Summer is Auckland\u2019s time to shine, with standout beaches perfectly paired with top nearby eateries. Just don\u2019t drink and swim.<\/p>\n
St Heliers – Water Boy<\/p>\n
\n In Auckland\u2019s eastern bays, St Heliers offers a decent swim at high tide, or head around the corner to the secluded (and nudist-friendly) Ladies Bay.
\n A stone\u2019s throw away is Water Boy, a good-looking new pub from the team behind The Corner in Remuera. The design by CTRL Space is slick but breezy, with the best seats in the house looking out to sea with a counter to lean a cold one on. The venue offers live sport, music and a menu by chef Jono Lewington (ex-Barulho) featuring kingfish tiradito, wild venison and kawakawa sausage pizza, and classic whitebait fritters. Expect champagne and oysters, pitchers of beer, and a beach-club feel perfect for a post-swim hang.\n <\/p>\n
Aryeh, at Piha. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Piha – Aryeh<\/p>\n
Piha has always been an iconic destination for its wild surf, Lion Rock and waterfall walks, and now it has a dining destination to draw visitors too. Open since late 2023 and led by chef\/owner Lucas Parkinson, Aryeh has beach and bush views and offers seasonal, produce-led dishes with a focus on organic ingredients and sustainable seafood. The sunny outdoor deck serves a more relaxed menu than the main dining room, with options like fish and chips, mussels and chicken wings. Diners in boardies and jandals are more than welcome. The ideal pit stop either side of a swim, especially on weekends when it\u2019s open for lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n
Waiwera beach. Photo \/ Doug Sherring <\/p>\n
Waiwera – The Puhoi Pub<\/p>\n
Waiwera\u2019s old water park might have made it famous, but it\u2019s also home to a beautiful estuary sheltered by a bush-covered headland. At high tide, the water is deep and glassy, perfect for a swim, float or paddle. For those feeling sporty, you can reach it via the bush track<\/a> from Wenderholm Regional Park, which is a steep but rewarding climb with endless coastal views. Afterwards, make your way to the historic Puhoi Pub for a cold drink and a classic pub lunch. It\u2019s the kind of place where sandy feet and salty hair are all part of the charm.<\/p>\n T\u0101wharanui – Rothko<\/p>\n Arguably the best beach within driving distance of Auckland, T\u0101wharanui is blessed with white sand, crystal-clear water and little bays for exploring. A regional park, it also has scenic walking trails<\/a> to make the most of. Pairing a swim at T\u0101wharanui with a long lunch at Rothko, which is located within Sculptureum\u2019s pristine gardens in Matakana, makes for the perfect day out. The restaurant is led by head chef Neil Sapitula, who draws on his Filipino heritage for the sharing menu, which specialises in quality produce cooked over an open fire. <\/p>\n Muriwai – Muriwai Deli<\/p>\n One of West Auckland\u2019s black-sand beaches, known for its surf breaks, gannet colony and wild beauty, Muriwai is magic for a swim and a wave. A 40-minute drive from Auckland city, its food options are limited, which makes the Muriwai Deli<\/a> a welcome find. Set on a tree-covered hillside with glimpses of the ocean, it serves great coffee and cabinet treats, from pastries to pies and sandwiches. The deli\u2019s doughnuts are legendary, filled with flavours like ginger-kiss cheesecake and Oreo chocolate cream. Come Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a relaxed bar with a rotating menu, and if the surf\u2019s good, don\u2019t be surprised if it\u2019s spontaneously closed.<\/p>\n Herne Bay – Andiamo <\/p>\n When the conditions are right, Herne Bay\u2019s urban beaches are perfect for a quick after-work swim. Just up the road, Andiamo Bar & Dining Room has reopened with a refreshed, more relaxed vibe, but we\u2019d still suggest getting changed out of your togs first. The Jervois Rd institution now has an expanded bar area for casual drinks, a bookable private nook, and a twinkling outdoor canopy. Head chef Canada Loucks has kept menu favourites like fried calamari, macaroni and cacio e pepe, and introduced spring pea ravioli and seven-layer lasagna. Whether you\u2019re popping in for a Caprese Martini or in for a multi-course session, Andiamo is the mainstay neighbourhood spot it always was.<\/p>\nRothko has successfully created a city-standard restaurant with the rustic appeal of a country escape. Photo \/ Rebecca Zephyr Thomas<\/p>\n
Muriwai Deli. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Andiamo in Herne Bay had a makeover this year. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Man O’ War’s restaurant and tasting room. Man O\u2019 War Bay – Man O\u2019 War winery<\/p>\n