Mission Bay is a tourist-destination being representative of the Auckland Eastern bays. It has a typical beach-town atmosphere on a single strip with many restaurants, bars etc. If you drive away from the water, it is a residential area.
However if you want away from the madding crowds try the quieter Eastern Bays such as Kohimarama (great cafe there called Cafe Kohi with fab coffee and food!) and St Heliers Bay. At the top of St Heliers bay is a wonderful look out point from which you can see the city as well as Rangitoto. On clear summer days, its a great spot to watch the yachting!
