Katy RosserWhoever said that sunsets are overrated probably hasn’t been to the best spots for viewing it in Auckland. During this time, the perfectly orange sky bleeds onto the magnificent capital, creating views that are to die for.
Don’t know where to go to catch these beautiful panoramic views? Worry not! From beaches to rooftops and anything in between, our list has got the city’s best spots for sunset chasers!
The Sky Tower
Website: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/
Address: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 363 6000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunset or not, The Sky Tower should be included in your itinerary if you’re spending a day or two in Auckland. This magnificent piece of architecture stands 328 metres tall and it’s the best place to catch unobstructed panoramic views of the city.
Come sunset, however, this tower becomes one of the best spots to catch the golden hour, which is that sweet spot that occurs before dark.
If you want to take sunset viewing to the next level, you can do the Skywalk, which lets you walk around a 1.2-metre-wide platform located on the edge of the Sky Tower’s pergola. Oh, and we forgot to mention, the platform sits 192 metres up from the ground—good luck!
| Pro tip: Make sure to book your tickets online, as online rates are cheaper than walk-ins (except for the 72-hour return ticket). And if you’re looking for something with a little more adrenaline, you can do the Sky Jump, which lets you fall 192 metres down—the highest jump in New Zealand. |
Bastion Point
– Media credit: hailwooda
Address: 19 Hapimana Street, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
If you want to admire the natural views of Auckland instead of its bustling skyline, then Bastion Point should be right up your alley! No stranger to tourists, this place offers some of the best sights of Auckland’s beautiful Waitetama Harbour.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t catch glimpses of the skyline from here, however, as you can also see its silhouette, once the sun sets.
This spot is also worth highlighting as well, as it’s just as beautiful as the views that it provides thanks to its well-maintained gardens and meadows. Also, one of the biggest highlights here is the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial.
| Pro tip: While you’re here, do drop by Mission Bay, a seaside suburb that features amazing local restaurants—perfect for capping off the night! You can also opt for city tours so that you can explore the surrounding spots of Bastion Point in one go. |
Mount Hobson
– Media credit: melb_boss
Address: 181/225 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Mt Hobson is a great spot to admire the sunset if you’re looking to add hiking to your Auckland itinerary. It’s one of the many volcanic cones that are scattered across the city but it’s relatively shorter, measuring 50 metres shorter than Mt Eden—not bad!
Don’t let this shorter height fool you though, as Mt Hobson still provides breathtaking views of Auckland—sunset or not.
It’s a lot less famous than the aforementioned volcanic cone, which comes with its fair share of advantages, one of which is fewer crowds! This is a great option if you’re looking to enjoy the sunset views all to yourself.
| Pro tip: Make sure to wear comfortable and durable shoes. More preferably, we recommend wearing those that feature non-slip soles, as the steep slopes found here can be slippery, especially after rainfall. |
Mount Eden
– Media credit: katyabacat
Address: Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
When you ask any New Zealander where the best spot to watch the sunset is, chances are, they’ll answer Mount Eden—and we can’t blame them! Also known locally as Maungawhau, this 650-foot-high volcanic cone offers some of the best 360-degree views of Auckland.
Catching stunning views here can be thought of as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow because of the hike. It isn’t anything challenging, but it still requires determination to complete and getting unobstructed views of sunsets in Auckland is a pretty great reward.
Also, the hike itself is quite enjoyable too thanks to the beautiful species of plants you’ll find along the way, so might as well be there for the ride.
| Pro tip: If you’re not particularly big on hiking but still want to reach the top, we recommend taking the short walk that starts from the car park at the end of Mount Eden Road. |
Muriwai Beach
– Media credit: denises.traveldiary and muriwaibeach
Address: 458 Motutara Road, Muriwai 0881, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Even though Muriwai Beach is only a 45-minute drive away from the heart of Auckland, it will make you feel as far away as possible from all the stress of the city. It’s a famous surf spot for enthusiasts from around the globe thanks to big waves.
A lot of people consider this to be the premier relaxation spot, and it’s not hard to see why, as the combination of the sunset and the black sand is immaculate. By the way, this uniquely-coloured sand is the result of volcanic activity wherein lava is cooled down by the sea.
