Swashbucklers

Whether or not you’re visiting for the kitschy pirate and seafaring paraphernalia, Swashbucklers makes it easy to stay for a cold pint thanks to its waterfront view – one of the best in Auckland, looking out over the boats lining the marina and the Harbour Bridge.

Wines by the glass are reasonably priced, with most between $11 and $14. The selection of draught beers leans classic rather than craft; you’ll find the likes of Speight’s, Lion Red, Monteith’s and Kronenbourg 1664.

Food-wise, you can’t go wrong with a plate of hot chips or the satisfyingly yellow battered fish bites. It’s also only $32 for a dozen oysters, surely one of the best deals in town.

Wooden tables with large sun umbrellas line the outdoor deck, which is the most popular place to sit on a sunny day. Indoors, Swashbucklers is a little heavier on the pirate vibe, with the low-ceilinged front room and bar decked out in a lot of wood, complete with a female figurehead jutting out in the centre. This leads into a large indoor dining area that usually attracts families with younger kids; sail-like white cloths hang from the ceiling, and it’s bookable as a function space.