There are few things in life more magical than watching the sun sink into the western horizon in a blaze of red and gold. In Auckland, we’re lucky to have some amazing spots to take in one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.

Let’s have a look where the best places are to watch the sunset in Auckland.

The Sky Tower, Auckland City

Soaring 328 metres above the city, Auckland’s Sky Tower offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the horizon – a perfect spot to watch the sun go down. While you’re at the top, you could make an evening of it and have dinner at Orbit, which is situated above the main viewing deck and is New Zealand’s only revolving restaurant.

 

Silo Marina, Wynyard Quarter

Adjacent to funky Silo Park, Silo Marina is home to a range of spectacular yachts and an equally spectacular view across Westhaven Marina towards the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Walk along to the end of the marina, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more quintessentially Auckland view as you watch the day’s last rays peeping between the yacht masts and the bridge’s piers.

Ōhinerau/Mt Hobson, Remuera

Mt Hobson is one of the many volcanic cones that pepper the Auckland landscape and offer fantastic views of the city and surrounds. While Maungawhau/Mt Eden is the more well-known vantage point, Mt Hobson is only 50 metres shorter and boasts equally spectacular views. The bonus – fewer people to interrupt your moment of sunset zen. Take time to check out the historical features such as the still-visible Maori kumara pits and terracing.

The West Coast Beaches

The rugged natural beauty of Auckland’s black sand beaches Muriwai, Bethells, Whatipu, Piha and Karekare only gets better when experienced at sunset. Take a drive and a picnic dinner and enjoy the view as the sun submerges itself in the Tasman Sea.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse, Awhitu Peninsula

If you feel like an afternoon drive, try the Manukau Heads Lighthouse, situated 45 minutes from Waiuku. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Manukau Bar, Manukau Harbour and on a good day, even Mt Taranaki is visible. You’ll also have a great view of the Waitakere Ranges as the sun slips behind them for the night.

Bastion Point, Orakei

Perched above Tamaki Drive, Bastion Point is the perfect spot to capture an iconic view of Auckland City silhouetted against the setting sun. You also get bonus views of the Waitemata and Rangitoto, and once the sun is down, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants to retreat to in nearby Mission Bay.

 

Little Shoal Bay, Northcote

Grab your picnic blanket and head to Little Shoal Bay for one of the North Shore’s best spots to view both the setting sun and the Auckland Harbour Bridge light display. Tucked between Northcote Point and the Birkenhead peninsula, Little Shoal Bay reserve is a family-friendly spot with a playground and barbeque facilities.

Pt Chevalier Beach, Pt Chevalier

If you’re city-side, a quick trip to Coyle Park in Point Chevalier will bring you to this lovely west-facing beach that is just perfect for sunset views. Scrunch your toes in the sand as you gaze out across the inner Waitemata towards Te Atatu, West Harbour and Hobsonville.

Maungauika/North Head and Takarunga/Mount Victoria

The seaside village of Devonport has two of the North Shore’s tallest volcanic cones, both of which offer beautiful views of the Waitemata, Auckland City and the western skyline. Pop by before sunset to paddle at nearby Cheltenham Beach and explore North Head’s historic tunnels.

Sunset Bay, Beach Haven

Hidden away in the suburbs of the North Shore is the little village of Beach Haven. A trip to Beach Haven wharf and pier will deliver you to appropriately-named Sunset Bay, where the inner reaches of the Waitemata wind their way inland. Facing west across moored yachts to Greenhithe Bridge, this bay is an amazing venue to watch the setting sun turn the sky pink, reflecting off the calm waters of the inlet.