Wild but beautiful

How and David are a couple of hosts from Auckland, and they love traveling as much as spending time in their home city. This is their pick of gay travel tips: the best walks, events, venues and outdoor activities to turn your New Zealand holiday into a blast. Explore Auckland. Experience your pride. 

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there? 

Auckland is a very gay-friendly city. You are free to be yourself and be confident that you will be accepted. It’s so gay-friendly that each February, during Pride Month, Auckland’s main landmark, the Sky Tower, is illuminated in rainbow colours for the entire month.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

The biggest gay event of the year is Auckland Pride Month, which takes place in February. There are heaps of events, plays, parties and art, culminating to the Pride Parade.

© Unsplash/Dan Freeman

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Auckland is an outdoor playground, so the key is to get out and into nature. A 45-minute ferry trip takes you to Waiheke Island, which has award-winning vineyards and restaurants, stunning beaches, and amazing views out to the glistening waters of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. In the city, get your dose of adrenaline by sky-jumping off the Sky Tower. And Piha, 45 minutes' drive from the city center, will provide a landscape which is ruggedly wild but immensely beautiful - a bit like New Zealand men - with black sand beaches, wild surf and imposing bush-covered hills.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Ponsonby is the gayest suburb in Auckland, and of course has the best restaurants, cafés and bars in town. You will be spoiled for choice!

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

For pre-party drinks, head to Eagle Bar, a small gay bar where it’s easy to meet and chat with the locals. Then at midnight, cross the road to party at Auckland’s main gay club, Family, which offers great dancing, drag shows and hot boys across a number of different levels.

© Flickr/russellstreet

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Shanghai Lils is a great bar, where you can enjoy Auckland’s best Negroni while listening to live jazz, lying back on the bar’s opium-den style lounge bed. 

Any beaches, parks or other top places to chill out? 

Auckland is blessed with many beautiful, easily accessible beaches close to the city, from rugged, black sand surf beaches on the west coast, to calm white sand beaches on the east coast. The best gay nude beach is Pohutukawa Bay, which is about 30 minutes north of Auckland. It requires a 30-minute walk to get to the secluded and private white sand beach - a great place for swimming and sunbathing.

© Unsplash/Kyle Myburgh

Where you can we get the best view of Auckland? 

The best view of the city is from North Head in Devonport, a 10-minute ferry from Auckland’s city centre. Not only are there fantastic views of the city, but you also see amazing views out to the waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.  ●

Thinking of visiting Auckland? Check out our Events page for this great gay city! 

STAY SOCIAL!

Don't forget to add us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Follow us for exclusive content, special offers and share your travel pictures using the hashtag #ExperienceYourPride. We love seeing what you get up to on your misterb&b vacation. We'll share some of the best pics with our global LGBT travel community!