Unfortunately, camping on the beach isn’t allowed. Instead, you can do what most locals do when they want to stay overnight, which is set up tents at the parking lot across the campground entrance.
This being said, there’s nothing quite like spending a nice afternoon here and watching the sunset while being serenaded by the sound of waves crashing onto the shore.
| Pro tip: Aside from the majestic views, make sure to also feast your eyes on the wildlife that this beach houses. One of the most notable species that you’ll find here is the gannet, which are majestic seabirds that sometimes dive into the water to feed on fish. |
Silo Marina
– Media credit: taliarit
Website: https://www.silomarina.co.nz
Address: Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 355 7479
Silo Marina is the place to be if you’re looking to admire magnificent yachts along with equally magnificent views of the sunset. The best part is that you don’t even have to own these yachts, as you can easily walk along the marina’s piers to admire Auckland’s waters.
One of the best things about admiring the sunset here is that the rays would sometimes pass between the different masts of the yachts. Of course, there’s also the benefit of seeing the golden ray of the sun be reflected on the glistening waters.
And while you’re here, make sure to stop by the iconic structure called “The Big Wheel” found just at the end of the Marina and get some Insta-worthy shots!
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for an environment that’s more green as opposed to the boat-filled water of the marina, you can make your way to the Silo Park. It’s a stone’s throw away from the marina and it’s also a great spot to admire the sunset from. |
Little Shoal Bay Reserve
– Media credit: joalni
Address: Council Terrace, Birkenhead, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Auckland is by packing your favourite snacks and setting up a picnic at Little Shoal Bay Reserve. Nothing beats sitting down on the ground with your loved ones and munching on your favourite food while watching the sun slowly set.
Tons of benches are also scattered across this park, allowing people to just sit down and enjoy the panoramic views of Auckland’s sunset.
Meanwhile, if you have kids and sitting still isn’t really their game, you can let them run wild in the park’s playground. Don’t worry, the sunset will still be visible from there!
| Pro tip: If you didn’t get to cook your meals at home, don’t worry! The park also features barbeque facilities—perfect for BBQ nights with families and friends! |
Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta
– Media credit: lady.j_7_8
Address: Mount Roskill, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
Also known as the Big King, Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta is a volcano that last erupted over 20,000 years ago. Today, it serves as one of the most majestic viewpoints for admiring the golden hue of Auckland’s sunset.
Getting to the viewpoint is a challenge in itself, but it’s well worth it, considering the amazing sights you’ll be treated to afterwards. Whether it be sunset or not, you’ll still get to witness a breathtaking view of Auckland and its mountains and greeneries.
| Pro tip: If you didn’t pack some snacks, you can stop by the Three Kings Plaza before or after your hike to grab some grub and replenish your energy. |
Mercer Bay Loop Walk Lookout
– Media credit: discoverwithkaran
Address: Piha 0772, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
The Mercer Bay Loop is one of the most famous trekking spots in Auckland, and it’s not hard to see why at all. This loop is fairly accessible for everyone, only taking around an hour to complete and it rewards you with stunning views of the sea as well as some rock formations.
Come sunset, however, this place transforms into something more magical. You can see the golden hues of the sun bleed into the glistening sea, creating a one-of-a-kind sight that can’t be easily replicated.
| Pro tip: Make sure to bring an umbrella to protect yourself from direct sunlight! If you happen to forgot yours at home, however, you can easily take shade under one of the loop’s many trees until the cloud covers the sun again. |
Takarunga/Mount Victoria
– Media credit: jodicomber
Address: 24 Kerr Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Auckland’s North Shore is home to numerous volcanoes, but Mount Victoria is the highest out of all of them, standing at 66 metres. Although its age is currently unknown, one thing’s for sure – the views here are splendid!
This kind of elevation doesn’t only provide its visitors with pleasant and brisk winds, but it also provides unmatched views. There’s even a bench where you can sit down and observe both the city skyline and the peaceful harbour—now that’s sightseeing on another level!
| Pro tip: While you’re here, make sure to check out the Davenport Museum. It’s just a couple of minutes away from the volcano, and it’s a great destination if you want to familiarise yourself with Davenport’s history, landmarks and geography. |
