10 Things to Do in Auckland in Summer

Summer takes Auckland for a spin from December to March and is the ideal time to explore the beaches and enjoy sunny days while touring the main attractions. From exploring the local ice cream parlours to attending festivals celebrating the warm temperatures, there are plenty of plans to organise.

It's best to be equipped to protect yourself from the sun, so you can enjoy surfing, camping and hiking without getting sick or suffering from heatstroke. Plans will vary depending on what kind of summer you want to have - climb a peak, visit one of the oldest lighthouses, watch the sunset on a ferry, buy tickets for a cruise or sign up for an outdoor movie.

There's no better way to start the summer than sunbathing on the beach or with cruise tickets. Visiting Auckland is the perfect excuse to take a refreshing dip and fall in love with its paradisiacal views. You can find bustling coastlines full of sunbathing tourists, or more private and quiet spots ideal for relaxing and tanning.

The essentials for a good time on the beaches are sunscreen, insect repellent and don't stray too far from the shores without a guide, as some areas tend to have sharks, jellyfish, scorpion fish and strong currents. Here are the best beaches around the city!

Spend the afternoon at Orewa Beach

If you want to have a good time in warm, clandestine waters, Orewa Beach is your ideal destination. Its waves are suitable for surfing, but you can also jog along the shore and share with the family. Nearby are breakfast cafes like Oliver's Cafe and Amy's Cafe, or lunch restaurants like Muldoon's Irish Bar, Kofte Kofte and Mumbaichef, and if you want to cool off with an ice cream, there's Casa del Gelato.

• Location: Near Kensington Park.
• Distance: 30-40 minutes from Auckland city centre.
• How to get there: Hire car, train, bike or opt for a bus tour.

Watch stunning sunsets at Waiake Beach

Waiake is one of the closest beaches, where you can delight in unparalleled sunsets. Please note that pets are not allowed without a bib and that it is open from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. There are public toilets and parking nearby, and you can visit the Coventry Reserve, a green space ideal for a stroll.

Waiake Beach also has picnic tables, outdoor fitness equipment, barbecue facilities, drinking water and bins.

• Location: Near the Kensington Park neighbourhood.
• Distance: Depending on your mode of transport, it can take from half an hour to an hour to get there.
• How to get there: Rental car (27 minutes), train (one hour), bus (9-15 minutes) or bike (one hour).

Bid farewell to the Pohutukawa season at Castor Bay

If you're looking for a family-friendly environment, Castor Bay Beach is the place to be. It's a clandestine bay with a children's playground and low tide. In late summer at this location you can admire the falling of the last leaves of the Pohutukawa tree that blooms from November to February.

Castor Bay has trails ideal for cycling around the area, hiking and discovering hidden spots dominated by a rock-based architectural style. When visiting during the summer, I recommend staying near the beach to enjoy the star show at night.

• Location: On the outskirts of the North Shore suburb.
• Distance: Half an hour to an hour, depending on the means of transport you choose to travel. Fastest option is by car.
• How to get there: Car, train, bike, bus or walking.

The most anticipated part of summer is the annual festivals that take place during this time of year. The heat, the joy, the beer, the music and the good food are the main attractions of these events. If you want to enjoy the festivals to the fullest remember to hydrate well, bring refreshing wipes, comfortable shoes, sweets or snacks and visualise where you park your car or which exit is most convenient for transport.

These are the best summer festivals in Auckland:

Welcome the year at the Wondergarden Festival

During the first few days of the year, the heat is nice and everyone wants to make the most of it. Music is at the heart of this festival and you can dance the night away to local and international artists in a variety of genres including pop, hip hop, electronica, indie punk and more. Parking costs around 5.40 euros, or you can use the bus routes from 2 euros to Silo Park, where the event takes place.

Celebrate St Jerome's Laneway Festival arrives from Australia

Indie rock lovers have the chance to hear their favourite live music at the St Jerome's Laneway Festival, an event brought all the way from Australia between January and February, which takes place in Western Spring. Entry is limited to over 18s and you must present your passport at the entrance, or you could lose your ticket money. For more information you can visit the official website.

Dance to the beats at the Hidden Valley Festival

Close to the city, you can find a real hidden valley, the Hidden Valley Festival held in Makatana Country Park, which is an hour's drive away. Dancers lead the event, swaying on the stage to different genres of music - not to be missed!

Don't miss the Golden Run Music Festival

The Golden Run Festival arrives every year in February to toast to eight hours of non-stop music. Held at the Waitakere Trust Arena 15 minutes from the city centre, I recommend arriving early to avoid the queues.

If you're looking for a restful night's sleep, you can camp on the beach, in the mountains or in botanical gardens. The soothing sound of ocean waves or the sounds of nature will help you de-stress, and you can enjoy the sunrise, the crackling fire of a barbecue, stargazing and group activities. There are many beaches and botanical parks that offer this experience, such as Auckland Zoo.

A safer option is to check into a campsite or book a package that includes this adventure, options include Ambury Park where you can stay in campervans or tents, with a variety of amenities such as toilet, water, picnic tables and barbecue areas. Children pay approximately 6 euros and adults 14.5 euros, the minimum stay is 7 nights.

