Summer in the City Centre

Summer on the Waterfront

The waterfront is the place to be this summer with so many activities happening, there is truly something for everyone! Whether diving in the Z Manu World Champs is your cup of tea, or diving into the new Ernest Shackleton Exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum is more your speed, the waterfront will be buzzing with activity this summer, from Sail GP to the Moana festival and so much more!

Moana Festival | 27 JAN - 9 MARCH 2025

The Moana 2025 Festival is back and making waves against the backdrop of Auckland’s spectacular Hauraki Gulf. Moana Auckland, New Zealand's Ocean Festival will bring together on and off water events that showcase New Zealand's love affair with the ocean, from 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025.

Sail GP | 18-19 Jan, 2025 

The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will be happening right on the waterfront in Auckland harbour from the 18-19 January 2025! The grandstand for race audiences will temporarily transform the City of Sails into the City of SailGP, offering world-class race viewing meters above the shore. 

Fans will experience the global racing championship’s largest fleet to date, with 11 F50 catamarans flying at speeds upwards of 100 kilometres per hour, right in the heart of the inner Waitematā Harbour. With world-class race viewing close to shore, there will be plenty of action right in the city centre!

Six60 Grassroots Tour: City Edition | 01 MAR 2025

Following the success of their tour of New Zealand's small towns, Six60 are bringing their music to eight different cities across New Zealand and Australia, including Auckland, Dunedin, Brisbane and Sydney. Despite this time playing larger venues, the band are keen to bring the authentic Grassroots experience to audiences who may have missed out on tickets during their last tour. The band will perform at Base Spaces, Jellicoe Harbour, in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter on March 1 as part of Moana Festival.

Z Manu World Champs 2025 | 23 FEB - 09 MAR 2025

Everyone's favourite time of year, the Z Manu World Champs celebrates an iconic beloved kiwi pastime; the Manu. Perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country, no one Manus like Kiwis. After making their way around the country this summer, the qualifying rounds and finals are making a splash in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

See more happening on the waterfront this summer.

Summer Fun in Wynyard

Wynyard Quarter - now accessible by the newly re-opened Wynyard Bridge again - is hosting lots of free fun in the sun this summer! Join the community in Wynard Quarter for free pilates, live music, circus acrobatic training and so much more for family and friends to enjoy. No matter your age, there's something for everyone!

Lunchtime Music at Amey Daldy Park | Wed 12 Feb & Wed 19 Feb | 12pm

Heading back in the office and missing your summer holidays? Not to worry, there's more sunshine fun to be had! Relax and unwind in the sun for some groovy lunchtime live music at Daldy Park. Grab lunch from various options in Wynyard Quarter and enjoy the musical space.

Pilates at Karanga Plaza | Wed 15 Jan & Wed 22 Jan | 7am- 8am

Start the new year on a good note and head over to a pilates class. Join Claire from Studio Pilates Wynyard Quarter for a free one-hour pilates session. The class is tailored for all abilities, so no need to fear, this is a safe place to exercise with a great community around you.

Check out more happening in Wynyard Quarter here!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...

Ice cream! And boy, does the city centre punch above its weight when it comes to amazing ice cream options! With heavy hitters like Island Gelato set up in the Ferry Building and the newly opened Duck Island in the Britomart, you're absolutely spoiled for choice when looking for a sweet treat to cool down with! And of course, you have those spots unique to the city centre, like the fabulous Giapo's, where you'll not only have an ice cream, but an experience! Their amazing and ever-changing experimental flavour combos are rivalled only by their artistic efforts, the most recent of which is specta-cone! You have to see it to believe it!

See more great places to grab a gelato here.

Looking for something heartier?

While we're being treated to warmer weather, why not opt for a meal outdoors with views as good as the menu! Al Fresco dining is the answer, and there are so many hospitality institutions which fit the brief in the city centre.   

Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina | 204 Quay Street

New kid on the block, Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina is loud in atmosphere and huge in personality. Rosie's Cantina, located on the corner of the Viaduct buzzes with energy from lunchtime to late. Boasting bold decor and outdoor seating with top-notch waterfront views, Rosie’s is the place when the sun comes out!

The Store | 5B Gore St 

With artisanal pastries, freshly baked bread, piping hot coffee and a delicious food menu, The Store is the go-to destination for a courtyard cafe experience in Britomart. Some highlights from the menu include macadamia and almond granola and the asparagus and chilli omelette. 

Good Luck Coconut | 39 Jellicoe St

Enter an island paradise at The Good Luck Coconut, a tiki bar with a specialist cocktail menu. Combining Pacific and Asian flavours on their menu, best eaten alongside cocktails using tropical fruits, coconut milk, and rich liquors. 

How About a Sun Downer in the City?

Have you seen our highlight list of summer cocktails around the city yet? If you're looking to get your spritz on this summer or try a classic with a twist, whether you like them fruity, zesty, fresh or sweet, we've gathered a list of delicious flavours from city centre bars that are a must-try summer sip this season.

Vesper Martini, $25 | Queen's Rooftop Bar | 1 Queen Street
Nothing screams summer more than a rooftop bar enjoyed alongside stunning views of the sea. Our pick to enjoy on the sun-soaked deck is their chic 'Vesper Martini', made with the iconic Scapegrace Gin, Tito's Vodka and Lillet Blanc. Aside from being perfect for the 'gram, this sophisticated blend is the perfect pick for cocktail afficionados. 

Flaming Spice, $24 | Sunset Bar | 63 Nelson Street
If you're looking for a spot to sit back and unwind, Sunset is the perfect inner-city urban oasis to take in a sunset - and a sundowner. This summer, they're adding a little spice to your summer night out with their Flaming Spice, made with fiery ‘30 Day’ Chilli Infused Cazcabel ‘Blanco’ Tequila and then a cooling celery, cucumber, mint, pineapple and lime combo. Some like it hot!

Limoncello Margarita, $23 | Bivacco | 52 Tyler Street
Bivacco is the relaxed paradise vibes you need this summer and a prime spot to soak in twinkling evening views across the harbour. If you find yourself at this buzzing oasis in the heart of the city, give their fun take on a Margarita a go, a classic with a limoncello twist! Made from tequila, limoncello and lemon, it's a must-try!

Check out the full list here