The Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Overview

The Viaduct Harbour, based in Auckland, New Zealand, comes to life at night. The place is always buzzing with people, booze, food, and fun: just about everything you need to make a night memorable. The Viaduct is a residential, commercial, and entertaining area where one can choose to dine in with their loved ones. The Harbour was formerly known as the Viaduct Basin, and as of yet, it is the busiest place in the Auckland Central Business district to be in during the night. If one chooses to take a walk before or after the fun, then one can always visit the National Maritime Museum, which is just adjacent to the Harbour.

The Viaduct Harbour was previously known as the Viaduct Basin. The Viaduct Basin because of a failed scheme by the Auckland Harbour Board. It was decided that large ships were to unload their cargo onto smaller ships and were supposed to ferry it back to the shore. However, the shipping companies didn’t cooperate; better arrangements had to be made for the bigger ships. However, the partially built arrangement for the ferry-boats now had no purpose. This area was now being used by fishing boats. A small fish market sprang up nearby and a few factories opened up. As time went on, this area became one of the best tourist attractions in Auckland.

Places to Visit and Things to Do

One can dine in a variety of restaurants and have fun in pubs. Delicacies such as seafood at Kermadec Ocean Fresh Restaurant, the jolly ambience of O'Hagans, and stylish dining experience at Soul are all things to cherish whether you reside in Auckland or not. One thing is for sure, you won’t be missing out on the waves and the scenery no matter where you choose to sit. Sometimes, a mere vacation doesn’t cut it, and thus you can visit So Spa to relieve your tension. If the sea gets boring, take to the skies. Go visit the nearby Flight Simulator. You can also visit the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral and enjoy the architecture over there.

Kermadec Ocean Fresh Restaurant
Address: Level 1, Viaduct Harbour
Contact: +64 93040454
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 7 days a week
It’s a well-lit seafood restaurant. It’s good for family gatherings and business meetings. Steaks, fishes, and Oysters are their specialities. They have fine wine. The food is worth the price and the ambience simply add to it. There are 2 Kermadecs next door to each other; a fine dining restaurant and a bar/bistro. On the terrace of the bar/bistro lies an excellent view over the Auckland Harbour and the Marina.

O’Hagans
Address: O’Hagans Irish Pub
103 Custom Street West
Contact:+64 93632106
Timing: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM-02:00 AM
Weekends: 11:00 AM-04:00 AM

The crowd is happy and friendly, with a mixture of age groups, not just the usual young person's hang out. When stormy weather comes up, the fireplace keeps everybody cosy. Although because the place is so lively, expect a few disturbances as people chat freely. Who knows, perhaps you’ll find yourself singing an Irish song.

Soul Bar and Bistro
Address: Viaduct Harbour
Corner of Lower Hobson Street and Customs Street West
Contact:+ 64 (9)3567249
Timing: 11:00 AM-12:00 AM, 7 days a week
This place offers a good opportunity to sit down at the Veranda overlooking the Marina and savour the view. The food is great but it’s important to note that the place fills up fast during weekends. As night approaches, not even a single table remains empty. The waiters are known to recommend good dishes and the service is quick.

So Spa
Address: 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour,
Contact: +64 93547440
Timings: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
So Spa allows you to achieve a state of total relaxation and wellbeing through exquisite and rejuvenating treatments. Inspired by the finest techniques of French cosmetology and the innovative approach of New Zealand, discover meticulously designed techniques to delicately cleanse, detox and restore body, mind and soul. Enjoy a light lunch from the De-Light menu, sample a generous selection of hand-picked canapés or enjoy a decadent afternoon tea.

Fly a Jet: Flight Simulator
Address: Auckland Central, New Zealand
Contact: +64 93599000
Timings: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday)
10:00 AM- 6:00 PM (Saturday)
Alistair and Roy are the 2 pilots on boards and they are brilliant. They explain in depth of how and what to do during the experience and are very experienced, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Go on! Fly through Brazil or maybe make a loop around the Big Ben.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Address: 43 Wyndham Street, Auckland Central
Timings: 09:00 AM- 04:30 PM (Monday-Friday)
Multiple Sunday Masses and friendly staff encourage visitors to stay a little longer when they visit this Church. The stainless glass is beautiful and knits well with the overall wooden interior. The exterior of the Church shows its heritage well with intricate patterns which can’t be seen in any church built in recent times. To step into this Church is to step in the heritage of years.

How To Reach The Viaduct Harbour

The viaduct takes about 25 minutes to reach from Auckland Airport as it is only 20.4 Kilometres away. It is near Victoria Park and the University of Auckland, thus it is a great hit amongst international students. You can get to the place with the help of a car or by any other form of transit such as a bus.