Overview
Sunday sessions are often dismissed as a luxury for the hospo crowd, but with scorching summer weather we're using every excuse possible to make the weekends last longer — and that includes questionable beverage consumption well into Sunday's twilight. Here are our picks for the best spots to have a Sunday session around Auckland.
THE PARASOL & SWING COMPANY
Rooftop bars never fail to pique upmarket interests and new Viaduct offering Parasol Swing & Company is definitely worthy of your attention. With a super-modern design, cocktail list designed by award-winners Mea Culpa, a mouth-watering tapas menu and some of the best views in the city from the comfortable but exclusive rooftop, this is sure to be one of your favourite new summer haunts.
HALLERTAU BREWING COMPANY
Regularly making any top compilation which blends weekend dining and a beverage, Hallertau is a deserving destination for your next Sunday session. Boasting a delightful beer garden with more than 20 boutique beers and enough activities to keep the kids entertained, Hallertau is a sure-fire please-all for anyone aged 18 and above.
MAN O'WAR VINEYARDS
Just out of the way to keep the Louis Vuitton crowd at bay, nowhere on the island boasts a more laid-back ambience for your Sunday get-together. As the only beach-front cellar door on the island, a glass of their award-winning Pinot Gris will go down a treat as you watch waves lapping on the shore from bean bags, picnic tables or veranda chairs. And with lawn cricket, petanque and swing-ball provided for guests, we're sure you'll be parked up all afternoon.
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THE PUHOI PUB & BISTRO
If you're heading home from a weekend up north, it's absolutely essential that you stop in at the Puhoi Pub & Bistro for day-cap. With roots dating back to 1879, the grounds are gorgeous with the bistro, seating and balcony even better. Old fashioned hospitality is guaranteed at this, one of Auckland's most unique outdoor venues.
THE NORTHCOTE TAVERN
With a 130-year heritage and one of the best sun-soaked gardens in town, this local stalwart is so much more than just beer, chippies and pokie machines. While it's got those things down, the generous lawns, smiling staff and family-friendly vibe have been attracting punters far and wide for generations. Bonus points for being accessible by ferry, and just a stone's throw away from the Harbour Bridge.
THE POSTMAN'S LEG
Recovering from an armed robbery earlier this year, locals rejoice that this grassy Glenfield pub has come back better than ever. You'll be forgiven for thinking you've arrived at a personal residence as the place is laid out like a beautiful Kiwi bach, complete with sprawling deck, lush lawn and white-picket fence. With plenty of the usual suspects on offer, it's still one of Auckland's best places to enjoy a relaxed afternoon tipple.
LA ZEPPA KITCHEN & BAR
Neither the newest or hippest, La Zeppa wins the award for Miss Consistency, retaining its position as one of Auckland's best rooftop bars for catch-ups that slip from day to night. With a huge timber deck adorned with colourful lanterns and a spectacular view to the Skytower, punters are best advised to explore the wine list, supplemented by their delectable tapas dishes of course.
BASALT
Just down the road from the sandy shores of Mellons Bay, you'll find summer sounds taking place with DJ Jason Smith every Sunday at rooftop delight Basalt. Renowned for their extensive food menu, pitchers of Monteith's and a damn good vibe, it's the perfect place to park up away after a visit to the Clevedon Farmers' Market or a morning at Maraetai.
VILLA MARIA ESTATE
Lauded "New Zealand's most awarded winery", the rolling green lawns of the Villa Maria Estate in Mangere is an underdog for the humble Sunday session, but their ability to attract some of New Zealand — and the world's finest musicians for laid-back weekend concerts just can't be overlooked. Park up at the cellar door for an immaculate afternoon of tasting and touring off the beaten track.
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GREY LYNN RETURNED SERVICES CLUB
Easy on the pocket, judgement and the worries, the Grey Lynn RSC is easily one of the coolest clubs in town – not least because their coolness has attracted famed chef Jimmy the Cook (aka Jimmy the Fish of Ponsonby Central, Harbourside and Le Brie) to take up a position as resident head chef. Serving up ever-changing dinner specials, lap up the frosty beers, incomparable atmosphere, sizeable dancefloor if you're feeling festive and enjoy a yarn with some of the local characters.
SWASHBUCKLERS
Consistently one of Auckland's best waterfront institutions, don't let the skull and crossbones fool you — Swashies legacy is well deserved. Boasting one of the best views in town — watch boats bob in their moorings with a chilled handle of beer (which doesn't cost an arm…or a wooden leg). Laid-back and filled with sunshine, it's definitely a sailor's life for me.