Everyone's favourite season of the year has arrived, and we're here to help you make it your best summer ever.
From rooftop drinks with water views to weekend escapes with mates, summer brings blissfully warm evenings, packed festive calendars and the promise of a new year.
To celebrate the start of summer, we’ve rounded up enough inspiration and intel to keep you busy from the silly season all the way through to March. BYO sunnies.
‘Make it Click’ with Macca’s and Jess Rhodes this summer at the website.
Image: Sarah Evans
Outdoor Adventures
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NewsThe Six Best Swimming Holes in Auckland
Cool off at an inner-city waterfall, a North Shore hidden gem or a crystal lake surrounded by mega sand dunes at these Auckland swimming spots.
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NewsNine of the Best Walks in and Around Auckland
Make your way up a volcanic summit, head west to see black sand dunes and track around the country's largest marine restoration project.
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NewsThe Best Summer Day Trips Out of Auckland
Wineries, weekend markets and wild beaches are only a short drive away.
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NewsFive 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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NewsThe 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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NewsTen 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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NewsTen Epic New Zealand Beaches You Need to Visit at Least Once in Your Life
Not mentioned: Oriental Bay, Mission Bay and Mount Maunganui.
Escapes Across New Zealand
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NewsUnique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island
From rugged secluded cottages to luxurious lakeside retreats.
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NewsThe Most Luxurious Boutique Hotels In and Around Auckland and Wellington
Whether you're planning an out-of-town jaunt or just a much-needed staycation, these unique spots have something for everyone.
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NewsSeven 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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NewsFive Lesser-Known Wine Regions to Visit in New Zealand
Not mentioned: Central Otago, Marlborough nor Hawke's Bay.
Date and Mate Nights
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NewsDrake Is Returning Down Under in 2025 for the First Time in Eight Years on His 'Anita Max Win' Tour
The five-time Grammy-winner is playing both Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2025.
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NewsThe 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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GuideAuckland Bars and Restaurants That Are Undeniably, Unabashedly Romantic
Low lighting, jazz playlists, opulent cocktails — these date spots will help you to start planning the perfect Valentine's Day.
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NewsThis Jet Ski Tour Will Guide You Around the Harbour While You Take in Auckland's Skyline
Grab a group of friends and live out all your childhood 'Blue Crush' fantasies this summer.
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NewsSix Auckland Bars with Games and Activities for When You Want to Do More Than Just Sit Around and Drink
Tap your way through a mini golf bar, sip a shiraz over 'Scrabble' or try your hand at champagne-fuelled pétanque.
Summer Eats
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NewsThe Votes Are In: These Are the Top 50 Gastropubs in New Zealand According to Pint-Loving Kiwis
From classic 100-year-old pubs to unique local joints, there's a gastropub to fit everyone on this list.
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NewsNow Open: Rosella Is Mount Victoria's Newest Neighbourhood Wine Bar
The windy suburb has a brand new neighbourhood eatery serving up a bold fusion of flavours and European tipples.
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NewsSix Spots to Enjoy Bottomless Boozy Brunch in Auckland
Start your weekend with unlimited bubbly, beer, vino and cocktails (and ruin all regular brunches forever).
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NewsWhere 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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NewsExcellent Boutique Canned Bevvies to Get Us Through Picnics and Beach Days This Summer
No glass? No problem.
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GuideThe Best Bars and Pubs Around Auckland for When You Want to Drink Outside
Knock off work early and head to one of these sun-soaked spots for a few afternoon brews.
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NewsWhere to Find the Best Late-Night Eats in Auckland
Satisfy those late-night munchies with soul-warming ramen, Korean fried chicken and 60-centimetre pizzas.
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NewsEleven Classic Picnic Spots to Try Around Auckland This Summer
Nothing says summer like eating your lunch surrounded by trees.
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NewsFive of the Best Spots to Get Iced Coffee in Auckland
Don't subject your body to an extra-hot flat white when it's 27 degrees outside — instead enjoy one of these frosty concoctions.
The Best Things to Watch This Summer
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NewsMark Your Calendar: 'The White Lotus' Season Three Will Arrive in February 2025, Then New 'The Last of Us' in Autumn
Come winter 2025, new 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' is set to hit your streaming queue, too.
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News'Yellowjackets' Is Returning for Season Three on Valentine's Day 2025 — and It Just Dropped Its First Teaser Trailer
This sneak peek at the survivalist thriller's third season is brief — but get ready to eat your heart out come February 14.
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NewsTwelve Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream This Month
Spend your couch time watching Rashida Jones navigate a sci-fi mystery in Japan, Nicolas Cage face a post-apocalyptic future and a gripping Australian romance-scam thriller.
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NewsNine 2024 Oscar-Winning Films That You Can and Should Watch Immediately
'Oppenheimer', an astonishing Ukraine-set documentary, a Wes Anderson short, Emma Stone's most-spectacular performance yet: they each won 2024 Oscars, and you can check them them all now.
The Guest Edit
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NewsThe Guest Edit: SWMR's Sophie Wardrop Shares Her Favourite Swimming Spots Around the North Island
Bookmark this guide for your day trips, road trips and out-of-town stints this summer.
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NewsThe Guest Edit: Sustainable Skincare Innovator Emma Lewisham
The founder of the New Zealand-based luxury skincare line has compiled a lineup of brands that share her company's planet-saving ethos.
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NewsThe Guest Edit: New Zealand Designer Juliette Hogan
From all-natural skincare to local wineries lowering their carbon footprint, one of the country's most celebrated designers takes us through her sustainable daily staples.
