Must-see nightlife in Dunedin & Otago

Head down the alley opposite the Rialto Cinema, with the black-and-white kākāpō street-art piece by Phelgm, to discover this intimate and sophisticated…

Nightly events here range from jazz jams and soulful singer-songwriters, to indie rock and literary readings with a peppering of quiz nights and open mics…

Around 10km from Ranfurly, this friendly country pub right on the Rail Trail is a great spot to quench your post-ride thirst. It also offers good pub…

One of Dunedin’s seriously serious coffee bars, Strictly Coffee is a stylish, retro option hidden down grungy Bath St. Different rooms provide varying…

Make the short trek from town to this cosy bar for its selection of Kiwi craft beers and tasty nibbles, and the cute indoor/outdoor beer garden. Despite…

Actually a maturation house rather than a distillery, where the whiskies are uniquely aged in red-wine barrels, giving them spicy, cherry-plum, Christmas…

This former butcher is now a bohemian bar, with a dark, atmospheric interior and cosy booths, illuminated by a single chandelier. Punters are drawn in by…

The coffee at the Dunedin branch of this famous Kiwi roastery is just as smooth and rich as you'd expect. The simple cafe space fills with students from…

Drop into this old waterfront warehouse to sample the output of Ōamaru's popular craft brewers. Slouch against the counter for a tasting or head out onto…

The most Victorian of the Victorian Precinct's watering holes, this corner beauty has a good beer selection and plenty of local wines. There's usually…

'Dunedin's littlest bar' might only be 1.8m wide, but this bolthole on George St is still full of punters. There's sometimes even live musicians squeezed…

Monochrome tartan wallpaper, a roof deck and great cocktails leave the classy clientele looking pleased to be seen somewhere so deadly cool. It gets going…

Not much but coffee to be had here, but oh yes, it's good coffee. This is where working street artists hang out while it's raining. Bring a keep cup if…

The Cook hosts many local and touring acts and attracts a lively crowd from across the road at the uni.

Nelson's Mac's brewery is making a strike deep into Speight's territory in the form of this popular, convivial pub right on The Octagon. It's the sunniest…

Craft beers, single-malt whiskies and good cocktails appeal to a different crowd than those found in Dunedin’s numerous student pubs. Antipasto plates,…

The godfather of Dunedin’s coffee scene, this compact wood-and-brick coffee house is the source of the magic bean for many of the city’s restaurants and…

Wage slaves queue at the pavement window every morning at this petite coffee bar, while students and others with time on their hands relax in the…

A late-night Dunedin staple, Pop serves great martinis and prides itself on seriously good DJs playing funk and house. It's downstairs.

A good spot to try the full range of Speight’s beers (six/eight beer tastings $18/22); there are also decent pub meals on offer.