Our Top Picks For A Sunday Session In Auckland

What more could you want for a Sunday session than a sun-soaked courtyard by the water. Wynyard Pavilion is a summer hot spot; spend the afternoon watching the city of sails in action as you cool down with a cold beer in hand or treat your team to an aperol spritz tree! The food cannot be missed, the fresh and flavourful seafood selection is the embodiment of the season. Dig into a generous plate of beer-battered fish and chips, pan-roasted market fish, smoked salmon pizza and fried fish tacos. Keep the good times rolling with a lychee colada; the lychee infused Bacardi rum with fresh pineapple juice, toasted coconut syrup and lime.

Spend the day on the Shore; Regatta is a light and airy beachside dwelling with beautiful scenic ocean views. Feel the sea breeze on your face as you sun yourself on the patio, or try out your skills on the exclusive petanque pitch. Dedicate the day to champagne and nibbles, the Korean fried chicken wings are mouth-wateringly delicious, and the seafood chowder is heaven on earth. However, it’s the pina colada custard that steals the show with roasted pineapple, coconut and lime, macadamia and white chocolate.

Hallertau Breweries’ sprawling biergartens are located just outside the city and offer the perfect oasis for a Sunday session. With large trestle tables strewn across the gardens, there’s plenty of space for every size group that walks through the gate. Bring your friends, family and dogs along for an afternoon in the sun. Work your way through the insane range of beers, enjoy the likes of Kölsch beer, red ale, Schwarzbier (black beer) and session IPAs. For those that aren’t here for the hops, treat yourself to a glass of blushing rosé or a deep and flavourful red. If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, we recommend the house-smoked bacon wood-fired pizza with crème fraîche, Perla potato and shiitake.

The ultimate summer Sunday session comes in the shape of a bottomless brunch, with an endless supply of mimosas, an energetic atmosphere and a decent spot of brunch; The Lula Inn will forever be a reigning champion of Sunday sessions. Under the bottomless umbrella is prosecco, mimosas and blood Mary’s; during brunch, you can also take advantage of other specials like the $15 espresso martinis and a bucket (4 beers) of Heineken for $28. For the meal itself, you can choose between Lula’s benedict (always goes down a treat), brûlée banana bread, all night smoked beans on toast and a corn hash with a poached egg, courgette ribbon salad and beetroot cured salmon.

Summer is all about living your best life, and what screams luxury more than a rooftop bar with insane views of the Waitemata Harbour? Hi-So is sleek, modern and sophisticated; setting the stage for a session like none other. With a rotating guest list of visiting DJs, there’s never a dull moment at this rooftop bar. Indulge in a selection of expertly crafted cocktails like the classic espresso martini with a twist, incorporating a homemade hazelnut and blood orange liquor, with Absolut vodka and Hummingbird espresso. Take your Sunday session to the next level with a cheeseboard, a dozen oysters or steak fries with truffle and parmesan cheese.

Note: Hi-So is currently temporarily closed, keep an eye on Dish Cult for reopening dates!

Enjoy one the best views in Auckland on your Sunday afternoon. You haven’t been to a rooftop bar until you’ve ticked QT off your list. Offering a panoramic view of downtown Auckland, Rooftop at QT ensures quality in every aspect of the venue. Head up the elevators to the sixth floor and secure yourself a table or lounger and order up large from the cocktail menu. From the signature classics (espresso martini on tap!) to the more creative cocktails like the Sugar Plum and Conchord Fizz, not even your sore head from the night before could deter you from finding your perfect drink. Add on some bites to eat – Sean Connolly’s Polpette Meatballs and the flatbread pizzas are our picks – and you’ve got the perfect afternoon some could only dream of.