Overview
It's February, we're firmly back at work and New Year's might be feeling a little bit like a distant memory. But don't give up on those summer vibes just yet! There are still weeks of long, beautiful days in front of us and balmy summer evenings to look forward to. This is your sign to romanticise the last half of summer — that means not staying a minute at work later than you need to, grabbing a box of ice-cold seltzers on the way to pick up your friends and making the most of the coming post-work hours and sun-soaked weekends. Errands and responsibilities? Those are autumn's problems.
We've teamed up with EFFEN Seltzer to create a list of our fave spots to enjoy Auckland's great outdoors and stay refreshed through the long days and balmy nights this summer. Check 'em out below.
Current gathering limits are restricted by New Zealand's status in the COVID-19 traffic light protection frameworks. To stay up to date with the current restrictions, head to covid19.govt.nz.
Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE ISLANDS
Okay, so until MIQ ceases later this year, nipping off to Fiji or Hawaii on a whim might be off the cards for a wee while. But hey, who needs international travel? (Sob.)
Auckland is surrounded by beautiful islands, most of them just a brief ferry ride away. Pack a picnic lunch, a good book and a box of EFFEN Seltzers — we recommend the mango, passion and pineapple variety for the full tropical experience. Then hole up on a beach for a few hours and feel like you've had an island escape without the pesky border control or flight.
Rotoroa Island
Only a 75-minute ferry from Auckland or a 15-minute ferry from Waiheke, this sandy beach spot is often dubbed Aotearoa's answer to Fiji. It reopened to the public back in 2013 but still is definitely lesser known than its winery-filled Waiheke sister, so go and be a part of the city's best kept secret.
Rangitoto Island
You may have stared at it all your life during Movenpick Mission Bay missions but if you've never actually made the trip over to the most recognisable island off the coast of Tamaki Makarau, we'd recommend doing it while the weather is still this fine. Lace up your sneaks and climb your way to the top, enjoying the gorgeous native bush and birdsong on the way. Treat yourself to an ice-cold seltzer at the top while you take in views of the city before strolling back down at your own pace.
Motutapu Island
Sadly Island Time festival was cancelled but there's no reason you can't head over on one of the daily passenger ferries to Motutapu and hold your own mini-festival of eating and drinking. Motutapu has lived a lot of lives during its 178 million years — you can learn about some of its fascinating history when you're over there, including the fact it hosted massive Victorian picnic parties. Maybe it's time to bring back some of those vibes.
Russell Street (Flickr)
BE A SUNSET LOVER
The balmy summer evenings have resulted in some spectacular sunsets recently and while it's fine to get that 'gram out of your bedroom window, we think you can do better than that. Grab some pizzas and head to one of these local spots with the best vantage points in the city to enjoy a couple of sundowners.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Home to one of the clearest, least light-polluted skies in the city, the Manukau Heads Lighthouse is a particularly pretty spot to look out over the harbour and sip an EFFEN Seltzer or two while the sun goes down. If you're lucky you'll also see some of Maui's dolphins — Manukau Harbour is home to the last of their kind.
Mount Victoria, Devonport
The sunset views from atop Mount Victoria are incredible — the walk isn't too steep and we promise it's worth it. If one of your friends is willing to be the sober driver, you can even drive right to the summit of and nab a west-facing parking spot from which to enjoy the western view out across Auckland's sparkling inner city, along with a sparkling seltzer. Grab some fish'n'chips from Riba on the way — IYKYK.
One Tree Hill
Of course, it's now a no-tree hill, but it still boasts one of the best sunset views in the game. The short, sharp walk to the top will get your heart pounding so you can then enjoy a few EFFEN low-sugar seltzers — they're low sugar, so that's what we call balance, baby. Just be aware there's a liquor ban in place up the hill from 10pm to 7am, so enjoy the sunset then get head home to go get your full REM cycle in.
Al404 (Flickr)
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
Been sticking to the lakes and rivers you're used to this summer? That's all very well and good, but Auckland has some stunning hidden spots to dangle your feet in and forget all about this summer's particularly hideous humidity.
Lake Wainamu
Head out towards Te Henga/Bethells and you'll eventually come across the Lake Wainamu Track. Hike along the stream until you reach the stunning lake, surrounded by mountains and sand dunes. Lake Wainamu is gorgeously refreshing to swim in on a hot day and has the most beautiful crystal clear water — take a boogie board or some cardboard to slide down the dunes if you're up for some kidult fun.
Lucas Creek
This North Shore hidden gem is one of the most easily accessible swimming holes and waterfalls around Auckland, and it's a real shame not many people seem to know about it. But also, we get why you've been gatekeeping it. A short 20-minute drive from the city centre, this is the perfect spot to cool off after a long day at work.
Hunua Falls
Your turn to plan date night? Take your boo to view the 30-metre-high waterfall at this popular swimming spot 45 minutes south of Auckland. The water here is refreshing but can be pretty deep and chilly, so we'd recommend staying dry and instead enjoying a bush-friendly platter of cheese, crackers and a few bevvies on one of the nearby tables.
Nick Allen (Flickr)
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Dining al fresco is one of the best parts of summer and luckily, Auckland has some gorgeous parks and gardens for an EFFEN Seltzer-fuelled lunch or dinner. Grab some cheese from your local Farro, fresh bread from Wild Wheat or Daily Bread, some of the last of the season's berries and head to one of these scenic spots for a yum (and low-sugar) feast.
Tawharanui Regional Park
An Auckland cliche for a reason, Tawharanui boasts a bodacious beach and no shortage of lush grassy knolls for your next al fresco jaunt. Found on a remote peninsula an hour north of the CBD, Tawharanui is dotted with ancient pohutukawa trees and its proximity to Matakana means the weekend markets are an excellent pit-stop for artisan goodies.
Parnell Rose Garden
These rose gardens are not just for your grandma — they're a sweet smelling, perfectly Insta-worthy answer to picnic prayers. Boasting more than 5000 roses, the place is bloomin' beautiful and the perfect setting for a stroll and bite with your besties, your love or sure, even grandma if you're so inclined.
Cornwall Park
Central to so many Auckland suburbs this is the ideal al fresco spot to dine with the flatties this summer, especially given how easy it is to get to from wherever in the city you are. Aucklanders know the Cornwall grass is so green and picnic-perfect that it may be spray painted that way, although we are yet to find proof of this. In fact, the park is so beautiful that people get married there. Every weekend. So if you're into a bit of wedding voyeurism, spread out the picnic rug, enjoy the show and raise a seltzer or two to the happy couple.
Want to score yourself an EFFEN Seltzer Summer Pack — including a Napoleon chilly bin — for your next summer adventure? Find out how here.
For more information on EFFEN Seltzer, head to the Instagram page.
Top image: Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development