From stadium tours and rooftop rugby to steak and burgers, here’s where to celebrate dad in Auckland on September 6.
Father’s Day is fast approaching and Auckland is giving us plenty of ways to celebrate, whether dad’s idea of a perfect Sunday involves a stadium, a steak, a few
beers or a good meal.
From long lunches and low-and-slow barbecues to family-friendly days out, we’ve rounded up some of the best Father’s Day events and dining offers for every taste and budget to treat your loved one.
Esther
Esther is bringing its much-loved Bistecca steak night out from its usual Tuesday slot for Father’s Day. Alongside the steak, dad will receive a complimentary dram of The Dalmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Reserve, poured tableside into a Glencairn glass. For those wanting to kick on with the celebrations, Church Road’s TOM magnums will also be available by the glass. From $59pp. Bookings essential.
Onemata restaurant at the Park Hyatt is offering Scotch fillet and beautiful views.
Onemata
A leisurely lunch is hard to beat, particularly when it comes with harbour views and a four-course menu. Consider Onemata for your Father’s Day lunch, with a special $98 lunch menu that includes dishes such as duck liver pate with blackcurrant and kūmara syrup, green-lip mussels with nori butter, confit pork belly and scampi cassoulet, or Scotch fillet with duck-fat potatoes and crayfish and peppercorn sauce.
Dr Rudi’s
For the Dad who considers rugby, barbecue and beer the ideal breakfast situation, Dr Rudi’s is starting Father’s Day early. Doors open at 8am, with a special breakfast menu and a replay of the All Blacks v South Africa game from 8.30am. From 11am, Dad can settle in for the full a la carte lunch menu or an $85 smoky barbecue platter made for sharing, and he can choose to make a day of it, with live music kicking off from 2pm. Every dad also gets a gift from the Dr Rudi’s team. Bookings are available from 8am.
Take dad for Sunday Lunch at Onslow.
Onslow
Raise a glass to dad at Onslow. The restaurant is continuing its much-loved Sunday lunch tradition and debuting a new Sunday Long Lunch menu, with a few special additions for Father’s Day. Expect seasonal flavours and generous portions in an elegant setting, perfect for celebrating. Four courses for $95pp.
Eden Park
If your dad would rather spend Father’s Day at the home of New Zealand sport than at home on the couch, Eden Park has you covered. The Father’s Day Experience includes a 90-minute behind-the-scenes stadium tour, which takes guests beyond the stands to discover the stories and history of the venue. Afterwards, settle in on the balcony overlooking the park for a steak burger and wedges, with a beer or soft drink, plus a Father’s Day souvenir for the man himself. There’ll also be activities and spot prizes throughout the day. Tickets $79 per adult.
Head to Auckland Zoo for a low-and-slow barbecue lunch then check out the Dinosaur Discovery Track. Photo / Alex Robertson
Auckland Zoo
For a Father’s Day that will keep the whole whānau involved, head to Auckland Zoo for a low-and-slow barbecue lunch at the Old Elephant House. There are two barbecue boards to choose from, plus a special children’s plate. After eating, spend the rest of the day exploring the zoo’s gardens and tracks, including the Dinosaur Discovery Track, and visiting the animals. Tickets include zoo entry, making this an easy option for a day out with dad. $73 per adult; $33 per child (4-14 years).
The Grill is perfect for meat-loving dads. Photo / Babiche Martens
The Grill, SkyCity
If your meat-mad dad loves something a little more refined, The Grill at SkyCity is serving up a signature Beef Wellington for Father’s Day. The dish comes with two sides and a rich red wine jus, and is available for $175 when pre-ordered by September 2.
Take a stroll through the Auckland Botanic Gardens after lunch at Miko Cafe. Photo / Doug Sherring
Miko Cafe, Auckland Botanic Gardens
Combine a wander through Auckland Botanic Gardens with a relaxed Father’s Day lunch at Miko Cafe. The special lunch menu is all about smoky, hearty flavours, with ale-glazed smoked beef short ribs, spiced honey chicken wings and chorizo, served with fresh slaw and Creole-seasoned potatoes. Dad can add a Sawmill IPA, Pilsner or Hazy for an extra $10. The menu is $40pp. Pre-booking is recommended.
The lobby at Pullman Auckland.
Pullman Auckland
For a Father’s Day lunch with a smoky twist, Pullman Auckland is firing up its BBQ Smoke House on Princes Terrace. The relaxed afternoon will feature slow-cooked meats, local craft beers, indulgent desserts, and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets from $42.50. Children under 5 are free.
Father’s Day at La Marée, Sofitel Viaduct Harbour.
La Marée at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
La Marée’s Father’s Day Beer & Barbecue lunch is a slow-cooked meat-lover’s dream. Think slow-smoked pork ribs, chargrilled beef brisket, honey and herb-marinated chicken drumsticks and premium beef sausages, generous sides, and house-made doughnuts and churros to finish. To wash it all down, dad can choose from Corona, Stella or Steinlager, and because one beer is rarely enough on Father’s Day, beer buckets are available for an additional cost. Lunch is $59pp, or $25 for children aged 6–12. Bookings essential.
The butterfly house at Butterfly Creek.
Butterfly Creek
For dads who love a little adventure, Butterfly Creek is offering a full day of activities this Father’s Day. Get up close to giant saltwater crocodiles, explore Dinosaur Kingdom, and meet some of the park’s other inhabitants, with a special Father’s Day barbecue available for lunch. There’s also 20% off individual day passes when you book online, and a chance to win a private animal encounter by entering the Father’s Day competition on Butterfly Creek’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Goode Brothers has locations in Sylvia Park, Botany, NorthWest and New Lynn.
Goode Brothers
With handy locations in Sylvia Park, Botany, NorthWest and New Lynn, Goode Brothers is an easy option for a family Father’s Day feast. Expect Italian favourites and a relaxed atmosphere, with hearty dishes including chicken parmigiano and handmade seafood marinara loaded with prawns, calamari, shellfish, white wine and garlic. And to make the offering even more delicious, for September 6 only, by booking online, you’ll go in the draw to win your table’s bill back.
The CUT on Federal St is serving a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder for Father’s Day.
The CUT
If a classic Sunday roast is more dad’s style, The CUT restaurant on Federal St is serving a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder with smoked pumpkin puree, crushed peas, spinach and rosemary jus. The lamb is finished with a harissa rub and slow-cooked until tender, served with a glass of house wine, beer or Monteith’s West Coastin’. From $50pp.
The Bunfather at Rooftop At QT.
Rooftop At QT
If your dad loves a burger, take him to The Bunfather event at Rooftop at QT. For $39, dad will enjoy a gourmet Angus picanha and gruyere burger on toasted brioche, a Heineken Silver (or a glass of wine), and bottomless fries. And how could we forget the gorgeous city and harbour views? Be sure to book your table.
Moretons Bar & Restaurant
Moretons in St Heliers has the winning combination of cold beers, good food and Rangitoto views. Choose from lunch dishes including the Butcher’s Cut Steak or Broken Tiger Prawn Linguine with pickled herbs, rocket and XO cream, and pre-order an ice-cold Heineken for dad so it’s ready for his arrival. Book online, and go in the draw to win your Father’s Day bill back.