Summer in Auckland: Where to stay, eat and play this season

When summer hits Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the city transforms. Auckland comes alive in the sun, and this year, the energy feels bigger than ever.

From world-class dining and outdoor gigs to island escapes and sporting events, summer is a great time to explore Auckland’s harbour lifestyle.

Whether you’re flying in for a summer break or settling in for a summer staycation, ready to enjoy Auckland’s line-up of events, here’s how to make the most of every moment.

Experience Auckland in December

The city warms up, literally and figuratively. As the days grow longer, the waterfront fills with festive after-work catchups, the laneways glow with fairy lights, and locals ease into the holiday mood. It’s also the perfect time for a pre-silly-season break, and an effortless escape for those flying in from across the Tasman.

Kick off the season by discovering Auckland on the water. Board a Fullers360 ferry to Waiheke Island where warmer days are best spent drifting between beaches, vineyards, and laid-back island hospitality. It’s the ultimate spot for an end-of-year escape, whether you’re gathering the crew for a long pre-Christmas lunch or slipping into holiday mode a little early.

While there, join Waiheke Wine Tours for a curated tasting journey through boutique vineyards, or toast the season with a lunch at Man O’ War set on the island’s eastern edge. Between sips, zip through the treetops with EcoZip Adventures, or settle in at The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery for local craft brews, gin, and a round on their new golf simulator. If you prefer to explore under your own steam, hire an e-bike from eRide Waiheke and weave your way between bays and cellar doors at your own pace.

Back on the mainland, make time for some festive shopping. Westfield Newmarket offers a one-stop destination with designer stores, a cinema, and rooftop dining. There’s even a shuttle connecting to SkyCity, making it easy to pair a shopping spree with a stay in the central city. In the city centre, wander between the curated boutiques of Britomart and the stylish collection of shops at Commercial Bay, where you’ll easily tick off your Christmas shopping list (with a few treats for yourself).

If you want to be first in line at the shops, check in to Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, perfectly placed for exploring central city stores and famous for its daily Chocolate Hour, an irresistibly sweet afternoon pick-me-up after a day’s shopping.

Aotea Centre hosts events year-round, and December is no different, it’s the perfect time to catch a festive show or concert in the heart of the city. Just around the corner, The Civic offers a touch of old-world glamour, lighting up with theatre, music, and dance through the holiday season (see what’s on in Auckland this December.)

Stay nearby at the Legacy Airedale Hotel, ideally located for dinner, a show, and a short stroll back to your room afterwards. If you’ve got time the next day, explore the surrounding arts and dining scene and discover the best things to do around Aotea Centre.

Experience Auckland in January

Peak summer, peak holiday energy. In January, the city hums with long lunches, beach outings and outdoor adventures that make the most of warm blue-sky days. For visitors, January’s sunshine hours and sporting events are reason enough to plan a visit, while locals can rediscover their own backyard with plenty of activities to fill the holiday agenda.(see what’s on in Auckland this January.)

January is Auckland’s time to host world-class sport. Between 5-17 January, the ASB Classic tennis tournament brings international stars to the city, filling the stands — and nearby bars — with a buzzing atmosphere.

Between matches, slow things down with a long lunch in the Viaduct or Wynyard Quarter. Grab a table overlooking the marina and share seafood platters, or head to rooftop favourites across the city for a round of sundowners. (Discover more of the best spots to eat and drink around the Viaduct Harbour and beyond.)

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a central-city staycation, it’s a great time of year to base yourself by the water at one of the city’s harbourfront hotels. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour pairs luxury with unbeatable views of superyachts and the harbour. Also near the Viaduct, QT Auckland brings plenty of personality to your stay with playful in-room design and a chance to experience golden hour at its best at Rooftop at QT with cocktails at sunset.

If you’re after a modern city stay with all the creature comforts, Sudima Auckland City or voco Auckland City Centre also offer contemporary rooms within walking distance of all the central city action. Or, for something bold and character-filled, Abstract Hotel puts you right on Karangahape Road, surrounded by diverse dining options, late-night bars, and live-music venues.

