december-2011

HUB
TAKE ME THERE Summer is one long
alfresco lunch
THE RIVERHEAD
Queen St, Riverhead,
tel: +64 (9) 412 8902
SALE ST
7 Sale St, Freemans Bay,
tel: +64 (9) 307 8148
SOUL BAR & BISTRO
Viaduct Harbour Ave,
Auckland,
tel: +64 (9) 356 7249
SPQR
150 Ponsonby Rd,
Ponsonby,
tel: +64 (9) 360 1710
Drinking beer under the afternoon sun
in a pub’s garden bar is a Kiwi tradition
massive renovation, this is a must.
There’s an ever-changing array
of exhibitions with December
off ering up the works of the great
Frances Hodgkins.
TOAST THE GOOD LIFE
Drinking beer under the afternoon
sun in a pub’s garden bar is a
Kiwi tradition. The somewhat
grungy Kings Arms in Newton
is a classic and the home of live
music. Many of New Zealand’s top
bands started out here, so you may
catch a big act taking a trip down
memory lane or discover the next
big thing.
For something more chic, Sale
St bar in Freemans Bay is another
popular outdoor spot, especially
with the after-work crowd. With
its own microbrewery, bar food,
live bands and DJs, and the stylish
Cru restaurant run by respected
chef Nick Honeyman, there are
options aplenty here.
If you fancy a short drive — or
boat ride — from town, then The
Riverhead situated in Auckland’s
052
upper Waitemata Harbour is great for a pub
lunch. With its outdoor decks, jetty, friendly
staff and good grub (try the venison and
kawakawa pie) you can easily while away
an afternoon here.
DINE ALFRESCO
For eating outdoors, you can’t go wrong at
Soul Bar & Bistro at Auckland’s Viaduct.
Grab a seat on the balcony and work your
way through the delicious menu, which has
a strong focus on fi sh.
Another great place to people-watch is
SPQR on trendy Ponsonby Road. Nab an
outdoor table, a bottle of crisp sauvignon
blanc and share a platter. Further along,
you’ll fi nd Prego with tables sprawled
around a courtyard. This is the place for
unpretentious Italian food; try a woodfi red
pizza or the delicious linguine marinara.
FROM ONLY AU$179
Jetstar fl ies to Auckland from Cairns,
the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney
and Singapore, and from across New
Zealand from NZ$69. Book online
at
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES