Six unmissable sunset spots in Auckland

Ahhhh, our favourite time of day. A spectacular sunset never fails to leave you feeling a little zen. Here in Auckland, we are lucky to be spoiled for choice when it comes to particularly jaw-dropping spots to watch the sun go down. We've made the choice slightly easier for you by rounding up six locations guaranteed to have your squad, date or self in awe - no filter needed!

MISSION BAY

Just a stone's throw from the central city lies Mission Bay - hub of wonderful waterfront eateries, bars, playgrounds and golden sand. Enjoy an early dinner, or wander along the beach with ice cream in hand as the sun dips down behind the mighty Rangitoto Island. Mission Bay is a hotspot in summer (for humans and doggos alike!) so if you're looking to get away from the crowds, head around the corner to Bastion Point to enjoy a moment of serenity in the central city and watch the last rays glisten over Waitemata Harbour. Dreamy!

AWHITU LIGHTHOUSE

 Make your followers jealous and take a cheeky hours drive from Auckland to this little-known, oh-so-grammable gem. The picturesque Awhitu Lighthouse overlooks a rugged landscape, out to the Manukau Heads and the Tasman Sea. Huddle up under the lighthouse or further along the hill and prepare for a treat of a sunset.

WAIHEKE ISLAND

Waiheke Island is honestly a must-do, regardless of the time of day or year. But after a lazy long lunch and countless wine tastings, and some of the best coastal scenes our beautiful country has to offer, how better to enjoy the end of the day?! Put your feet up with vino in hand, and witness first-hand how special a Waiheke sunset can be.

LION ROCK, PIHA

Take a 40-minute drive out to the wild West Coast. The huge cliffs, black sand beaches and insane surf make for a truly majestic sunset backdrop no matter where you park up along this coastline, but our pick is Lion Rock on Piha beach. Grab fish and chips from the local store and tackle the climb for an epic vantage point to watch a sunset you won't forget.

ONE TREE HILL

Another spot not hard to access, and well-worth the trip, is the summit of One Tree Hill. There's a reason tourists and locals alike love this spot. Wander through picture-perfect Cornwall park, admiring the farmland, twisted trees and flower gardens before making your way up to the summit for breath-taking views of the city in all directions. If you can see a ridiculous sunset coming on, it won't take you long at all to scamper up this hill and see Auckland in all its glowing glory. 

THE SKY TOWER

Want to enjoy an epic vantage point from indoors? Where better than our iconic Sky Tower! Follow the sun across the city from this super-high 360 degree viewpoint, and tick an Auckland must-do off your bucket list at the same time! 

Happy sunset chasing!