Sun-drenched
The holidays may be over but summer isn’t. Enjoy the long, warm evenings at these outdoor eateries and rooftop bars, writes Sarah Pollok
NORTHLAND
Embrace Northland’s warm nights at the vibrant Loco bar on Whangārei’s Town Basin waterfront. Serving up South American-inspired tapas and incredible cocktails under bright umbrellas it’s Insta-perfect and just as tasty to boot.
Russell’s Duke of Marlborough is well known for offering fine dining with a view, but for those who want gourmet meals and quality drinks without the fuss, walk through to the relaxed garden bar, hidden beside the restaurant and hotel.
For a sunrise coffee with a view, make sure to stop by the charming Little Kitchen Cafe. Overlooking the Mangonui Harbour, it’s a perfect spot to watch the world go by over a classic custard slice or mince pie.
WAIKATO
In the classic summer beach town of Raglan, few places are better to chill out in the sun than George’s Beach Club in the main street. Gather some friends and order up some wood-fired pizza, sharing plates and drinks to see you through the lazy afternoon.
Mr Pickles Bar and Eatery may constantly change up their seasonal menu and cuisine but their stunning view of the Waikato River will always stay the same. Order some of their lovingly crafted dishes along with a lavish cocktail before settling in for a few hours.
THE COROMANDEL
Mention “Luke’s” to any local and they’ll know exactly who you’re talking about. Beloved by regulars and visitors alike, Luke’s Kitchen is found in the tiny village of Kūaotunu and serves up chill vibes, beach sunrises and sunsets alongside their famous pizzas.
Oysters from Coromandel, macadamias from Cathedral Cove and microgreens are grown onsite; the menu crafted by award-winning chef Graeme Riki at Tairua Beach Club pays tribute to the region’s natural abundance. Set on the edge of Tairua’s marina, grab an outside table to enjoy the marina during the day and sunset across the Tairua River at night.
BAY OF PLENTY
Amble down a little laneway in the heart of Mount Maunganui, and you may find a sundrenched courtyard known as Hide Bar. Here you can tuck into small plates and wood-fired pizzas, and, as the sun sets, the warmth of an open fire and great music.
Quick trip to Bali anyone? It’ll sure feel it at this coffee garden and juice bar, Secret Garden Waihı¯ Beach. A five-minute walk from Waihı¯ Beach, stop by in the evening while the fairy lights are on and live music is playing to enjoy some frozen cocktails and tasty sharing platters.
You may go to the newly opened Lantern Pāpāmoa for its tropical yet classy outdoor dining but you’ll certainly stay for the Southeast Asian dishes whipped up by 26-year-old chef William Dang. Soak up a long sunset with some tiger prawn rolls, wok-tossed mushrooms or cured kingfish.
Kids not quite done at the beach? No worries, grab a seat at Black Sand Pizzeria and Bistro, Welcome to GodsOwn Brewery, where the where you can enjoy a pizza and craft beer while countryside views, seasonal beers on ¯tapatOandlookingout akura Beach. Or, follow up your wood-fired pizzas make for an atmosphere “so date-night drink with a sunset stroll along the relaxed it’s virtually horizontal”. Which, after a sand. summer’s day exploring Hawke’s Bay, sounds If you love boats and brunch, you’ll love The like the perfect position to us. Bach on Breakwater, on the edge of Breakwater
A spectacular view of Ahuriri Harbour and a Bay. Start the day with a morning stroll across sunset across the Ruahine Ranges is paired with the Coastal Walkway before arriving at 9am. an impressive range of beer, wine, and gins at Then, tuck into some brunch while looking out Gintrap. Add some dishes made with Hawke’s at boats launching from Port Taranaki. Bay’s finest fresh produce and your evening is If you’re in the mood for a quick trip to Italy, set. the bistro cuisine and rolling hills at The
Vineyard will transport you “pronto”. Set among
HAWKE’S BAY GISBORNE
Few things spell summer like long warm nights and ice-cold craft beer. You can get both at New Zealand’s oldest independent brewery in Gisborne, Sunshine Brewery. Operating since 1989, Sunshine doesn’t just have award-winning beer but plenty of outdoor seating where you can soak up that afternoon sun.
TAUPŌ
There’s only one place to go for panoramic Lake Taupō views in the heart of town. Even better, The Deck Taupō has gorgeous cocktails, fresh fusion cuisine, pool tables and card games to keep everyone in the group entertained during these long light nights.
RUAPEHU
You’ve heardŌ of the hakune Carrot, but have you tried the Carrot Margarita? Whether you’re keen for an unusual beverage or just looking for a spot to take in Mt Ruapehu at sunset, the iconic KingsŌ hakune is loved by locals and visitors for its charming summer vibes.
Remote, refined and conservation-focused, there’s nothing like catching the sunset over Whanganui and Tongariro National Park while being served a lavish 10-course degustation menu. Tucked in the heart of the North Island, The Chef’s Table at Blue Duck Station offers both in a bucket-list dining experience.
TARANAKI
the vines of Okurukuru Winery, you can dig into several of their top-notch tapas as the sun sets across a panoramic view of the Taranaki coast.
MANAWATŪ
If you’re in Palmerston North and hunting for a humble watering hole that has sun, excellent beer, live music and delicious platters, make your way to Brew Union on King St. Pull up a seat inside the old industrial building or in the open-air courtyard and grab a tasting paddle to go with a wood-fired pizza.
WELLINGTON
Cute, quirky and a little bit nerdy, ScorchO-Rama is as “Wellington” as cafes come. Locallyroasted Havana coffee and classic brunch dishes can be eaten inside (where comic book covers line the walls) or across the little coast road where tables sit on the edge of Karaka Bay.
If you can’t tell from the name, Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar is hard to find unless you know where to look. With a view begging to be Instagrammed, few places are better to enjoy a cold drink as you watch the sun go down and the city light up.
MARLBOROUGH
Hidden away in the Blenheim CBD are the lush gardens of The Yard Bar. the perfect place to sit back and recharge. Awarded “Best Bar in Marlborough” by WildTomato magazine, this watering hole has plenty of outdoor seating making it a great place to sit back and enjoy a cold drink during these warm evenings.
A day that begins with a freshly-pressed toastie, coffee and a sunrise surely can’t be a bad one. All of the above is on offer at Toastie Picton (as well as doughnuts), just a stone’s throw from the iconic Picton foreshore.
KAIKŌURA
Built in circa 1885, The Pier Hotel is as charming as ever and has some of the best views of Ingels Bay and the Kaikōura Ranges from the bar, balcony and restaurant. Order one of their iconic seafood dishes and nab an outdoor seaside picnic table on the grass for a long afternoon lunch.