life
Not mentioned: Oriental Bay, Mission Bay and Mount Maunganui.
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Ten of the Most Luxurious Waterfront Stays You Can Book in Auckland
Pick a winner, pack your bags and get ready to live your best holiday life.
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Pipinui Point Is Wellington's New Luxury Clifftop Retreat
This secluded retreat comes with uninterrupted coastal views and an outdoor bathtub.
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Five of New Zealand's Great Walks That You Can Book in for Summer
Explore secluded golden sand beaches, giant podocarp rainforest and rugged alpine terrain.
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Five Incredible New Zealand Islands for When You Want to Get Off the Mainland
You don't need to travel to Bali or Thailand to have an island holiday — these adventurous and relaxing spots are just off the coast of New Zealand.
SUMMER EATS
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Auckland's Best Ice Cream and Gelato Joints for 2024
Whether you're a cup, cone or strictly chocolate-only type of person, these ice cream scoopers will have something for you.
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Where to Find the Best Burgers in Auckland
From suburban takeaway joints to late-night food trucks, here are eleven spots where you can find quality burgers in Auckland.
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Ten Summer Food Festivals Worth Travelling Around the Country For
Start planning a road trip to sample wild delicacies on the South Island's west coast, smashable wine in the sunny Hawke's Bay and all kinds of fried chicken in the capital.
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Six Restaurants Where You Can Experience a Modern Interpretation of New Zealand Cuisine
Our food story doesn't end with pavlova, fish 'n' chips, and pineapple-flavoured lumps — head here for a taste of Aotearoa.
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The Eight Best Bubble Tea Shops in Auckland
From mega chains to locally owned hole-in-the-walls and all the cheese foam you could ask for.
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Auckland Bars with Epic Views to Take Advantage of This Summer
Soak in the sights, and the afternoon sun, while you sip a cocktail or two.
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Eight Over-the-Top Dishes You Should Treat Yourself to in Auckland
From burger cookie cakes to oversized pizza and a six-stack chicken schnitzel tower.
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The Best Restaurants for Big Groups in Auckland
These spots are large (and rowdy) enough to host all your mates for dinner.
AIR-CONDITIONED ENTERTAINMENT
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The Best Day Spas in Auckland
Treat yourself to a full-body scrub, a coconut milk bath or a luxurious buccal facial that literally fights gravity at these Auckland spas.
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The Eight Best New TV Shows of 2020
From a topical horror series and a mind-bending sci-fi thriller to an offbeat Aussie sketch comedy — and they're all available to stream.
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The Ten Best Movies Hardly Anyone Saw in 2020
From topical dramas and animated delights to rousing flicks about the 90s electronic music scene and out-there sci-fi horror movies.
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The Best Bars in Auckland for a Weekend Boogie
Forget about the week that was and cut some shapes on these tried and tested Auckland dance floors.
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Auckland's Best Facials for When You Need Some Pampering
Give your skin some extra topical love.