Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers
These vibrant beachfront suburbs are lined with eateries and shops.
Take a dip in the sea, hire a kayak, try stand-up paddle boarding with Mission Bay Watersports, or just relax with a family picnic and throw a Frisbee around.
Head to St Heliers boat ramp for a guided sea kayaking tour of Auckland’s harbour and nearby islands. The tours run every day and you can choose between a half-day, full-day or sunset experience.
Dive into some great food, served with seaside views and a relaxed vibe, or tuck into fresh fish and chips, a tasty bakery pastry or a delicious gelato on the beach. Walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade with the fitness fans along scenic Tamaki Drive, the main waterfront road from the city centre.
The views from Tamaki Drive alone are superb, but take it up a notch at Michael Savage Memorial, a hilltop public space at Bastion Point.
And if you’re with kids, Kelly Tarlton’s SEALIFE Aquarium is a must. See the world’s largest Antarctic penguin colony exhibit, as well as stingrays, sharks and thousands of fish in the walk-through aquarium.