Bar

1. Caretaker

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar$$$Britomart

Intimate basement cocktail bar off Roukai Lane in Britomart, inspired by the golden age of bartending and open until 3am every night.

View details — Caretaker

Bar

2. Eichardt’s Bar

Hotel cocktail bar$$$Lakefront

The lakeside bar of Eichardt's Private Hotel on Marine Parade, known for hand-crafted cocktails, a fireside lounge and a historic setting at the heart of the waterfront.

View details — Eichardt’s Bar

Bar

3. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co

Rooftop brewpub$$Viaduct Harbour

Rooftop brewpub above Quay Street with a balcony over Viaduct Harbour, more than 15 taps including in-house beers, giant pizzas, live music and a tenpin lane.

View details — Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co

Bar

4. The Blue Door

Speakeasy-style bar$$Arrowtown

A tiny speakeasy-style bar in a former gold-rush era cold store down a cobbled Arrowtown alley, with schist walls, a fireplace, cocktails and live music.

View details — The Blue Door

Bar

5. Galbraith’s Alehouse

Brewpub and real ale house$$Grafton

Brewpub in the old Grafton library building at the top of Mount Eden Road, brewing English-style cask ales on site since 1995 and serving hearty pub food.

View details — Galbraith’s Alehouse

Bar

6. The World Bar

Pub with teapot cocktails and live music$$Town Centre

A lively Church Street bar since 1996, famous for teapot cocktails, burgers, live music and DJs, with a fire-warmed beer garden.

View details — The World Bar

Bar

7. Atlas Beer Cafe

Craft beer bar$$Steamer Wharf

A friendly craft beer bar tucked away at the back of Steamer Wharf, with rotating boutique taps, lake views and a well-known daily steak.

View details — Atlas Beer Cafe

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8. Whammy Bar

Live music bar$$Karangahape Road

Underground live music venue in St Kevin's Arcade on Karangahape Road, expanded in 2024 with the larger Double Whammy room and a community-minded public bar.

View details — Whammy Bar

Bar

9. Bar Magda

Filipino bar and bistro$$Karangahape Road

Underground Filipino bar and bistro on Cross Street near Karangahape Road, known for its cocktails, low-intervention wine list and modern Filipino plates.

View details — Bar Magda

Bar

10. Little Blackwood

Lakefront cocktail and wine bar$$$Steamer Wharf

A cocktail and wine bar at Steamer Wharf with a heated deck over Lake Wakatipu, Gibbston Valley wines and cheese and Argentinian charcuterie boards.

View details — Little Blackwood

Bar

11. Rocketman

Cocktail bar with karaoke room$$$Britomart

Retro-futuristic party bar on Roukai Lane from the team behind Caretaker, with a secret karaoke room, live jazz, cocktails and late opening Wednesday to Saturday.

View details — Rocketman

Bar

12. Smiths Craft Beer House

Craft beer house$$Town Centre

A craft beer house on Shotover Street with 21 rotating taps of local and rare brews, plus burgers, pizzas and loaded fries.

View details — Smiths Craft Beer House