Things to do in Auckland this Summer
Our hotel accommodation near the Parnell Rose Gardens means you will be close to all the action this summer, from Christmas and foodie markets, to relaxing at the beach and trying out some of the city’s best restaurants.
Beaches
Mission Bay
Walk or bike to Mission Bay along the waterfront for scenic views across to Rangitoto and people-watching. Once you’re there, be sure to treat yourself to some delicious ice cream from Movenpick and sunbathe on the beach.
Judges Bay
Judges Bay is a short walk from our accommodation and a great place to take a quick dip, enjoy the BBQ area with family or friends, or take a nice stroll through the Parnell Rose Gardens which has great views of the Waitematā Harbour.
Restaurants and Bars
Pineapple Bar
A charming and exclusive cocktail lounge bar, Pineapple on Parnell is located at 207 Parnell Road, and provides a great array of cocktails, beer on tap, and delicious wines. Be sure to dress your best before you go and enjoy everything this bar has to offer.
Britomart Cocktail Hour
Every Thursday between 12-2pm, Seedlip Drinks will be at Britomart offering free seasonal non-alcoholic cocktails in the sun. There will be DJs/Artists supplying great music, and more on the lawn in Takutai Square.
The Paddington
If you’re a sports fan and love pub food, look no further than The Paddington, a bar with great food, drinks, and even a pool table and darts to play among friends old and new. The Paddington is a short walk from our accommodation on St Georges Bay Road in the Textile Loft Buildings.
Christmas Activities
Christmas Saturdays in the City Centre
Every Saturday in December, the city centre will be immersed in different festivities.. If you’re heading to Queen Street, expect to see street performers, live music, and take part in either ice cream or doughnut giveaways for a sweet treat!
While you’re on Queen Street, pay a visit to Smith & Caughey’s. Every year they have a new magical window display and this year’s theme is based on a children’s picture book titled "The Twelve Elves Of Christmas" written by Evie Day and illustrated by Liam Darcy. Make sure to book online to see Santa at his Enchanted Forest for your little ones!
If you’d like more family-friendly activities to do on Saturday (and Sunday), head to SkyCity and witness the beautiful decorations on display. This year there’s a gold Christmas tree, a light forest, and giant nutcrackers. There will also be festive songs, fun performances by Scotty Sky Tower, and a chance for your little ones to get a free photo with Santa and friends!
A Very Tasty Christmas Market
On the first weekend of December, The Cloud on Queens Wharf will host a wonderful (and tasty) Christmas market where you’ll find delicious wines, speciality drinks, gift stalls, gourmet treats, card making workshops, and be entertained by live music, kids & adults games, a story corner and turn your little ones (or yourself) into festive characters with their face painting station. Entry is only $5 at the door, with children under 12 entering for free.
Artisan Christmas Market
There’s a new market in town this year and it’s bringing all the Christmas and festive cheer to Auckland’s waterfront the first weekend of December. The Artisan Christmas Market will have craft workshops, gift stalls, yummy food, and more activities, as well as an appearance by Santa
Family Activities
Stroll Through the Parnell Rose Gardens
The Parnell Rose Gardens are a short walk from our accommodation and the perfect place to go to be surrounded by a beautiful oasis of over 5000 roses. If you’re a fan of roses, you’ll be delighted to know many have been planted by internationally recognised rose breeders, and the Nancy Steen Garden has a collection of heritage roses.
Picnic at the Auckland Domain and Check out The Wintergardens
The Auckland Domain is a wonderful spot in Parnell for a picnic or taking a leisurely stroll in nature, if you’re hungry check out the delicious Wintergarden Cafe which has plenty of outdoor seating that overlooks the park and a large pond that homes plenty of ducks, geese, and other wildlife species. Make sure to visit The Wintergardens before you leave and immerse yourself in all the wonderful flowers and plants it has to offer.
See the Auckland skyline at Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Auckland City has a beautiful skyline and one of the best places to see it is at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park which offers panoramic views overlooking Rangitoto Island and the Waitematā Harbour. Here you’ll also find landscaped gardens, a sunken pool (not for swimming), and a tall obelisk.