What would your Auckland summer look like?

There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy over the colder months, but ask any Aucklander and they’ll tell you that nothing beats our summer.

The New Zealand summer starts 1 December and officially finishes at the end of February. That said, the weather is generally pleasant and calm from September until the end of April.

Most businesses have a mandatory shutdown period over the festive season, usually closing just before Christmas and reopening early to mid-January.

There is a cluster of public (bank) holidays around this period, with Auckland Anniversary Day and Waitangi Day being celebrated over the summer months. Schools also break for a six-week summer holiday over this time.

Many Aucklanders take a break from work over this period to spend quality time with friends and family and to recharge their batteries.

So what does an Auckland summer look like?

Some of us travel out of the city to holiday destinations like the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula to spend our summer holidays.

But there really is no need to escape the city.

Auckland has 3702km of coastline, so there’s no shortage of amazing beaches to enjoy. You could take a day a trip to one of the beautiful islands that surround Auckland; Waiheke Island is a firm favourite.

Or you could pack a picnic and head out to one of Auckland’s many waterfront parks. Long Bay Regional Park is just 20km out of the Auckland city centre. Its kilometre-long white sandy beach and the adjoining shady grassed area give you plenty of room to throw a rugby ball, enjoy a friendly game of cricket or just relax in the sun.

West Auckland offers the rugged Piha beach. Only 45 minutes from central Auckland, Piha is one of New Zealand’s best surfing destinations, set against a backdrop of the native forest.

Soak up the sun, sand and surf and enjoy fish and chips and an ice cream.

For some fun in the sun even closer to home – Aucklanders head into the heart of the city.

Wynyard Quarter has some of Auckland’s finest bars and restaurants overlooking the Waitemata Harbour. You can visit the Auckland Fish Market and there’s a sandy playground for the kids.

Right next door, you’ll find Silo Park. With an array of food on offer from food trucks, a wine bar, DJ and open-air movies starting at 9pm, you can really make a night of it.

This summer there will be no shortage of activities happening in Tāmaki Makaurau. Hot off the heels of the annual ASB Classic international tennis tournament, Auckland is hosting nine matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Playoff Tournament. For the music fans, a string of international music acts, including Elton John and Ed Sheeran, visit our shores, while colourful arts, music, dance, and food take centre stage at our annual cultural festivals, including Pasifika and Auckland Pride Festival.

Whether you’re catching up with friends and family at one of the many bars and restaurants in the heart of the city or taking a day trip to a nearby beach, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the Auckland summer as much as we do.

What would you do first?