New Zealand’s coffee culture is borderline legendary at this stage, so it’s no surprise that Auckland boasts some of the best coffee shops in the country. Whatever type of brew you opt for, these cafes and coffee houses will brew up a storm that powers you through the day with aromatic notes, latte art, and fabulous filters. Here are a few of our go-to spots when we’re in need of a brew in the city.
1. Eighthirty
Eighthirty has been serving excellent brews to the good people of Auckland since 2009. Their buzzing spot off Ponsonby Road is great for a grab and go, but we favour the light and airy Mount Eden hangout for a relaxing break with a full-flavoured brew. There’s a range of bakery items and other cabinet items to pair with your morning cup, so it often doubles as a breakfast spot for us!
đź“Ť4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1010 & 9 Charles Street, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
2. Daily Daily Coffeemakers
Small but mighty, Daily Daily Coffee bills itself as “a special, not specialty coffee house”, and we’re not going to disagree with them. Grab a quick cuppa and a tasty bake from this beloved coffee joint; opening from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, it powers commuters and early risers alike. Don’t miss their single-origin beans and brews.
đź“Ť452 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
3. Remedy Coffee
This coffee house is one of the best work cafes in Auckland, so it’s the perfect place to relax with a hot brew of choice while tackling your workload. Otherwise, choose from a selection of their books or read the news online whilst you sip, and stick around for breakfast or brunch if you have the time.
đź“Ť1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
4. Receptionist Coffee
You don’t see many coffee shops where the baristas wear ties; then again Receptionist Coffee is pretty content marching to the beat of its own drum. In 2024, their popularity outgrew their renowned hole-in-the-wall spot on Lorne Street, so they’ve taken their flat whites and cappuccinos to two new locales: a stylish tiled spot on Exchange Lane, and a sleek unit in Central. Pair your coffees with a sweet treat from the counter and you’ll be all set for the day.
đź“ŤExchange Lane, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 & Unit7/59-67 High Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
5. Allpress
Allpress are heavyweights in the global coffee scene, now boasting stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, and London – but it all started with a coffee cart and a garage in Auckland back in 1989. These days, you’ll find their expertly roasted offerings in Ponsonby, and at their roastery in Freemans Bay. The only choice now is drip or espresso?
đź“Ť266 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 & 8 Drake Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010
6. Chuffed
They’re perhaps better known for having some of the best breakfasts in Auckland, but don’t sleep on Chuffed‘s punchy coffee. Summer Saturdays here are ideal, with a plate of something delicious and an iced latte that just hits the spot.
đź“Ť 43 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
7. Millers Coffee
Real ones know that Cross Street is hiding one of Auckland’s favourite coffee shops. There’s no unnecessary bells and whistles here, as Miller’s does coffee brilliantly with few frills. A crowd-favourite among Aucklanders since 1984, they stock a range of intriguing blends, and we’d recommend picking up some beans to take home.
đź“Ť 31 Cross Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
8. Salta Espresso Café
Another well-regarded Ponsonby spot, Salta is renowned as one of the best cafes in the neighbourhood, so you’ll want to make a beeline here to sink your teeth into delightful food paired with a top-notch coffee. They’ve got a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy your beverage in the summer sunshine, which is total bliss.
đź“Ť 285 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, 1011