Looking to escape central Auckland this summer without venturing too far? Pōhutukawa Coast local Olivia Taylor lets us in on what the area has to offer.
Heading out to the Pōhutukawa Coast is great; it’s close enough for a day trip yet far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city for a perfect summer day out.
Blessed by jaw-dropping nature and delicious dining experiences, the area is part of the Auckland Region and includes Whitford, Beachlands, Maraetai and Umupuia.
Swapping the bustle of city life for mornings filled with the Tui song louder than the traffic hums, I now live in Pine Harbour, which has been serene–especially at this time of year.
Start Your Adventure at Sunkist Bar + Kitchen
Skip motorway congestion and simply jump on the Sealink ferry to Pine Harbour, carrying you directly from the central city Auckland Ferry Terminal to the coast.
Arrive right on the doorsteps of the Pine Harbour Marina Restaurants, navigate past lush private launches and day boating enthusiasts to head straight to Sunkist Bar + Kitchen for a bite. Yes, aptly named after the neighbouring beach, Sunkist Bay, this bar will have you soaking up every ounce of sun available, bronzing your complexion while you enjoy live music on Saturday or Sunday evenings.
Their Lemon Squeeze cocktail, combining zesty lemon, Malfy Gin, Cointreau, simple syrup and frothy egg white, is a satiating summer must, particularly when paired with their coconut-marinated raw fish.
Golf and Glamour at Formosa’s Nineteen
If luxury is more your scene, head just up Jack Lachlan Drive to Formosa Golf Resort. Whether you’re there for a championship round, their luxe restaurant, Nineteen, or simply the views and a classy coffee, it’s an unbeatable way to soak up the picturesque scenery from world-class comfort.
I recommend dropping by on the 19th of the month, a play on both words and numbers, where you can dine at their restaurant for either lunch or dinner and enjoy a main for only $19. The Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola cheese, roasted pears, walnuts, and alfredo sauce is a steal!
Dinner with Pinocchio’s and a View
As the sun starts to dip and everything turns honey and cinnamon orange, I recommend grabbing some incredible pizza or pasta from our independent local Pinocchio’s in Beachlands.
Their wood-fired pizza is legendary—order it to-go and take it down to the Maraetai waterfront for a sunset moment. Cut the fish and chip classic for an Italian local eat. There’s no better way to end the day than watching the sun set over the Hauraki Gulf on the sand, except when you add a Pinocchio’s chilled, aromatic tiramisu. Drop dead exceptional.
Explore the Coast
Tap into your sense of adventure while you’re out here by hitting the trails or the water. Te Puru Coastal Walk is a local favourite—lush bush tracks that sweep in and out of ocean-edge views. If you crave speed, there’s jet ski hire available for an hour at Auckland Jet Ski Hire, set and ready for you to cut up sea foam and create wakes as you score across Maraetai’s sapphire clear bay.
Stay for the Stars
If you can, stick around after dark. The ferries run later on Friday and Saturday nights, so it’s worth making the most of the evenings. Out here, the night sky is unfathomably gorgeous—bright and clear, with little to no light pollution, our beaches are full of stars and cruising satellites.
If you drive here instead, I absolutely recommend getting some Clevedon strawberries from Whitford on your way. Pair these summer delectable treats with some naughty chocolate sauce from the local supermarket to take and eat during a late-night picnic on either Maraetai Beach or Sunkist Bay. Settle in, let your eyes adjust, recline, and watch as Orion appears in celestial, purply-green stardust among the southern night sky.
Mā te wā and happy holidays!
