Fun Events & Things to Do in Auckland in Summer

In a city of sky and sea, Auckland summer events are what we live for, and we’re down to share the love. So if you’re searching for things to do in Auckland in summer, look no further.

 

Beach, please…

We know we have the best beaches, but we love it when you tell us anyway. Let’s start at Sentinel. It’s teeny compared to others, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in sun lounges and shady trees. Shady in the good sense, not in the ‘you just stole my seat, and I’m giving you side-eye’ way. If you like your beach time with a little more adrenalin, take a long jump off a short pier at Home Bay Beach. Over east, there’s St Heliers, known for its gorgeous water and ample snack locations. 

 

Speaking of Snacks…

Fish ‘n chips. Here’s where to get them, and get them good. Fish Smith in Herne Bay, with fish tacos, soft shell crab burgers and whitebait fritters, of course. It’s F&C gone healthy but staying delicious. Next, Big J’s, Mt Wellington. HUGE burgers. Classic fish ‘n chips. This is authentic, deep-fried goodness. Also – the Fish & Chip Shop. Because when you know what you want, you need the shop that says it in their name, right? The fish is fresh, there’s grilling action if you fancy it, and you can feast on fritters, like corn or mussel! Three locations: Sandringham, Westmere and Epsom.

 

Water We Do Now?

Get out onto the bay if you know what’s good for you! The sea air, the salt, the soothing calls of gruff-throated seabirds… it’s all about the atmosphere. Out in the Hauraki Gulf, there are lots of islands. Once you pick a place for your Robinson Crusoe adventure, the options are endless. Jump ashore at Great Barrier Island for top-notch surfing, and camp on Motutapu Island. Or do ‘THE’ island – Rangitoto. Hike up, chill out and admire the view forever.

 

Sundaes for Days

Today is a day ending in Y, which means it’s the right time for an ice cream sundae. At Silo Park, the Christmas Festivities take over every year, and part of the fun is an ice cream sundae festival! Hooray! Along with all the sweet frozen cream you can eat, there’s live music, food trucks and visits from Santa! If that sounds like your cup of tea, what are you waiting for?

 

Celebrate New Years’ Eve

Auckland leads the way in many things, so it’s no surprise we also kick off the NYE celebrations for the whole world! Yes, it might be a happy coincidence that we’re the furthest east, but it gives us a great responsibility: to set off as many fireworks in as short a space of time as humanly possible. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill are the best places to see them for free. Once you’ve done the hike, you’ll deserve the rewards.

 

Shark Love

Let’s have a serious chat about cage diving with sharks, which you can do at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Is it amazing? Utterly. Is it safe? Yes, if you mean not actually getting eaten by the apex predator of the sea. A guaranteed encounter with sharks is a cool and unusual way to welcome in the new year, and it will set the tone for your most adventurous year yet! The champions at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium will even lend you a Go-Pro so you can film your hilarious expression the moment the first toothy mate sidles up alongside you. Just remember to breathe… and get your tickets online.