Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. And, every night, she puts on a stunning display as the sun sinks behind the horizon. It’s a spectacular moment that deserves to be savoured.
Here are some of the best spots around Auckland for taking in a sunset, from restaurants and rooftop bars, to getaways, beaches and beyond (check out this helpful website to find out when exactly sunset hits).
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Restaurants
Origine
Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Origine | Instagram
If you're looking for dinner with a side of sunset, Auckland restaurant Origine is hard to beat. You (and the luxe decor) will be treated to gorgeous golden-hour views from across the adjacent harbour, while tucking into swanky French food and drink from top Kiwi chef Ben Bayly. Alternatively, head upstairs via the exquisite glass-brick staircase to take in the sunset from their chic mezzanine bar.
Sails Restaurant
103-11 Westhaven Drive, St Marys Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Sails Restaurant | Website
Yachts and fine dining—can you name a more dazzling combination? Treat yourself to the land version of a luxury dinner at sea, and book in for a night of waterfront dining at Sails (which also doubles as one of the best restaurants with sunset views Auckland has to offer). Whether it’s a romantic soiree for two or a sophisticated celebration, your occasion is sure to be special in the company of their stellar wine selection and beautiful cuisine. As one of Auckland’s best waterfront eateries, expect stunning views of Westhaven Marina, which glitters mesmerisingly at sunset and into the night.
Onslow
9 Princes Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Onslow | @lukefoleymartin via Instagram
You certainly don't need another excuse to visit Onslow, but here's one anyway: the dreamy sunset views from their garden terrace. Drink in the last of the day's light as it peaks from behind a skyscraper-dotted horizon, while dining on top-notch fare from Josh Emett and his talented kitchen crew and of course, sipping on drinks proper. Sticking around for a night-cap at this, one of the best sunset dinner spots Auckland has to offer, is obvs essential.
Onemata
Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Onemata | Instagram
This Park Hyatt showstopper is a must-try, at least once (but preferably many, many more times). The hotel is built on a site previously used as a base for Emirates Team New Zealand and that patriotism is reflected in Onemata’s menu which features locally sourced fresh produce, seafood and livestock. Slurp down a bowl of chow fun noodles, slam some lightly fried buttermilk chicken, and dig into chocolate ‘soil’ that slaps. Don't forget the free side of sunset.
Harbour Society & HI-SO
SO/ Auckland, 67 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD
Image credit: SO/ Auckland | Website
Everyone knows that the best sunset views come from on high, and Harbour Society more than fits the bill with its lofty position, 15 storeys up. The view is all the more exquisite when enjoyed with a glass of French rosé and a selection of shared seafood plates. And in a case of some-people-get-all-the-luck, SO/ Auckland also houses a rooftop bar, HI-SO (pictured), with equally impressive sunset views.
You might also like:
- More Restaurants Made For Sunset Gazing
- Auckland's Best Sunrises
- More Rooftop Bars Primed For Soaking Up The Sun
Rooftop Bars
Sunset
10th Floor, Sudima Auckland City, 63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Sunset | Website
It's called Sunset for a reason, guys. Sitting pretty at 10 floors above street level, this beautiful bar was quite literally made for soaking up those gorgeous late afternoon/early evening rays. Warm the cockles with a bespoke cocktail (you'll want to go for the Sunset Spritz, naturally), while you bathe in wave after sunny wave of nature's glory. Don't forget to add some Mumbai-style snacks into the mix, for even more heat.
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
Level 21/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Queens Rooftop & Wineshop | Instagram
For sunset cocktails, It's hard to beat this restaurant that's perched 21 floors above the city. Pull up a pew on their 360-degree wrap-around rooftop bar and drink in the view (and the cocktails) at Queens Rooftop & Wineshop. Don't skip their dreamy torched taleggio, an immaculate masterpiece with pickled shittake and merlot syrup.
Bar Albert
38th Floor, Voco Auckland City Centre, 13 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Albert | Instagram
Of course Auckland's highest rooftop bar is gonna have immaculate sunset views. We're talking about Bar Albert, the spot 38 floors up inside the voco Auckland City Centre hotel where you can enjoy cocktails, wine, and a killer G&T selection with a side of lush pink and orange-hued skies, for absolutely free. The best place to enjoy them? On the cosy open-air deck.
The Churchill
Inside Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, 396 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Churchill | Facebook
We'll be honest, we don't know how Winston Churchill felt about sunsets, but we're pretty sure even he would be able to see the beauty in one after a gin or two at this rooftop bar, named in his honour. Enjoy golden-hour rays while perusing the biggest gin selection in the country (160 and counting), complemented by a selection of beautifully 'elevated' eats. Yes, when it comes to sunset cocktails, Auckland icon The Churchill is achieving a definitive victory.
Rooftop AT QT
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Westhaven, Auckland
Image credit: Rooftop At QT | Website
If you’re looking to elevate your next day or night out in the City of Sails, look no further than the stunning Rooftop At QT. Perched six storeys above the Viaduct, this expansive space will have you living out your boujee dreams in style (and in sunset). Order up some mezze snacks from the on-site restaurant which offers tastes from Esther’s Mediterranean-inspired menu,alongside espresso martinis and a (guaranteed delicious) rotating guest cocktail on tap.
