Auckland's cocktail scene punches above its size. Caretaker has been on the Asia 50 list. The 10 below cover the CBD, Ponsonby and the East. Most are within a 15-minute drive.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
Read the world list
The 10 best cocktail bars in Auckland
01 · Auckland
CBD
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Speakeasy · Asia 50
CBD speakeasy. Asia 50 Best Bars fixture. Modern Pacific-spirit-led cocktails.
Order: A drink built around their house feijoa-infused gin
02 · Auckland
Ponsonby
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Speakeasy · Cocktails
Ponsonby cocktail bar. Through an unmarked entrance. Classics-driven menu.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve gin
03 · Auckland
CBD
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Whiskey bar · 800+ bottles
CBD whiskey bar with 800+ bottles. The deepest Pacific whisky list.
Order: A Hibiki 17 + a smoked old fashioned
04 · Auckland
CBD
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Hotel bar · Heritage
Inside Hotel DeBrett. Heritage-listed building with a classics-driven cocktail program.
Order: A Manhattan at the wood-paneled bar
05 · Auckland
Ponsonby
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Latin-leaning · Casual
Latin American-leaning Ponsonby cocktail bar. Casual atmosphere, drinks built on tequila and mezcal.
Order: A tequila-based seasonal
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06 · Auckland
Britomart
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Restaurant + cocktail bar
Britomart cocktail-and-restaurant hybrid. The bar program is one of Auckland's most polished.
Order: A signature spec + their seafood plate
07 · Auckland
CBD
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Modern · Hidden
Hidden CBD cocktail bar. Tiny, modern aesthetic, drinks built on hyper-fresh ingredients.
Order: Whatever's the bartender's pick
08 · Auckland
CBD
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Speakeasy · Modern
Modern CBD speakeasy. Reservations recommended. NZ-spirit-led cocktail program.
Order: A drink built around NZ-distilled gin
09 · Auckland
Victoria Park
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Heritage hotel · Bar
Heritage hotel building. Casual cocktail bar with a strong outdoor area.
Order: A signature cocktail on the terrace
10 · Auckland
Britomart
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Hidden · Cocktails
Down an unmarked Britomart laneway. Hidden cocktail bar with serious technique.
Order: A perfect Manhattan
More Auckland cocktail barsThe full Auckland cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Auckland cocktailing fits its city
Auckland's small scale lets you cover three different bar styles in one evening. Caretaker is the technical reference. The 10 above are essential. Most peak between 8 and 10 PM.
