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Pair a waterfront view with a cold pint of craft beer or a glass of Martinborough wine at these harbourside bars with outdoor seating

2 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Experience Māori-inspired cuisine in a stunning location beside the Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront. Located in Te Raukura, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Karaka Café is an architecturally award-winning modern venue with indoor and outdoor dining spaces.

Their signature dish is a café version of a traditional hāngī meal, including rēwena (Māori potato bread) or legendary fry bread. The terraced grass by the lagoon is a popular spot for a drink on a sunny afternoon or evening - get there early and claim yourself a bean bag and park up until the sun sets.

5 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Situated in the historic former Wellington Free Ambulance building, this popular waterfront bar and restaurant is the place to be on a sunny day.

St Johns sheltered outdoor area has a grassy lawn where you can pull up a bean bag or a deck chair and enjoy an alfresco drink and snack.

Inside, the beautiful Art Deco-style building has been elegantly refurbished with period light fittings, plush velvet booths and potted palms. Soak up the lush atmosphere in the bar before heading next door to dine at the eatery.

On the waterfront near Lambton Quay, Flamingo Joe’s serves up brunch and stunning panoramic views across the harbour.

While not technically on the beach, the sea views will put you in a nautical frame of mind. Flamingo Joe’s fit-out is bright and fun and their modern brunch menu features all of your favourites from smashed avocado to scrambled eggs and smoothie bowls. There’s a custom cocktail list too if you fancy making your brunch a little boozy.

232 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington

A slice of retro beach paradise by Wellington’s golden sand beach, Oriental Bay. Specialising in casual cool dining, Beach Babylon is a comfortable café and restaurant open for brunch, lunch and dinner – and cheese fondue.

The coffee is locally roasted by Peoples Coffee, with Wellington craft beer and wine on the menu. If you fancy it, there's the option to BYO bottle of wine to accompany dinner.

The Crab Shack is a casual and fun restaurant on Queens Wharf providing frivolity and fresh food from the sea.

A coastal Cape Cod themed casual dining and drinking experience, The Crab Shack specialises in seafood by the scoop; Marlborough Green Lip Mussels, Cloudy Bay clams and Kiwi favourite Tuatua with your choice of lip-smacking sauce.

A maritime-themed restaurant housed in a historic waterfront shed, Dockside has one of the largest outdoor dining areas over water in the Southern Hemisphere.

On a sunny day, there’s nowhere better for a meal or a drink and on cooler ones, the deck can be covered with a large retractable roof, which gives the feeling of alfresco dining but with a bit of shelter from the elements.

The menu is largely seafood-based with an emphasis on fresh produce; the seafood is sourced daily from local markets. The drinks list features some wine from Martinborough, Wellington’s neighbouring wine region, plus some local craft beer.

103 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington

Coene's Bar & Eatery has one of the best views in Wellington.

On sunny days sit out on their deck overlooking the water or sit inside and take in the spectacular views.

Their all-day menu covers brunch, lunch, snacks and dinner. Try their mussels and clams or seafood chowder to enjoy a taste of the sea while you gaze out at the ocean. Coene’s is a popular spot for brunch or pop by for a drink and a snack on a sunny afternoon.

Foxglove   on Wellington’s waterfront is a blend of 1930s vintage glamour and West Hollywood lounge. Spacious yet intimate,  Foxglove   has sweeping  harbour   views, open fireplaces and one of the largest living green walls in New Zealand. This casual waterfront spot has two levels of indoor and outdoor seating. The bar serves a menu of small plates, tacos and pizzetta, or find a table and sit down for something more substantial. 

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