Mission Bay

Mission Bay feels less like an Auckland suburb, and more like a small seaside town. The large reserve between the ocean and the promenade is called Selwyn Reserve and plays host to a number of popular music and cultural events throughout summer. At the centre of Selwyn Reserve, you’ll find the most recognisable landmark of the whole Mission Bay landscape, the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain. The fountain’s three sea monsters send jets of water up to 12 metres into the air, and once the sun sets, the fountain’s much-loved light show drenches the park in beautiful colours. During the warmer months, young kids use the fountain as a paddling pool.

Mission Bay isn’t necessarily a place you’d want to go swimming, although some people do. It’s not the greatest place to go if you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful Auckland beach—the charm of Mission Bay is more in grabbing a round of fish and chips from the adored Fish Pot Café, or frozen yoghurt from KiwiYo, and getting cosy on a blanket in the sea-side park. Mission Bay is also home to a whole host of beautiful restaurants if you’re looking for a nice night out, outside the hustle and bustle of the city. De Fontein and Dos Amigos are both local favourites, or head up to Rickshaw Eddy’s for some Asian fusion with a view.