The Seven Best Destination Pubs Near Auckland

City central living is a marvelous thing. You're within arm's reach of the best food, drink and entertainment on offer, there's always a spectacle to behold and a beverage to be snarfed down. But sometimes it can get a bit much. The occasional pretentious dickhead, the traffic jams over the bridge and the disturbing sounds of the couple next door.

In the wise words of Katchafire, "You gotta get away sometimes." Away to somewhere quaint and quiet, where rivers trickle by, Tuis coo in the trees and waves crash in the distance. Where the beer is colder, the pace is slower and the locals have plenty time for a yarn and a laugh. These destination pubs offer the perfect sanctuary for a staycation; just a stones throw away from the big smoke. Slip on some sunnies, text the crew, and fill the car up; these are the best destination pubs near Auckland.

The Riverhead Tavern

Less than a 30-minute car or ferry ride from the CBD, you'll find an ale drinkers sanctuary, nestled on the banks of the upper Waitemata in Riverhead. The unpretentious hospitality, rustic but delicious food and free flowing beer, complement the soothing sounds of the river winding by and the views over lush native bush and crystal clear water. 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 (it's bloody awesome).You'll want to set aside a full day, as there's few better spots to get away from it all in Auckland.

Cnr Queen & York, Riverhead

The Mangawhai Tavern

Over 150 years ago, when the Mangawhai Port was still a bustling centre, arborists, bush men and port workers would toil all day in the hot sun. In order to quench the thirst of these working men The Mangawhai Tavern was built a couple of steps off the beach, where it still stands to this day. The tavern has evolved with the times and improved as an event venue, a meeting place and an idylic getaway; with the same spirit of unpretentious hospitality as back in 1865. It's probably New Zealand's best beach side pub.

2 Moir St, Mangawhai

Leigh Sawmill Cafe

In the sleepy coastal town of Leigh, nestled under the shade of blooming Pohutukawa trees an old sawmill has come back to life. Brewing some of Auckland's best beer (try the pale ale, it'll change you), serving delicious seasonal fare and hosting phenomenal live music, this is how a country pub should be. It's definitely worth the drive, plus if you accidentally sip one to many pale ales there are several quaint wee cottages for rent on-site.

142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh

Hallertau

For lovers of fine food and freshly brewed craft beer, Hallertau is paradise on earth and their sudsy creations are the nectar of the gods. Their seasonal fare is grown mainly in the garden out back, and their beer is hand made in the on site brewery providing a truly local, eating and drinking experience. Expect to see Hallertau higher up on all manner of "best of" lists as soon as their awesome new garden bar reaches its final stages.

1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Hwy, Auckland

The Matakana Village Pub

Built in 1903 from the timber of a single kauri tree, this historic pub has seen countless owners and served thousands of thirsty patrons over the last century. A hundred years on and they're still getting it right, dishing up delicious pub fare, a bevy of locally made wines and a generous selection of craft beer, right in the heart of little Matakana Village. If you've got a day to spare, venture north to the village markets and pig out on locally sourced oysters, then finish up with a cold beer in hand at this iconic local pub.

11 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana

Coast Bites and Brews

Unbeknownst to all but coasties and craft beer aficionados, Browns Bay brewers Deep Creek have opened a pub and eatery just off the beach in Orewa. Much like their Waiheke and Browns Bay brew pubs, the focus is on purveying high quality locally produced food and beer, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Serving and brewing some of the most delectable and delightful ales in Auckland, Coast is a beer lover's haven by the sea.

342 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa

Charley Farley's

Beers and beaches are excellent bedfellows indeed, and no one serves better beer on a more beautiful beach than the iconic Charley Farley's on Waiheke Island. Situated steps off the sands of the postcard pretty Onetangi beach, this wee pub is forever filled with characters, from the colourful locals to the cheeky bartenders. Plus it doesn't hurt that you can hear waves lapping and see the sunset over the ocean, while sipping on a refreshing bevvy.

21 The Strand, Onetangi, Waiheke