Overview
Auckland's gorgeous summer weather is still set to turn it on for a few weeks yet, so we've lined up a great list of outdoor bars to soak up that afternoon and evening sunshine. A little extra vitamin D isn't the only perk — if you've been feeling a little wary about squeezing into small bars and crowded restaurants during the current Omicron surge in the community, these spots also have the added benefit of having breezy, well-ventilated outdoor seating, as well as stacked wine and beer lists to cool off in the heat.
Whether you're looking for an inner city post-work watering hole or a waterfront gems, here's our handy guide to the best places to get (responsibly) sloshed outside.
THE RIVERHEAD TAVERN
Less than a 30-minute car or ferry ride from the CBD, you'll find an ale-drinking sanctuary on the banks of the upper Waitemata. The unpretentious hospitality, rustic (but delicious) food and free-flowing beer complement the soothing sounds of the nearby river and lush views of native bush. Holding the second-oldest liquor license in New Zealand and thought to be our most historic riverside pub, there's a reason why the Riverhead is still thriving. You'll want to set aside a full day, as there's few better spots to get away from it all in Auckland.
Corner of Queen and York Streets, Riverhead
NZIA
BROTHERS JUKE JOINT BBQ
Tucked away down a residential street in Mount Eden is the old leather-working factory-turned-brewery. Juke Joint is home to Brothers Brewery's famous range and distributes to their City Works Depot bar and other venues across Auckland. You can visit for a casual pint, a tasting session or even a bite to eat. The menu boasts a delicious selection of barbecue dishes, as well as hot and crispy tater tots, house pickles and even jam jar filled with lemon meringue goodness. The covered deck is breezy and cool, but has the added benefit of shelter in case of one of Auckland's spontaneous rain storms hits
5 Akiraho Street, Mount Eden
DR RUDI'S ROOFTOP BREWING CO
It's a bar, a restaurant and a bowling alley — there's no ailment Dr Rudi's can't treat. The rooftop deck is the ideal spot to set up on a sunny afternoon and soak up views of the Viaduct Harbour. The bar also serves as the only functioning microbrewery in the Viaduct and you'll find five fresh varieties on tap. Book in for one of their famous bottomless frosé sessions ASAP.
Level 2, 204 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour.
POCKET BAR & KITCHEN
Grey Lynn neighbourhood nook Pocket Bar & Kitchen has the perfect suburban outdoor drinking spot in its beer garden, where you can gather with a group or even just your furry friend. This bar is intensely adorned with flourishing flora and fauna both inside and out, so if you're after a spot with permanently clean air, this would be our pick. Grab the 'Pocket Platter', a few of the vegan tacos and enjoy with a couple of house ales.
Corner of Williamson Avenue and Great North Road, Grey Lynn
HALLERTAU
To mark its tenth birthday, west-Auckland brewpub Hallertau unveiled an all-weather biergarten. Designed by architect Allistar Cox, the outdoor pavilion comes beneath a beaming orange retractable canopy that proves its worth year round. An outdoor kitchen also runs the length of the space and comes armed with a wood-fired pizza oven that brings to life a menu of smoky wood-fired pizzas, salads and sharing plates. A tasting paddle from the brewery also never goes amiss. There are often performances and gigs on the outdoor stage here, making it a great place to while away a weekend afternoon outdoors.
1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Riverhead.
THE DECK AT OSTRO
When the motto of a place is "come for lunch or dinner and stay for hours," you know it's a good place to go for a few outdoor drink. Situated on the Tyler Street side of the Seafarers building, The Deck is Ostro's casual little brother with an all-weather balcony which overlooks the Britomart precinct. When your afternoon session wraps up make your way into the main dining room where chef Josh Emett's menu features hearty beef Wellington, smoked kahawai omelettes and even parmesan beignets. The view is one of the best in Auckland.
52 Tyler Street, CBD
SWEAT SHOP BREW KITCHEN
Sizeable bar Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen has all bases covered, but the open air deck is a great spot to work your way through the signature tap brews and settle down with all-American comfort food. After-hours, the party heads indoors with live bands taking the stage. And if you'd like a new look for the evening run, there's an onsite barber by the brewery.
7 Sale Street, Freemans Bay
Mission Bay NZ
DE FONTEIN BELGIAN BEER CAFE
Old pinky, De Fontein is a nice place to stop for an evening pint or two after a cruise along on a hot day. Known for its outstanding Belgian beer selection, this bar is a go-to for beer fanatics thanks to its prime location in the heart of Mission Bay and the 180 degree views of the gulf and Rangitoto. The food is local fare with some decent weekly specials, including half price mussels on Mondays and two for one fish 'n' chips on Fridays.
75-79 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
LA ZEPPA
Fairy lights and multi-coloured lanterns hang over La Zeppa's expansive rooftop deck, which looks out over Victoria Park and the Skytower. There's comfy seating aplenty, a toasty fireplace for those nippy winter months and a central location which means jumping to the next spot won't necessarily require an Uber.
33 Drake Street, Freemans Bay
SOUL BAR & BISTRO
It's a waterfront stalwart for a reason. If you're looking for an excuse to wear a new outfit, Soul Bar is the ideal place to dress to impress. Hands down one of the classiest venues on the Viaduct, the celebrated location draws crowds from all over Auckland. Sit back and watch the yachts while eating a feast of the freshest ceviche and blackened hapuka.
16-18/Lower Hobson Street and Customs Street West, CBD
THE GARDEN SHED
Sure, the Garden Shed is great for that Saturday morning fry-up, but it's also the perfect place for cocktails and nibbles after work. You can either choose a table in the cute secluded courtyard out the back for private dining, or nab a street facing table to people watch. Who said suburban areas didn't have hip and trendy bars? Mount Eden is the place to be this Friday night.
470 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
CITIZEN PARK
Merging a relaxed American bistro-style menu with a huge outdoor area and separate bar, the night can take on a 'choose your own adventure' feel at this Kingsland bar. You can sprawl out with your mates over a couple of glasses of wine and a selection of sharing plates or tuck yourself inside for a more intimate evening. This quirky outdoor industrial space is always heaving during the week, so go see what all the fuss is about.
424 New North Road, Kingsland,
NORTHCOTE TAVERN
This grand old dame has been around for over a century. Merging the feel of a classic English country pub (tartan carpets, ornate fireplace) with New Zealand's penchant to sink a cold one outdoors and you've got the Northcote Tavern. Only a stone's throw from the ferry in Northcote Point, leave the car at home and enjoy a few pints in the huge grassy outdoor area. Warning: the lawn fills up quick, so get in early.
37 Queen Street, Northcote Point,
Top image: Dr Rudi's Rooftop