Another option is to stay at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Camp which overlooks Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. You have access to WiFi, kitchen, bathroom, laundry facilities and an outdoor dining area. There are many attractions and restaurants nearby and it is close to the town centre.

Riding the waves during the summer in Auckland is a must. You'll spend many hours in the sea, taking lessons that will give you a different kind of time. If you are inexperienced, stay close to the shore and don't wander away from the group or the instructors.

Depending on the length of the lessons and the type of guide you receive, prices will vary but range from 35 to 800 euros. Some classes include a wetsuit.

Shark attacks are unusual in Auckland, and in some areas you can even dive with them. However, it's advisable to check the safe areas and dive with professionals.

The heat is nice, but there comes a point when the temperatures can be stifling. The good thing about summer is that you have the perfect excuse to eat lots of ice cream during the day and take a food tour of the city.

There are plenty of places in Auckland where you can cool off. One of the most popular ice cream parlours is Island Gelato Co, which has locations in Ponsonby, Newmarket, Mission Bay and downtown, where you can try an ice cream cake or sample different flavours for your taste buds, such as Pic berry ice cream, gin, marshmallow, peanut butter or yuzu (citrus fruit from Asia).

In the Wynyard neighbourhood they make Italian ice cream made with New Zealand milk, you can try caramel custard, berry, cappuccino, banana, cheesecake, or créme brulée. For ice cream near the beach visit Takapuna Beach Cafe or Kiwi Ice Cream Parlour which has delicious flavours such as Hokey Pokey, brownie, ginger, cashew, salted caramel and more.

If you want a plan that includes sun, but with the option to take a break from the sand, you can visit one of the city's saltwater pools. One of the most famous is Parnell Baths, located about 16 minutes from the centre. You can also pay for a relaxing massage or a full day at the spa.

This type of pool does not irritate the eyes or skin and reduces the risk of bacteria in the water. When you leave you will probably be hungry, so I suggest you book a gastronomic tour to continue touring the city.

In general, open-air cinemas are an excellent option, as they are refreshing. But if you're looking for a unique experience then you should visit Silo Park, where you can spend an afternoon outdoors. Admission is usually free and films are shown on Fridays or Saturdays. Food trucks are available for convenience.

The City Council also shows films in the city's parks, but keep an eye on the official website.

During the summer, a market is held at the Alberton House on Mount Albert, a colonial mansion built in 1863 with at least eighteen rooms. The interior maintains an elegant structure, with wallpapered dining rooms, ballroom and authentic spaces. You can schedule a tour of the house and visit the Sunday Market where there are workshops, tea time on the terrace, a variety of food and craft stalls, local artists and entertainment.

The house can be visited all year round, but the market is open exclusively during the summer.

The black sand beach, better known as Piha, has a boardwalk ideal for a walking or cycling tour, but its biggest draw is its secret passageway to paradise - Kitekite Falls. Piha is an hour's drive from the centre and then you'll have to walk another forty minutes to unlock this location.

This enclave offers a peaceful getaway, where you can swim or cliff jump. Remember to be knowledgeable or approach the waterfall with a professional and a first aid kit, as it is a little way out of town.

Get ready to go hiking in the Pirongia Forest Park in Waikato, there are over 13 trail options, but the main objective is to reach the top of the peak of Mount Pirongia by climbing the Pahautea Hut. It's a circuit that requires physical preparation, as it takes from one to five hours, depending on the route chosen and the ability of each person.

In addition to climbing the peak you can take the Nikau Walk and visit Kaniwhaniwha Cave, which is a busy route so you won't be alone. Alternatively, the Mount Tyrohanga trail will take you to a viewpoint and a peak with stunning views. For free cycling or jogging, head to Loop Park, a medium-intensity option located near Te Awamutu. This attraction is about an hour and a half from the city and is best accessed by car.

Summer in Auckland is endless, four months of sun, fun and salt on your skin. You'll never get bored as there are so many things to do in the city that you can plan each day differently.

• Take a ferry ride, visit the main islands and explore the surrounding vineyards.
• Wake up with yoga or pilates at Queen Wharfs, where free classes are offered throughout the summer.
• Plan a tour of Eden Park, Auckland's rugby and cricket stadium, where you can see how the facilities work, zip-line and land on the pitch, or stay overnight in the glamping domes usually used by rugby players.
• Head out of town and visit the Puhoi community where you can have lunch at the world's oldest pub, hire a boat on the lake, visit a cheese factory or take a kayak tour. Back in the city you can explore the best things to do in Auckland at night.
• Climb the Sky Tower and go bungee jumping.
• Go skydiving at Parakai with the professionals.
• Take a trip to the freshwater well at the old Warkworth Cement Works.
• If you're really hot, you should take your car for a one-hour drive to the 10°C springs at Putaruru.
• See the Manukau Heads lighthouse, one of the few lighthouses you can still climb and admire the yachts, sailboats and whales from above. It's about an hour from central Auckland and admission is free.