Overview
It's the middle of a scorching hot summer, your holiday is over and it's back to the-nine-to-five. You're slouching at your desk, sweat patches steadily expanding. You close your eyes, imagining another reality; ice cold drinks dripping in the shimmering heat, sun-kissed faces, flashing white teeth and bleached blonde hair, clinking bottles, belly laughter and lush palms draped over sunbathed revelers.
Forget the office and make your daydreams a reality at any one of these glorious garden bars. These spots are all sun-soaked, subtropical and stocked with perfectly chilled beverages, all fundamental factors to start planning your own mini-escape right here in Auckland.
Riverhead Tavern
Nestled on the banks of the meandering Waitemata river, this is the ultimate garden bar. Settle in on the sprawling deck with wine in hand, shaded by pohutukawas as you gaze out over the picture perfect landscape in front of you. If you end up staying for a while (you will), you'll catch a sunset over the river, a scene which necessitates a significant other be present for appropriately romantic behaviour.
Corner of Queen and York Streets, Riverhead
Leigh Sawmill Cafe
North of Auckland in the sleepy coastal town of Leigh you'll find a spot which may be the perfect garden bar. Some of New Zealand's best beer is brewed on site and the menu is chock full of delectable treats. Often you'll find bands playing live, the location is top notch and the beer garden out back offers a peaceful green utopia in which to sip on something cold. So set aside a day and fill up the car, cause it's well worth the trek.
142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh
Britomart Country Club
If you're after a mini vacay in the city featuring cocktail jugs, craft beer and a spacious semi-outdoor bar filled with extremely attractive people, then get on down to BCC. Here you'll find Auckland's biggest courtyard/garden bar offering a day drinking haven as well as late night revelry, courtyard shenanigans and free flowing bevvys aplenty. Plus, Better Burger is based inside the bar, so you don't even have to leave to enjoy the ultimate in post drinking meals.
31 Galway St, CBD
The Garden Shed
The Garden Shed harks back to a glorious day when bars and restaurants sourced all their goodies from an old mate down the road or picked them from their flourishing veggie gardens out back. This means simple but delicious food made from local produce, wines which were probably made on a picturesque estate on the fringe of Auckland, and beers brewed by the bearded fellows down the road. As is if that wasn't enough there's few better places to imbibe such delights then the Shed's peaceful backyard hideaway, where you'll be surrounded by flourishing herbs, vibrant flowers and lush green palms.
470 Mount Eden Rd, Mount Eden
The Commons
Right in the heart of beach-side Takapuna, The Commons is a leafy sanctuary serving up some of the best food and drink in Auckland. The garden bar goes on forever and is packed with comfy couches to slouch into, bar leaners galore, two living walls covered in lush greenery and plenty shadey palms and umbrellas for the UV challenged. If you fancy making a day of it, stroll up from Taka beach, grab a few brews and cool down in the garden bar, then pop upstairs to The Commons restaurant where you'll be treated to some of the most delectable culinary delights around.
21 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna
The Empire
One of Auckland's oldest and most storied watering holes; The Empire was established almost 150 years ago as a venue for boxing, cockfights and plentiful ales for the discerning. From serving a population of 13,000 to one of over 1,000,000, The Empire has come a long way and now sports one of the most spacious and airy garden bars in the city. The perfect spot to become one with nature and get in your cups after melting all day in the office.
137 Victoria St W, CBD
The Postman's Leg
Named after a one-legged postman who once ran letters in the area; this little known North Shore hideaway doesn't put a foot wrong. Set amongst the trees in the heart of Northcote, The Postman boasts a sprawling deck, and expansive lawn littered with picnic tables and beanbags, perfect for soaking up the sun with bevvy in hand. If all the rays and refreshments get the better of you, you're in good hands, as the menu here boasts some of the tastiest ribs and burgers you'll find locally.
43-51 Downing St, Glenfield