One of the reasons many reasons people choose to stay with us (especially return customers) is our location right by the water. And who can blame them? There’s something beautifully calming about the water, especially in the evening with a nice meal and a drink or two!
In this blog we are going to recommend some of our favorite places in the city to wine and dine by the water, so you can get planning some romantic nights by the water!
THE CRAB SHACK
We obviously have to start here, we can’t make a list about dining at the water front and not mention seas food! And let me tell you, The Crab Shack is the one spot you need to satisfy your crab cravings from the cheaper options, to the more expensive (The King Alaska Crab), but it also makes it hard to say no for either lunch or dinner with its daily special deals. Perfect for a snack or meal after a long day of exploring!
GRANGERS
This one is a little closer to us, looking over Half Moon Bay’s promenade, Richard Cooke and Gina Henry’s sunny tap house is down-to-earth home cooking with the touch of refinement that is matched with a beautiful light-filled space adjacent to the boats that fill the marina. Grangers has quickly become a local favorite for their large selection of local craft beer and wine, if you are looking to enjoy some home-style cooked food and sink a few drinks while watching the sunset across the harbor – look no further.
FISH
This aptly named eatery is located in the city on the end of Princes Wharf, FISH mixes uninterrupted views of the Waitemata Harbour with a fresh seafood experience. Fish’s menu will be a great pallet cleanser for those visiting the country or those wanting some local flavor as it features foods traditionally grown in the Pacific mixed with the French style of cooking.
MORETONS
Another great eatery by the water that is just a shrt drive from the motel on Tamaki Drive, is Moreton’s. This beautiful bar comes with its picture-perfect view of Rangitoto. Mortens is the perfect all-day destination that can work for all different types of visitors. During the day it is the perfect place to visit after a few hours of exploring the waterfront and is the perfect spot for a hearty meal or sneaky beverage for that adventuring refuel. The menu has everything you could ask for, seriously, there are nine different sections, and that’s not even including dessert, drinks or the kid’s menu.
For those looking for somewhere to end the day and have some drinks by the water, Moreton’s turns into a great waterfront drinking spot. evolving into a gastropub/sports bar hybrid. The drinks list includes mostly mainstream beer and cider varieties, though there are a couple of hoppy craft brews.
A lot of times in our blogs we cover things happening in the city centre and surrounding areas, but one of the great upsides of being located in Kohimarama is that there are some amazing hidden gems located a few minutes walk from the motel. One of these smaller suburbs is Mission Bay, this small waterside township is a few minutes walk from the hotel and is brimming with life and local favourites. So let’s have a deeper look into why!
The Good George Craft House
If you are a fan of craft beer and good cuisine, then boy do we have the spot for you. This roof top bar and restaurant is fairly new, but has quickly become a local favourite. With 18 beers and ciders on tap, both the core range and seasonal varieties are on offer, we recommend giving them all a try with the tasting paddle. If you aren’t a beer fan, don’t worry, there’s even a frosé cider on tap.
Feeling peckish? Wile away a lazy afternoon with some modern pub-style eats from their new menu. We love a sharing platter and there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into mussels and meats, or classic charcuterie board. If you’re after a pub favourite, you can’t go wrong with Good George’s beef and chicken burgers, they also have vegetarian options that are equally as mouth watering.
If that’s not enough to convince you, it’s worth visiting for the view alone, the craft house features a sun-soaked deck that overlooks Mission Bay and Selwyn Reserve.
50s Flavours and Themes at Bald Eagle
If you are after a dining experience that mixes American classics such as milkshakes, waffles, burgers and Southern fried chicken and a decorative the, that takes you back in time, then you are going to fall in love with Bald Eagle Diner! Complete with checkered floors, vinyl booths and a jukebox, you’ll think you walked on to the set of Grease. Sip on a milkshake (there’s 11 flavours to choose from) and listen to the rock ‘n’ roll tunes late into the night.
Soak in the Sun at the Fountain
Not every experience needs to come at a big cost, if you want to take the family out to enjoy mission bay and save a little money then head to Selwyn Reserve which borders the beach and The Promenade, making it the perfect picnic spot. There are plenty of places to set u in the park where you can enjoy the historic fountain and head for a dip when it gets too hot. If you don’t feel like taking your own food, don’t stress, the reserve is minutes away from takeaways such as Andrea Ristorante Italiano, who offer both authentic Italian pizza and classic fish and chips. Alternatively, grab a healthy noodle fix from Otto Woo.
Get Out On The Water
Head to Mission Bay Watersports (found in the beachside carpark) to book anything from a half-hour paddleboard hire to spending all day in a kayak. No experience needed, the team even offer introductory lessons and fitness classes for those wanting to nail stand-up-paddle-boarding. They also offer sunset kayak across the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, where you can hike up and catch the surreal sundown view from the summit.