January’s settled weather makes it the ideal time to get out on the water. Auckland Sea Kayaks can take you paddling across to Rangitoto Island for a sunset climb — a must-do summer moment. Or, if you prefer a slower pace, hop on a Fullers360 ferry to the island instead to stroll the volcanic trails and take in panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Want to venture further? Join an Explore Group cruise to Tiritiri Matangi or Rotoroa Island, both wildlife sanctuaries alive with native birds and pristine beaches, perfect for a day of exploring nature.

Why not start the new year by ticking off a bucket list activity: a bungy jump. Head to the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the Bridge Bungy by AJ Hackett Bungy. Take in sweeping views of the Waitematā before leaping from one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, or opt for the Bridge Climb for the same unbeatable perspective with a little less adrenaline.

Extend your summer holiday with a SeaLink Ferry trip to Aotea Great Barrier Island, the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and the ultimate destination to unplug for a few days without going far.

Experience Auckland in February

Image credit: Sail GP

The heat lingers, but the pace softens. February is Auckland at its most relaxed, when the peak-season crowds drift home and the city settles into a slower summer groove. But there’s still plenty of action to catch, in a city alive with concerts, sport and waterfront celebrations. It’s a great time of year to book a longer stay, so you have plenty of time to explore the harbour, outdoor activities and local dining at a laidback pace.

SailGP returns to Auckland this month, bringing international sailing action back to the Waitematā. The harbour turns into a spectacle of speed and skill, as the world’s fastest foiling catamarans skim the surface. Join the crowds in the Viaduct Harbour, where waterfront bars buzz with race-day energy.

With plenty of warmth and sunshine, February is a great time to get out on the water yourself. Head 40 minutes north of the city to the laidback Hibiscus Coast, where you can hire a jet ski with Hibiscus JetSki Hire. Spend time exploring the coastline, or join a tour to visit local islands.

Back in the city, it’s all about sun-drenched afternoons exploring and long, balmy evenings relaxing at your hotel. For an elegant city stay, Cordis Auckland invites relaxation and a chance for a pamper session at Chuan Spa or to indulge in their popular champagne high tea.

Hilton Auckland keeps you right on the harbour’s edge with its signature sophistication, where sunsets are best complemented with cocktails at in-house restaurant, FISH. Foodies will love staying central and the chance to eat their way through favourite dining spots, including Auckland’s best bars and restaurants.

Or check into The Hotel Britomart for a stylish and convenient stay surrounded by boutiques and laneway bars. For a touch of old-school charm, Hotel DeBrett offers art deco glamour and access to Britomart’s nearby dining scene.

Culture seekers can cool off indoors with an afternoon exploring history and interactive exhibits at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum. Or, step into the movie magic of Wētā Workshop Unleashed, an interactive film effects experience where fantastical creatures, miniature worlds, and blockbuster secrets come to life.

For a must-see cultural spectacle, February also welcomes the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (19-21 February) for the first time ever, bringing the rhythm of pipes and drums from over 1000 performers to Eden Park. Get ready for emotionally charged entertainment!

Then make a night of it at SkyCity. Explore the dining precinct, home to some of Auckland’s best restaurants, from elegant fine dining to casual bites, then catch a live show at SkyCity Theatre. For something truly memorable, head up the Sky Tower to Orbit 360° Dining, where the city revolves around you as you enjoy dinner with a view.

And if you’re not ready for the night to end, stay right in the action at SkyCity Hotel, The Grand by SkyCity or nearby Rydges Auckland, all within steps of the theatre and the Federal Street dining scene. If you’d like to wake up to harbour views, book a top-floor room at Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland, just minutes from the Viaduct and SkyCity precincts.

As the city edges toward autumn, Auckland is not letting go of the summer vibes just yet. Live music gigs, waterfront pop-ups, and summer shows keep the buzz alive right through the warm evenings. Make a plan by checking out what’s on in Auckland this February. Of special note is Moana Auckland, running from 28 February to 15 March, featuring a unique line-up of events which capture the spirit of summer, the power of the ocean, and the cultural heartbeat of Tāmaki Makaurau.