North Auckland
Relax with a tasting rack of brews amid the rustic but hip decor, and order widely from the share-plates menu. It's all good, but we're partial to the…
Must-see nightlife in Auckland Region
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Two patron saints of cool – Elvis Presley and Marlon Brando – look down in this compact space. Shoot the breeze with the friendly bar staff over a craft…
Auckland
Formerly a butcher's – look for the Westlynn Organic Meats sign – this corner location is now a great little neighbourhood bar with a backstreets Bogotá…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Brewing real ales and lagers on-site, this cosy English-style pub in a grand heritage building offers bliss on tap. There are always more craft beers from…
North Auckland
There’s character and then some in this 1879 pub, with walls completely covered in old photos, animal heads and vintage household goods.
Hauraki Gulf Islands
This excellent pub offers island-brewed craft beer, seafood, steak and burgers, and is GB's main social centre. Wood-fired pizzas are another highlight,…
City Centre & Britomart
Auckland's only bar specialising in the potent Mexican spirit mezcal, La Fuente (The Fountain) is also a fine spot to partner an excellent selection of…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Lovebucket is a more sophisticated alternative to K Rd's often youthful after-dark vibe. Courtesy of shared ownership with the Hallertau Brewery in West…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Inspired by the 'neo bistro' movement of Paris, Bar Celeste blurs the line between intimate bar and innovative restaurant. Natural wines are regularly…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Discover some of NZ's most innovative craft beers at the Auckland outpost of Wellington's Garage Project. Due to the cellar door's licence, beers are…
City Centre & Britomart
Some of Auckland's most interesting cocktails feature at this stylish bar, and the owners' background in restaurants also shines through. Graze on a…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Featuring some of Auckland's most experienced bartenders, Deadshot – cowboy parlance for 'strong booze' – is where you can sample the city's cocktail A…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
This beer bar combines quirky decor with 18 taps crammed with Brothers' own brews and guest beers from NZ and further afield. Hundreds more bottled beers…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Candlelight and a semi-industrial fit-out set the scene for a New York–style bar devoted to the American drinking culture. The cocktails are pricey but…
Dida’s Wine Lounge & Tapas Bar
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Great food and an even better wine list attract a grown-up crowd. There's an associated wine store, providore and cafe next door.
North Auckland
This spunky little venue is a regular stop on the summer rock circuit, sometimes attracting surprisingly big names. The pizzas ($25) are thin and crunchy…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
A self-described 'neighbourhood bar', Annabel's would also be right at home in the backstreets of Bordeaux or Barcelona. Cheese and charcuterie platters…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Gin and craft beers from around NZ combine with excellent street-food-inspired bar snacks at the summery and relaxed Hoppers Garden Bar. Ponsonby locals…
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
Formerly a harbourside warehouse, Wynyard Pavilion's high-ceilinged heritage space is now one of the area's most versatile spots to eat, drink and take in…
City Centre & Britomart
Every burgeoning international city needs a good rooftop bar, and the stylish HI SO at the So/Auckland ticks all the boxes. Futuristic decor includes a…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Craft beers – many from Wellington's iconic Garage Project brewery – partner with fiery Indian street food in this rustic and laid-back space. Cocktails…
Parnell & Newmarket
This spacious, friendly and longstanding Irish pub is a grand place to watch live sport. Keep an eye on the match schedules of the All Blacks and the…
City Centre & Britomart
New York style infuses this cocktail bar concealed behind an old door inscribed with the title 'Caretaker'. The decor is equally eclectic, and a handful…
North Auckland
Craft beer, cocktails and wine combine with good meals and bar snacks – try the barbecued-duck tacos – at this Orewa outpost of Auckland's Deep Creek…
Hauraki Gulf Islands
Visit Aotea Brewing to purchase craft beers brewed entirely off the grid in the compact on-site microbrewery. Beers including Solar American Pale Ale are…
Auckland Region
Hallertau offers tasting paddles ($12 to $16) of its craft beers served in its spacious and sociable biergarten, and inside on cosy tables near the bar…
North Auckland
Tucked down a quiet laneway, Tahi features nine taps of NZ craft beer. It's a friendly spot with a rustic and sunny deck. Ask if any beers from award…
Parnell & Newmarket
Push open the door decorated with a chunky brass pineapple to discover this elegant bar with leather furniture and a gentlemen's club ambience. Savvy…
Auckland
With its spacious and sunny beer garden, Pocket might have to start considering a new name. Colourful street art and a special area for chalk drawing…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Recently relocated to the after-dark scene of Karangahape Rd, a louche old-world Shanghai vibe pervades this small bar, where the owner dispenses charm in…
Parnell & Newmarket
A shrine to craft beers from around NZ, the Lumsden's outdoor terrace is a good spot to relax after exploring Newmarket's shops. Fifteen different beers…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Quite the best place to see and be seen on the Ponsonby strip, SPQR is a magnet for local scenesters who are quick to nab the tables on the footpath. Head…
Waiheke Island
Once you're supping on a Waiheke wine or beer under the pohutukawa on the beach-gazing deck, it's easy to see why Charlie's has been a beloved island…
City Centre & Britomart
There's a slightly dishevelled colonial charm to this bar, discreetly tucked away above Auckland's oldest pub, which is completely in keeping with its…
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
Viaduct Harbour's best views – usually including a bevy of visiting superyachts – combine with Dr Rudi's very own craft beers and a menu featuring wood…
City Centre & Britomart
Lit by the golden glow of close to 600 different whisky bottles, this subterranean den is a sophisticated spot for a nightcap. There's no list – talk to…
City Centre & Britomart
With 22 taps, more than 75 bottled beers and sports on the TV, this pleasantly grungy historic pub is popular with Auckland's savviest craft-beer fans…
Waiheke Island
Search out this bohemian spot for Waiheke's best coffee – served with delicious homestyle baking (try the cinnamon brioche) – and the chance to spin some…
Auckland Region
A hoppy oasis in wine country, the Beer Spot's array of 40 taps of craft beers and ciders is partnered by visiting food trucks on a weekly basis. Check…
North Auckland
In the Matakana Cinemas complex, this wine bar serves as a one-stop cellar door for all the local producers. Beers from local craft breweries are on tap,…
