Best sundowner spots in the city centre

Make the most of the long, light autumn nights in the heart of the city. There are so many great places in the city centre to share some food, a cheeky cocktail or two and watch the sun go down - check out some of our favourites below.  

The Shucker Brothers | 99 Quay Street

Enjoy an autumnal evening by basking in the sun and enjoying fresh and delicious oysters. The Shucker Brothers is located in the Historic Ferry Building right on the water, ideal for those long summer evenings when all you want to do is  just sit back and take in the atmosphere. The selection of oysters is impressive to say the least, and best enjoyed with a refreshing beverage such as a glass of champagne, or perhaps a Shucker’s Brew beer. 

Mediterranean dishes at Rooftop at QT

Rooftop at QT | 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue

Perched above it all on the sixth floor, Rooftop at QT offers a peak drink and dine experience flowing from laid back afternoons to lavish late nights. With incredible harbour and city views, you won't be disappointed with a sunset drink at this venue. Head in this month to make the most of the Terrace Malfy experience, enjoy a curated Malfy Gin cocktail list, live DJs and Mediterranean eats. 

Sardine | 149 Quay Street

Sardine is hidden away behind White + Wong’s on the waterfront, and is a fun little hidden bar serving up bespoke and always delectable cocktails. Right on the water, Sardine should most definitely be next on your list for an evening drink this summer. Quench your thirst with a classic negroni, or maybe a drink you’ve never tried before, like the Portside Sour, with plymouth sloe, port, egg white, lemon, and plum powder.  

Saint Alice | 204 Quay Street

Offering up spectacular views of the harbour and delicious eats, this bar and eatery is light and bright, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it too easy to wile away a weekend afternoon indulging in the menu and soaking up the sun! The cocktail menu has something to satisfy everyone, from a chilli margarita, rum and bubbles or an apple cooler. 

Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. | 204 Quay Street 

Relax, unwind and bask in the sun at Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. How does a cold beer or refreshing cocktail while enjoying breathtaking views of the Viaduct Harbour sound? If you're looking to fill your afternoon, be sure to stop by for their 2 hours of bottomless frosé deal!

La Zeppa | 33 Drake Street

La Zeppa functions as both a trendy bar showcasing local djs and a more relaxed and chic tapas restaurant. Transport yourself to a summer in Spain, ordering a selection of small plates from the menu, like garlic prawns, housemade flatbread, and sesame crusted beef. The wine list is seriously good as well, but if you aren’t wanting to decide between cocktails or wine, then why not try the Frose, or an iced Blanc. 

Captain’s Bar | 99 Halsey Street

Nestled in the opulent Park Hyatt hotel, Captain’s Bar is a comfortingly cosy space reminiscent of a grand ship, with panelled wood walls and a roaring fireplace. The bar also boasted over 60 rums on the menu from all over the world, to complement the food menu which is designed by Argentinian chef Leo Minelli.  The Argentinian flair is evident in the bar menu, which features the likes of chorizo and potato croquettes, Kikorangi and honey empanadas, and a tropical prawn ceviche. 

The Glass Goose | 78 Federal Street

Make your way up a hidden staircase to The Glass Goose, a bar and eatery modelled off a Garden Glass house. You can easily forget you are right in the bustling heart of the city, free to relax and indulge during the long summer evenings. The food menu features fresh and seasonal produce which screams summer, like mussel fritters, chilli clams, and prawn tacos. When it comes to beverages, The Glass Goose cocktails will never fail to impress, from classics like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned, or the more summery Beekeepers Blossom. 

The Parasol & Swing Company | 204 Quay Street

A classic rooftop bar in the heart of the city, Parasol & Swing Company is an award-winning venue known for their delightful cocktails and swinging atmosphere. The seasonal cocktail menu is tailor made for those buzzing summer evenings, with choices like the Orange Rose spritz, Banana-Miso sour, and the Crimson & Clover club. Collect a group of friends and order some nibbles to line the stomach, perhaps a New Zealand cheese board or some indulgent fried chicken. 

The Conservatory | 17 Jellicoe Street

During the golden hour right before the sun sets in the City of Sails, The Conservatory is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and some hearty food. Picked out by the passionate staff, the drinks list has something for everyone, like the classic Margarita or Moscow mule, guest tap beer, and of course local wines. The pizzas at The Conservatory are famous for their impressive 18 inch size, and delectable toppings like pulled pork, cajun chicken, or Marlborough salmon.