SailGP And Harbour-Side Stays: Our Team’s Insider Guide To An Auckland Long Weekend

Whether you’re a Tāmaki Makaurau local keen to see your city through fresh eyes, or plotting a quick escape to New Zealand’s most iconic harbour city, from epic experiences across the board to a thriving contemporary Māori culture, Auckland always delivers for a long weekend.

What makes it even better? Knowing exactly where to eat, play and stay no matter the season. We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites with help from Discover  Auckland  so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

Where To Eat

Lowkey, you’ll be hard pressed to find a food region as dynamic as Auckland. From traditional island fare to global flavours that send your tastebuds travelling, Tāmaki Makaurau turns even a casual meal into something memorable.

Start off night one strong with a plant-based feast at East. Sitting on the ground floor of the Sudima Hotel, this modern Asian spot serves a drool-worthy pan-Asian menu that’s around 75% vegan. Order the spicy kung pao with garlic eggplant, pair it with an organic Aotearoa wine and thank us later. Discover Samoan flavours in a sleek setting (read: total date night energy) at Tala, then head to Queens Rooftop for sky-high cocktails with Waitematā Harbour views.

For a meal served with jaw-dropping scenery, hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island and make a beeline for The Heke. Spread across four acres of lush gardens, this laid-back favourite easily fills an entire afternoon. Kick things off with a tasting flight from the on-site whisky distillery or brewery, then settle in for smashed burgers, hand-stretched pizzas and plates fired over a hulking Argentinian-style charcoal BBQ.

Tucked among the groves of Allpress Olive Groves, Bistro Allpress is all about celebrating Waiheke and Aotearoa produce, letting quality ingredients and that exceptional olive oil shine. Post-meal, wander into the Tasting Room for the signature olive oil experience.

Perfet for a final day outing, you can’t leave Waiheke without a winery stop. Man O’ War, perched on the island’s north-eastern tip gets our vote as a must-do. Wettle into the beachfront winery, pair a generous cheese plate with a crisp bottle of sav, and soak up dramatic coastal views. During summer, DJs keep the vibes rolling all day long. Pro tip: grab a bottle or two from the cellar door to take home.

Where To Play

Auckland is the ultimate harbour city for a coastal breakaway, where brews, beaches and seriously good kai all sit just minutes apart. Everything here is easy, ferries zip across the water, bars and breweries cluster along the waterfront, and island adventures feel close enough for a spontaneous day trip. While we could easily fill a month-long itinerary, these are the experiences you simply shouldn’t skip.

To soak up the city’s summer-on-the-water energy, get out on the harbour with the Explore Group. Weather depending be sure to book ahead before climbing aboard one of their 50-foot yachts for a laid-back sail with a drink in hand, or dial it up with a harbour dinner cruise or the America’s Cup sailing experience, perfect for tapping into that SailGP buzz. Back on land, wander Hobson Wharf and dive into Aotearoa’s maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa.  Top tip: bookings are essential. 

Craving something more adrenaline-fuelled? Jump on a ferry to Waiheke Island and head to EcoZip Adventures. Their three-hour zipline experience sends you soaring above vineyards and ancient forest canopy on dual cables stretching over 200 metres.

For a slower, nature-led escape, explore the outer Hauraki Gulf with Terra & Tide. Departing from Waiheke aboard a 41-foot catamaran, the experience pairs sailing with guided walks and a locally sourced lunch.

Where To Stay

Proof that a staycation absolutely qualifies as a holiday. Whether you’re visiting Auckland or live local, these are the slumber spots the team keeps on repeat. With many exciting events on the horizon make sure to book in nice and early to ensure the best stay for you and your long weekend crew. 

You can’t go wrong with a suite at Sudima Auckland City. These new boutique digs sit just a sun-soaked stroll to the waterfront and Wynyard Quarter dining precinct, ideal if you’re in town for SailGP. Add a booking at on-site EAST restaurant and you’ve got all the reasons you need to make this your base.

Sleek, contemporary and rich in history, Legacy Airedale occupies a beautifully reimagined heritage building in the heart of Auckland’s theatre district. Right on Queen Street, it puts you in the thick of the city.

Travelling with a crew? Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments delivers a swanky stay without compromising on space. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all decked out in plush furnishings and positioned just steps from the city and the harbour. 

If you’re in full treat-yourself mode, Hilton Auckland is it. Sitting pretty on Princes Wharf, it pairs sleek rooms and suites with knockout waterfront views, and makes the perfect launch pad for nearby foodie favourites like FISH, Botswana Butchery and wine bar Somm.

For something extra special, slip into island time at Omana. This ultra-luxe Waiheke escape is pure romance, with four private villas perched on a secluded hilltop overlooking Woodside Bay. Expect sunrise views over vineyards, a private beach, and just enough distance from the city to feel worlds away, while still being close enough to ferry back for dinner on the harbour. 

For more on why you should book a trip to Auckland, visit here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Discover Auckland and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here. 

Image credit: Supplied, East Sudima Auckland.