The Ten Best Summer Bars in Auckland

Joy to the world, summer is basically here. Don't you just love having a drink on the beach or in the backyard to see out those long hot days; aside from the odd mouthful of sand and freshly cut grass. We ventured beyond the neighbours fence to discover ten of the best bars to set yourself up in this sunny season.

There's a place housed within a shipping container, the oldest riverside tavern in the country, one with picture perfect views of the city's largest dormant volcano and a birthday party destination for helicopter-riding sixteen-year-olds. Something for everyone really.

1. The Riverhead Tavern

They've certainly had enough time to get it right. The Riverhead is thought to be New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern and holds the country's second oldest liquor licence. Situated on the shoulder of the upper Waitemata, you can get there by taking a ferry from the Auckland Harbour or make the voyage in your own vessel. There's ample space on the grassy knoll to sit back and soak up the sun, and on special occasions, the chef takes the kitchen outdoors and fires up the barbeque.

68 Queen Street, Riverhead

2. Mudbrick Winery

Perched on a hill on the pristine Waiheke Island, Mudbrick has always been known as the perfect restaurant getaway for a sneaky proposal, wedding, and as we discovered from the owner - a birthday party destination for helicopter riding sixteen year olds. Enjoy lunch, dinner and copious amounts of wine with stunning ocean views.

126 Church Bay Road, Waiheke Island

3. Moreton's

Located in St Heliers, Moreton's has a picture perfect view of the harbour and our city's largest dormant volcano, Rangitoto. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get a table out the front on the action-packed sidewalk and truly feel like you're sitting on the beach. Reservations are key on a sunny day.

425 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers

4. Britomart Country Club

Nestled in amongst the strategically placed greenery and padded bench seating you’ll find a funky cocktail bar housed within a shipping container. In the pleasant courtyard, you'll also find a mini golf green, a pétanque area and the welcome addition of US-style burger joint Better Burger. They also offer a distinctly Kiwi-inspired menu.

31 Galway Street, Britomart

5. La Zeppa

In the historic Victoria Park Market (a space reminiscent of a New York-style warehouse), resides La Zeppa. Its sizeable outdoor deck is a good place to set yourself up with one of their delicious platters and a few wines on a sunny afternoon, and the inviting innards are the perfect place to continue once the sun goes down.

33 Drake Street, Freemans Bay

6. Jack Tar

The most popular of the restaurants in Wynyard Quarter, and for good reason. The servings are huge, the burgers are huger and the drinks are cold. An outside table is the place to be and will give you sweeping views of the harbour, Devonport and a glimpse of Rangitoto in the distance. Theres also a playground 50-odd metres away to send the kids and you could carry the evening on by catching a film at Silo Theatre.

North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter

7. Tyler Street Garage

One of the very rare rooftop bars in Auckland. The small area upstairs at TSG is comfortable and comes with its own fully stocked bar, so you don’t need to take yourself downstairs for a drink - though the lower level is always thriving too. They’ve also just released a great new healthy menu for summer.

120 Quay Street, Britomart

8. Northcote Tavern

Heading into Northcote Tavern is not too different to jumping in a time machine and heading back a few decades. The restored pub has been around since 1884 and is only a stones throw from the ferry stop in Northcote Point. Enjoy a few pints of Lion Red on the Tavern’s huge grassy outdoor area. There's also room enough to hiff some petanque balls on the dedicated court and for the kids to kick a ball around. Its x-factor lies in its awesome outdoor area and harbour views.

37 Queen Street, Northcote

9. The Matakana Village Pub

After picking up some groceries at Matakana market or perhaps on the way back from a swim at Goat Island, nip into the Matakana Village Pub for a brew in their large outdoor courtyard. The 1903 building recently received a full blown makeover and is looking mighty fine. Make a day of it.

11 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana

10. Little Easy

One of the latest additions to Ponsonby's thriving social scene, Little Easy looks out over the beautiful Franklin Road. The sidewalk outdoor area is just the ticket for those keen to be part of the hustle and bustle of the area.

198 Ponsonby Road