Best outdoor lunch spots

Take a break over the lunchtime period and refocus your thoughts by visiting one of the many great outdoor lunch spots Auckland city centre has to offer. The city's diverse urban landscape features a variety of public seating areas such as the beloved Takutai Square in Britomart, and our numerous parks. So, take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather and check out our list below.

Outdoor courts |  Wynyard Quarter
Wynyard Quarter's outdoor courts are a great place to find yourself if you're looking to stretch your legs during your lunch break. They've just recently been re-freshed with a brand new surface and design aligned to the Te Ara Tukutuku mahi, including more than 150 whetu (starts). Grab your colleagues, swing by and try the fresh surface out for yourself! 

Image credit: Estefania López
 

Hobson Wharf | Wynyard Quarter 
New to the waterfront last year, Hobson Wharf, is tucked just behind the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa. Enjoy unparalleled views across te Waitematā, climb mounds to get a change of perspective, learn to tie nautical knots, or wander through the flag forest and admire the latest art on display.

Takutai Square | Britomart
Takutai Sqaure is perfect for your lunch break! Set up your own picnic on the grass nestled between the gorgeous buildings of Britomart or take a seat on one of the many benches in the area. Relax in the sun and doze off for a moment before heading back to finish off the day.

Freyberg Place and the Ellen Melville Centre | High Street District 
Freyberg Place and the Ellen Melville Centre are located in the heart of the High Street District, connecting High Street to the O'Connell Street shared space, Chancery Square and the Metropolis. Freyberg Place is a wonderful open air public space for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine with terraced seating, a cascading 'stream' water feature and native planting set around an open plaza for events. 

Rushworth | Wynyard Quarter
North Wharf is Auckland waterfront’s only north facing wharf, making it a shining beacon of sun soaked light. Take a stroll for an afternoon lunch break, smell the ocean and the delicious food spilling out from the restaurant kitchens. We recommend Rushworth Cafe or North Park for a great lunch spot with ample outdoor seating!

Ortolana | 33 Tyler Street
Ortolana's ethos of garden to table is perfect for summer, evoking ideas of fresh summery salads, light meals, and nature. Their beautiful glass canopy restaurant features an incredible outdoor area, with a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Britomart. Soak up the vibrant and stylish atmosphere Britomart is known for, all with delicious European cuisine.

Te Komititanga | Queen Street
Located at the harbour end of Queen Street and surrounded by beautiful architecture, Te Komititanga is a great spot to stop for lunch. A wide open space, with ample seating and sun, the design for the square weaves together the cultural and environmental heritage of the area, acknowledging the point where the Waitematā Harbour and the Waihorotiu stream that runs beneath the Queen Street valley meet.

Queens Wharf | 89 Quay Street

Enjoy your lunch break by the water's edge at Queens Wharf. Home to great views and venues like Shed 10 and The Cloud, there's also great grab-and-go lunch options like The White Lady, St Pierre's Sishi, Kapai and Wolf Coffee, perfect for enjoying outdoors.

Amey Daldy Park

Amey Daldy Park | Corner Pakenham and Daldy Streets
Amey Daldy Park is a new tree-filled field for lounging at the corner of Pakenham and Daldy Streets. It has rolling grassy knolls perfect for doing roly polys down the slopes if you’re young or young at heart. It’s also handily located for a picnic from The Rolling Pin just across the street or La Petite Fourchette a few metres up Daldy Street.

Victoria Park | Victoria Street West
Kick a ball around, swing on the swings or smash the skate park for your next lunch break. Victoria Park is a great location to take your lunch and burn your midday energy. Or just take a seat under one of the many trees or lay flat out in the middle of the park, take some me time and get some oxygen to your brain before you head back to work for the remainder of the day. 

Silo Park | Wynyard Quarter
Pick a spot on the grass or head further down and take a seat on one of the wooden benches on the wharf looking out at Silo Marina and the Harbour Bridge. There are a number of surrounding green spaces that are well worth checking out.

St Patricks Square | Swanson Street
This little piece of greenery is the perfect spot to soak up some rays during your next lunch break. Situated right behind St Patrick’s Cathedral, the terraced seating with a water feature flowing beside make for a peaceful location to reflect and re-energise to get through the next half of your day. 

Albert Park | Wellesley Street
Albert Park is your oasis in the city centre. Stroll through the park and take a look at the statues, water fountain, rotunda, and even the Auckland Art Gallery. 

The Terrace Cafe | Aotea Square
The Terrace Café is situated in the heart of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau's Aotea Arts Quarter over looking Aotea Square. The Terrace is a relaxing and spacious spot where you can enjoy a leisurely catch-up over a delicious meal or snack with friends and whānau