Auckland city has a huge range of summer fun lined up to start 2021 off in the best way possible. There are a huge range of summer activities and summer events happening that make the most of the long days and nights and great weather - think live DJs, open air movies, yacht racing, summer cocktails and waterfront views. With such a diverse range of summer activities Auckland wide this summer - the city centre is full of all the best ones.
Fun and sun at Euro Bar and Restaurant | Princes Wharf
A Friday afternoon turned evening in the sun is about as good as it gets, and Euro is about to make it even better. Starting at 3pm, you can expect a variety of internationally acclaimed DJ’s that will be spinning tracks to take you through into the evening. Located down on Princes wharf, the breeze coming in off the harbour is sure to keep you cool alongside their delicious great range of drinks and food. With a fresh new fit out and rebrand, a visit to Euro this summer is a must.
Enjoy fresh and tasty seafood at Auckland Fish Market
Summer is about seafood, and there's no place that celebrates it more than the Auckland Fish Market. Eat at the source is the motto here and with 9 different eateries, a bar and brilliant sunkissed courtyard, this is a great place to take a large group or family, with plenty of dining options to choose from as well as a great drinks and cocktails menu too.
Image credit COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi
Watch the boat racing from the Race Village | Wynyard Quarter
Situated at the start of Hobson’s Wharf and continuing on through the Eastern Viaduct and the Western Viaduct, up to the Jellicoe Car Park, the America’s Cup Race Village is a must visit this summer. Full of great activations and pop-ups including the AC75 simulator; Te Pou, a New Zealand themed bar and restaurant, the two-storey Mumm Yacht Club champagne bar and of course the big screen to take in all the action, make sure you head in this summer and see it for yourself. The Village has a limited visitor capacity and will operate from 9am until 11pm on racing days and from 10am until 10pm on non racing days.
The Spark 5G Race Zone is free to visit (bookings essential) inside the official base of Emirates Team New Zealand.
Check out the 5G Race Zone | 161 Halsey Street
With the Christmas yacht racing taking place from December 17-20, followed by four weeks of action for the Prada Cup before the competition for the Auld Mug commences in March, the city centre will be abuzz with all things sailing this summer. Make sure you head along to experience the Spark 5G Race Zone, an immersive multi-sensory experience that gets New Zealanders closer to the America’s Cup than ever before. Feel, create, learn and even smell all things sailing – without getting on the water – by bringing together the best of sailing and technology in seven fully interactive zones. What's better? It's free too!
Join a bike tour with Power to the Pedal
Power To The Pedal is here to give you the joy of a summer bike ride, with none of the sweaty hassle, thanks to their great range of e-bike tours. See the city in style, feel the wind through your hair, and let the bike do the work as you take one of their fantastic tours. Choose a tour or organise a custom track of your choosing, it’s so easy to get riding this summer, you won’t even break a sweat.
Treat yourself to a frozen delight | Giapo | 12 Gore Street
If you are in search of a sweet treat there is no better place than Giapo. Made fresh daily from 100% natural products, Giapo's creations are are possibly some of the best ice creams in the world and they taste even more delicious than they look. On a mission to bring the world to Auckland for ice cream, the gelato creations found at Giapo go beyond traditional forms. Pushing the boundaries of what gelato can be, the haute ice cream trend has begun at Giapo.
Summer in the Square 2020
Soak up the atmosphere at Auckland Live's Summer In The Square | Aotea Square
Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square returns again to keep you occupied all summer long. Aotea Square is the hot place to be as a wide range of events pack into this iconic Auckland space. Highlights this summer include the Aotea Symphony - an interactive soundscape experience where you can create your own compositions, the yacht racing live on the big screen and a great range of free movies playing every Thursday and Sunday.
Waterfront staycation at Park Hyatt
We may not be on the move overseas this summer, but that doesn’t mean vacations have to be off the cards. With such an incredible city at our doorstep, book your perfect staycation in the heart of the city with Park Hyatt. Overlooking Waitematā Harbour, with four restaurants, a pool and more, It’s the best place to relax. They even have some great ‘staycation’ deals on their website to take advantage of.
Try out a new restaurant like Esther and finish with a drink at The QT's new rooftop bar
Esther is bringing the sunny shores of the Mediterranean to our very own. As part of the QT hotel complex, it’s open country style kitchen creates a welcoming and homely feel for you to tuck into their sustainably focussed menu designed by head chef Sean Connolly. When you're all filled up, head upstairs for a rooftop drink where you will enjoy zesty cocktails and unbeatable city and harbour views to finish the day.
Amey Daldy Park
Check out all the transformation that has taken place
With new laneways and dining streets, striking works of art and more parks and green spaces to relax in, there's an abundance of city centre transformation projects that have just been completed, with lots more almost ready too. From spaces in Galway Street in Britomart to Silo Park and Wynyard Quarter now complete, and Te Komititanga, the new square in the heart of the waterfront downtown area opening on December 18, there's so much to be excited about. Check out all the details, pictures and latest updates on projects almost complete here.
Take a self-guided walking tour
If you prefer to take things at your own pace, a self guided tour of the city gives you the freedom to go it on your own. Download the GPSmycity app to get map suggestions and then head on down to Queen Street. Stroll the laneways that lead off the main street, and admire the mid 19th century architecture, now home to countless boutiques, restaurants and stores. Visit the Sky tower, relax for drinks at the waterfront, it’s all up to you!