Having long cast an envious eye across the ditch at Sydney’s plethora of excellent beach clubs as the ideal spots to while away long summer days, Auckland is finally set to get some of the same action. This summer heralds the launch of Mission (previously known as Mission Bay Pavilion), our very own beach-front good times spot, where a distinctly tropical theme with vivid pops of colour and retro touches will exude the type of laid-back cool we’ve been longing for.

Visitors can expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with an interior comprised of bar leaners and tables interspersed with a lush selection of plants and greenery, giving way to an al fresco area designed for relaxation and sun-drenched libations. We’re talking umbrella-covered picnic tables, a 360-degree outdoor bar and a line-up of loungers that provide the perfect perches for sweltering afternoons.

On the menu, a tasty selection of share plates including delicate, charred octopus, indulgent hush puppies pre-empts more substantial dishes such as black tiger prawn tacos and beef brisket burgers alongside some of our favourite classics, including steak-frites and traditional fish and chips.

Weekends will see Mission put forward a delicious brunch menu, with a courtyard DJ on Saturday afternoons and live music sessions on Sundays providing the perfect acoustic wind-down for the week. With a comprehensive cocktail and wine list that makes happy hour all the more enticing, this beach club is setting itself up as the ultimate place to catch some rays this summer.