10 Best Spots in Auckland to Watch the Sunset
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: February 2023 If you’re like us who thoroughly enjoy gazing at beautiful sunsets, we got you covered. We listed some of our favorite places in Auckland to watch the sunset in all its blazing glory.
We also included facts about each place and essential details, so everything’s in one place. Whether you’re touring Auckland, looking for a romantic date spot, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, this article is for you.
Most of the spots here can be entered at no cost. However, make sure to check out which ones require a fee.
1. Bastion Point
Bastion Point is a coastal land in Ōrākei that overlooks the Waitematā Harbour. The sunsets here are drop-dead gorgeous because of the glistening water.
You’ll also see the city’s skyline from here. This place is not just beautiful, it’s actually very historically significant to Auckland as well because it’s the site of protests in the 1970s by Māori.
After watching the sunset here, you can also enjoy a yummy scoop of ice cream or have a good dinner. Some restaurants you can see near here include the following:
- Oh Calcutta
- Roofed Cows Eatery
- Five Restaurant & bar
- Jewel Of India
It’s a great hangout spot but also a quiet place to think and reflect, we think. Here, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
2. Piha
A coastal settlement in West Auckland, Piha Beach is a common destination among people in New Zealand, especially during the summer. It’s known as a popular surfing spot among locals, so you can even bring your board here and enjoy riding the waves before sunset.
It’s a black iron-sand beach that’s mysterious and wind-swept. To add to that, the sunsets here are surreal.
The whole place is beautiful and can pass as a wedding venue for sure.
3. Muriwai Beach
Muriwai Beach is already known to be a beautiful spot frequented by locals, but if you go here during sunsets, it’s something else. It’s a gorgeous coastline that just shows off the sunset so well.
The coastline stretches for around 60 kilometers. It’s a black-sand beach best for surfing as well.
Some of our favorite activities here include walking by the beach, hiring blokarts, and riding our bikes. If you have young ones, they can even take their kites here.
You can also bring a blanket and set up a picnic here. It’s a great place to bring your family and just connect with each other.
We love how peaceful it is. You can breathe the fresh ocean air and enjoy activities with your family.
4. Mount Eden
If you love to hike, then this location is for you. Mount Eden is one of Auckland’s ancestral mountains.
It’s 196 meters tall and is considered the highest volcano in Auckland. When you climb up to the summit, you can get a beautiful view of the city and its harbors.
The sunset you’ll see here is incredible. It’s definitely worth an Instagram post.
You’ll also see a well-preserved crater here within the summit cone, which is also worth checking out.
The main entrance gates are open from 7 in the morning up to 8:30 at night during the summer. In the winter, it closes at 7 PM.
They have picnic tables on site. However, we recommend that you bring your own food with you.
5. Auckland Sky Tower
Another favorite place of ours to watch the sunset is the Sky Tower. It’s around 328 meters above the city.
You can go on the observation deck and get a 360-degree view of the horizon. This makes it one of the best places to catch the sunset.
At the same time, you and your family can also dine at Orbit, which is the revolving lounge at the Sky Tower, just above the viewing platform.
We recommend this restaurant for the great views and excellent food and service, so don’t miss out. Do know that the food can be quite pricey, though.
So that’s something to consider.
6. Silo Marina
This spot is near Silo Park, one of our beloved hang out places in Auckland. The Silo Marina is home to different yachts and has a great view of the Westhaven Marina toward the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Trust us, the view of the rays of the sun creeping between the piers and masts of yachts is just spectacular and definitely worth checking out. We love taking walks around here, taking in the sights, and slurping up an ice cream cone at the same time.
7. Waiheke Island
Waiheke is a prime vacation spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s the second-largest island in Hauraki Gulf.
Waiheke Island is known for its spectacular wineries, beaches, and olive groves. You can go here to swim, hike, bike, and do exhilarating outdoor activities.
In fact, the island is a famous honeymoon destination. It’s beautiful and there’s a lot to do here/
Aside from all these, however, we can claim confidently that the sunsets here are drop-dead gorgeous. We can’t help but take pictures of the cloud formations and the beautiful colors of violet, red, and orange painting the sky.
So yes, indulge by watching the sunset while drinking a good glass of wine here at Waiheke Island. You deserve it.
8. Beach Haven – Sunset Bay
This may not be as famous as the other destinations in this list, however, we can’t deny its charm. Beach Haven is a village tucked away in the suburbs of North Shore.
If you go to their wharf and pier, you’ll see Sunset Bay. Enjoy the view of the setting sun as the sky turns an amazing shade of pink and reflects off the water.
We think it’s the best place to go if you want some peace and quiet. You can bring your book, journal, and headphones and just sit there, admiring the view.
The people here are also so warm and friendly. In case you get hungry, some of the restaurants we suggest include:
- The Haven
- Roast Shop
- Kebabylon
9. Mount Hobson
If you want to hit two birds with one stone and enjoy a good sunset while hiking, then we recommend Mount Hobson. Mount Hobson is also known as Ōhinerangi and Remuera.
It’s another ancestral mountain in Auckland that we think is worth a mention. It’s the highest mountain on the Great Barrier Island.
It’s over 627 meters high. You can see open grassland here and lots of beautiful forests.
You can go here and bring your camera with you. It’s a nice place for a photo walk.
Since you’ll have an amazing view of Auckland from the summit, you can just imagine how beautiful the sunset here is. It’s worth the hike, for sure.
10. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is one of the most accessible places to catch the sunset. It’s a great mood uplifter.
Whenever you’re feeling down and want to be near nature, we really recommend paying Mission Bay a visit.
It’s known as a waterfront haven built around a nice beach. So it makes sense that a lot of tourists and locals visit this place.
You can go here if you want a nice beach day with a picnic, popsicles, and outdoor games. You can enjoy some beach activities and then catch the sunset afterwards before you drive home.
There are also a lot of restaurants and stalls here in case you get hungry.
And there you have it, the best spots to watch the sunset in Auckland. We hope we were able to help you as you plan your next adventure.
Did we miss any cool spots? Share it with us!
By the way, here are other related articles from Auckland that you can check out:
