Must Visit Summer Dining Destinations!

Harbourside showcases the freshest seasonal produce and the best views of Auckland harbour the city has to offer, making it a quintessential summer destination. This premium seafood restaurant epitomises waterfront dining at its finest, with lunch and dinner service 7 days.

Why it's perfect for summer: The combination of fresh, locally-caught seafood and spectacular harbour views creates an unbeatable summer dining experience. The ocean breeze and outdoor seating options allow diners to fully embrace Auckland's beautiful summer evenings while enjoying expertly prepared dishes that celebrate the season's bounty.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant on Waiheke Island, just 35 minutes and a short boat ride from the central city in Auckland. Diners can relax and enjoy a lunch, dinner or wine tasting in their beautiful vineyard by the sea.

Why it's perfect for summer: The combination of vineyard and sea views creates a magical summer setting that's quintessentially Waiheke. With lunch from 11.30am - last seating time 2.30pm / dinner from 6.00pm - last seating time 8.30pm / Cellar Door: 10.00 - 5.00pm, it offers flexibility for any summer dining plan. The elevated position provides stunning views while you enjoy estate wines and seasonal cuisine, making it perfect for those special summer celebrations or romantic sunset dinners.

With a unique waterfront location, Nautilus is one of the few restaurants in Tauranga that can boast spectacular views across the harbour to Mt Maunganui. The restaurant offers a vibrant buffet menu that accentuates the bounty of the sea.

Why it's perfect for summer: The combination of waterfront dining and fresh seafood creates the perfect Bay of Plenty summer experience. With views stretching across to Mt Maunganui, diners can watch the sunset paint the iconic mountain while enjoying dishes that celebrate the ocean's harvest. The harbour location provides cooling sea breezes on warm summer evenings, making it ideal for leisurely dining.

Situated on the coastline of Hawke's Bay at Te Awanga, Clearview Estate combines a winery and cellar door in a leafy courtyard setting. The estate enjoys a unique microclimate, virtually frost free with a warm, extended growing season & refreshing sea breezes.

Why it's perfect for summer: Known for their rustic & iconic 'red shed' restaurant, Clearview offers the quintessential summer winery experience with outdoor seating and beach-side dining options. The combination of award-winning wines, coastal location, and commitment to quality makes it perfect for those long, lazy summer days when only vineyard dining will do.

At Ortega Fish Shack and Bar, they aim to provide an atmosphere where you can really relax and enjoy an evening of fine food, fine wine and great service, that won't break the bank. This Wellington favourite specialises in fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Why it's perfect for summer: Ortega offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere perfect for Wellington's precious summer evenings. The focus on fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours creates dishes that are ideal for warm weather dining - think fresh oysters, grilled fish, and vibrant salads. The casual yet sophisticated vibe makes it perfect for everything from after-work drinks to weekend celebrations, capturing the laid-back essence of a Wellington summer

Built in a paddock on the family farm, 15 minutes north of Oamaru in North Otago, Riverstone has become a destination for lucky locals, food-loving kiwis and international visitors alike. Riverstone Kitchen is a multi-award winning restaurant and past Cuisine Restaurant of the Year winner.

Why it's perfect for summer: Chef / owner Bevan's food ethos is reflected in the all-encompassing gardens that surround and define Riverstone Kitchen. The restaurant offers outdoor seating where diners can enjoy the North Otago summer surrounded by productive gardens. The farm-to-table philosophy means summer dishes feature ingredients literally picked moments before service, creating an authentic paddock-to-plate experience that celebrates the season.