Getaways
Ruru PurePod
Waikino, Coromandel
Image credit: PurePods | Website
A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod is one of the most romantic getaways we've ever been on (and that's saying something). It's so jaw-droppingly beautiful we had to mute our first look video clips else risk subjective viewers to a string of jubilant expletives. Arrive in plenty of daylight and primed for a mini-trek across farmland (just 600m) then pull up a lounger, kick back and drink it all in, ideally with a glass of bubbles in hand. Do book the dinner and breakfast hamper package and throw in your runners for a spot of adventuring in the nearby Karangahake Gorge or Hauraki Rail Trail. Scope our full review here.
Castaways
685 Karioitahi Road, Waiuku
Image credit: Castaways | Website
Sitting pretty on clifftops overlooking Kariotahi Beach, Castaways' location couldn’t be more romantic. Cast away your worries and watch the black sand melt into the ocean and the sky beyond from the comfort of your very own private studio. Can't be bothered with the hassle of cooking in your own kitchen? Castaways Resort has an on-site restaurant on the clifftop so you don't even need to worry about dealing with the washing up. Sip on a wine wine and enjoy the best of New Zealand's local produce while admiring the panoramic views.
The Glasshouse
78 Te Whara Way, Taiharuru, Whangarei
Image credit: The Glasshouse | Facebook
The Glasshouse is dreamy opulence on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy champagne on arrival while you ponder what to indulge in first: will you live your mermaid fantasy in the saltwater reticulated rockpool, go for a cheeky dip in the private cove or spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock among ancient Pohutukawa trees? If the decision proves too taxing you can opt for a cleanse instead and, with a touch of a button, enjoy million-dollar views of the ocean while you shower. Yaaaaaas. Without a doubt, this is one of the most romantic getaways within driving distance of Auckland.
No Booking Required
Piha Beach
Marine Parade, Piha, Auckland
Image credit: Piha | @Hamish via Riparide
First things first, no list of Auckland sunsets would be complete without talking about the much-loved Piha. This is the West Coast at its finest—black sand, rugged coastlines and enormous surf. Pop a picnic rug on the sand or climb the iconic Lion Rock if you dare for a good vantage point of the sun’s rays. Pro tip: Be sure to pack a jacket because Piha gets chilly once the sun goes down.
Maungawhau/Mount Eden
250 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Image credit: Maungawhau/Mount Eden | Trip Ideas
There are not many places in the world where you can sit on the banks of a volcano to watch the sun set—but in Auckland, you can. Though there are more than 50 volcanoes to choose from, one of our sunset faves is Maungawhau/Mount Eden. The suburban volcano boasts 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Lay in the arms of your significant other as you watch the sun set over the Waitakere Ranges—romantic much?
Bastion Point
19 Hapimana Street, Orakei, Auckland
Image credit: Bastion Point | @ange_79_ via Instagram
Overlooking the glistening Waitemata Harbour, you’ll find sunset hotspot Bastion Point. From here, you can watch the city’s skyline turn into a silhouette as the sun says goodbye for the day. What’s more, Bastion Point is just around the corner from Mission Bay so it’s the perfect spot for a pre or post-sunset dinner or ice cream.
Maukatia/Maori Bay And/Or Muriwai Beach
Muriwai, Auckland
Image credit: Muriwai Beach | @kristinamonts via Instagram
Load up the car and set your sights for Muriwai Beach and nearby Maukatia Bay. The gannet colony is the perfect subject matter for budding photographers. Wildlife, surf and dramatic cliffs… talk about being picture perfect. Alternatively, opt to get fish and chips from the local takeaway shop and find a spot on the black sand beach of Muriwai or Maukatia Bay as you watch the sun go down.
Takarunga/Mount Victoria
24 Kerr Street, Devonport, Auckland
Image credit: Takarunga/Mount Victoria | @lilia.alexander via Instagram
Another fab volcano to witness a sunset from is Takarunga/Mount Victoria on the North Shore. The grassy banks provide the perfect pozzy to set up a picnic and there’s even a few conveniently placed benches looking towards the city skyline. From Mount Vic, you also get a bird’s-eye view of the super cute Devonport villas below—total house goals.
Waiheke Island
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Image credit: Waiheke Island | @bymyguestwaiheke via Instagram
You haven’t seen a sunset until you’ve witnessed a Waiheke sunset. This oh-so-Instagramable spot is praised for putting on quite the show. Think incredible cloud formations and breathtaking colours of red, violet and everything in between. Find a perch overlooking the island’s vineyards and sit back and enjoy—preferably with a glass of vino in hand.
Want more Auckland intel? Check out:
- The Best Beaches For Soaking Up A Sunset
- Romantic & Sunset-Friendly Airbnbs
- Restaurants With The Sunset Factor
Main image credit: Rowan Nicholson
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