Auckland's bar scene is more serious than its size suggests. Caretaker has been on the Asia 50 Best Bars list. The natural-wine and craft-beer programs across the city are exceptional. The 10 below cover the CBD, Ponsonby and Mount Eden — Auckland's three drinking neighbourhoods. Most are walkable in pairs.
Part of our 50 Best Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best bars in Auckland
01 · Auckland
CBD
$$
Speakeasy · Asia 50
CBD speakeasy. Reservations recommended. Asia 50 Best Bars fixture. Modern Pacific-spirit-led cocktails.
Order: A drink built around their house feijoa-infused gin
02 · Auckland
Ponsonby
$$
Wine bar · Counter
Ponsonby wine bar focused on natural NZ producers. Counter-only, knowledgeable owners, by-the-glass program is exceptional.
Order: A glass of pinot noir from Central Otago
03 · Auckland
Mount Eden
$
English-style brewpub
New Zealand's first serious brewpub. Cask conditioning, English pub atmosphere, the country's craft-beer ground zero.
Order: Their flagship cask ale
04 · Auckland
CBD
$$
Whiskey bar · 800+ bottles
CBD whiskey bar with 800+ bottles. The deepest Pacific whisky list. Casual-feel despite the serious cellar.
Order: A Hibiki 17 + a smoked old fashioned
05 · Auckland
Ponsonby
$$
Speakeasy · Cocktails
Ponsonby cocktail bar. Through an unmarked entrance. Classics-driven menu with NZ-spirit features.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve gin
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06 · Auckland
CBD
$$$
Hotel bar · Heritage
Inside Hotel DeBrett. Heritage-listed building with a classics-driven cocktail program. Polished service.
Order: A Manhattan at the wood-paneled bar
07 · Auckland
Britomart
$$
Restaurant + cocktail bar
Britomart cocktail-and-restaurant hybrid. The bar program is one of Auckland's most polished, dinner is also worth ordering.
Order: A signature spec + their seafood plate
08 · Auckland
Ponsonby
$$
Latin-leaning · Casual
Latin American-leaning Ponsonby cocktail bar. Casual atmosphere, drinks built on tequila and mezcal, reasonably priced.
Order: A tequila-based seasonal
09 · Auckland
CBD
$$
Modern · Hidden
Hidden CBD cocktail bar. Tiny, modern aesthetic, drinks built on hyper-fresh ingredients. Walk-in friendly.
Order: Whatever's the bartender's pick that night
10 · Auckland
Britomart
$$$
Waterfront · Modern
Britomart waterfront restaurant with a serious bar. Pacific-leaning cocktail program, the city's best harbour views from a drinking room.
Order: A drink on the harbour terrace
More Auckland bars by categoryCocktail, craft beer, hidden gem — the full Auckland index.
See the full list
How Auckland drinks in 2026
Auckland's small scale means a single evening can cover three different bar styles — a serious cocktail room (Caretaker), a craft beer pub (Galbraith's), and a natural-wine bar (Bedford Soda). The CBD cluster is most efficient for visitors. Most bars peak between 8 and 10 PM; some run until 2 AM weekends.
