It’s no secret that Auckland is an incredibly expensive city to live in. Rent, transport, and food all cost a lot more here than in other parts of the world. If you can’t get your hands on accommodation with a kitchen and don’t know where to start looking for a place to grab a drink, things can get pretty bleak pretty quickly. There are many great bars in Auckland that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but they aren’t always easy to find or know about if you’re new to the city. Luckily, there are a few hidden gems that are well worth the trip from the CBD or the suburbs. With so many options available, browsing online reviews and chatting up the bartenders at your favourite haunt are the best ways to find out what locals love about each establishment. Here are our top picks for Auckland bars!
The Commodore Bar is a New Zealand institution and one of Auckland’s most iconic bars. It is located on Auckland’s waterfront and overlooks the beautiful Waitākirikia (Waitaki River). The bar serves a wide selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, and hosts live music on most nights of the week. It is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and has been featured in many different TV shows and movies.
The Local Taphouse is a modern and spacious bar located in the heart of the city. It offers a wide selection of craft beers, ciders, wines, and spirits, and hosts live music daily. The Local Taphouse also serves up some excellent food, including salads, burgers, and pizzas.
The Local Taphouse Bar serves up a variety of cocktails and craft beers, and hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar also offers a selection of snacks, including homemade pies, bagels, and gourmet salads.
Kingsgate Bar is a spacious bar located in the downtown Auckland CBD. It offers an extensive range of cocktails, spirits, and craft beers, as well as great food. It is popular for its extensive range of events, including live music, quiz nights, and comedy shows.
The Standard Taproom is a modern and spacious bar located in the Auckland CBD. It offers craft beers, spirits, and ciders, as well as great food. The Taproom also hosts live music, comedy, and club nights.
The Standard Tap Room offers a wide selection of craft beers, spirits, and ciders, as well as great food. The Tap Room also hosts live music, comedy, and club nights.
The Boat House is a great place to stop for a drink and some food on the waterfront. It offers a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, beer, ciders, and wine, as well as great food. The Boat House is a great place to watch the sun set over Auckland’s beautiful waterfront.