New Zealand is known for high-quality coffee; we take our caffeination very seriously! Where though can you find the very best coffee in Auckland? We’ve done the hard work for you and have tracked down the best cafes and roasters around the central city. So, next time you need a caffeine hit, pay a visit to one of these top coffee shops.
This post first appeared on Exploring Auckland.
Every coffee-lover knows that disappointing feeling when you spend $5, and take a sip of terrible coffee.
By comparison, the satisfaction of finding a local coffee gem is practically second to none!
So, in a bid to save you time and money, let us point you in the right direction.
Central Auckland has it all when it comes to coffee – from ‘hole in the wall’ takeaway joints to cafes with large beautiful seating areas, and even old school roasters – we’ve got you covered!
This guide will highlight the best coffee in Auckland – considering their coffee along with the food and the ambiance of the cafes.
Jump straight on in...
The Best Coffee in Auckland
Classic Auckland Coffee Roasters
1. Millers Coffee
Millers is one of the oldest roasteries in Auckland – it has been serving up delicious coffee since 1984.
You can find them on Cross St, just off K-Road. The coffee blend they use now is exactly the same as it was in the 80s!
This place barely looks at all like a cafe but don’t let that confuse you – they take coffee seriously. Millers has the feel of sitting inside a small warehouse, with a full view of all the coffee roasting equipment and the business day unfolding before you.
Their coffee is authentic and genuine and is undoubtedly amongst the best in Auckland and on a good day, they might even surprise you with a little bonus. Last time I visited they were giving out free croissants to customers all day!
With the years of expertise that has made Millers successful, you can be sure that the staff there know what they are doing when it comes to making the perfect espresso.
31 Cross Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
2. EightThirty
EightThirty is now one of the most well known coffee roasters in Auckland.
They have a roastery, and cafes on K-Road, Anzac Ave, and in Ponsonby. They also supply their beans to many other cafes around the city (including Little & Friday and Dilly’s), and even offer coffee making classes if you are interested in learning barista skills.
EightThirty stand out because of their exceptional dedication to coffee quality, and ethical and sustainable business practices.
Each and every coffee that comes out of EightThirty is quality.
16 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
553 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Ponsonby Central, 136-146 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
3. Allpress
The name Allpress is now famous across New Zealand and Australia. However, you might be surprised to learn that Auckland is where it all started in 1986 when they first started selling coffee on Drake St.
Still in the same spot, their roastery, called The Caffetteria, is located close to Victoria Park. There you can ask to see some of the roasting process, and learn more from their knowledgeable staff.
They also have a gallery which they call the Allpress Studio, as if you don’t already have enough reasons to visit. In the gallery you will find plenty of stunning local art on display, bringing people together to tell stories and inspire.
Roastery: 8 Drake Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland, 1010
Coffee bar: 266 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1011
Iconic Central Auckland Coffee Spots
4. Receptionist
This iconic ‘hole in the wall’ cafe is right in the heart of the city centre. Located on Lorne Street, Receptionist is an easy stop on the way to work, exploring the city centre, or hitting Auckland’s shops.
This coffee shop is known as being one of the best around and is a real favourite amongst locals.
The barista and owner Kay, is especially known for his formal work attire, friendly manner, and exceptional flat whites.
Be sure to check Receptionist out next time you’re in the Auckland CBD.
32 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
5. Remedy Coffee
Remedy Coffee is a great spot right in the middle of the city centre. Perfect for relaxation, they provide books, board games, and WiFi. It’s a fantastic place to come with friends to hang out, or alone to work.
If you bring a book of your own, you can exchange it with one of the books from their shelf. They also have an old arcade machine which you can use to play games on!
In addition, they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, which makes it a great place to sit for hours and watch the bustle of the city go by.
And of course, they whip up some of the best coffee in Auckland!
1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
6. Daily Daily Coffeemakers
Daily Daily is another classic K-Road location.
There they serve up delicious coffee, kombucha, and bakery items whilst providing the perfect place to rest on a busy day in the city.
The cade has a very cozy, communal feel, with shared tables, and books provided to read.
Alternatively, you can sit by the window and people watch on K-Road as the day goes by.
The staff know how to make a fantastic cup of coffee, and serve cabinet food that will get you through any mid-afternoon slump!
452 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
7. Chuffed
Chuffed is a little High Street coffee-lover’s paradise!
There is something for everyone here – be it breakfast or lunch, coffee or tea, or even wine, beer and cocktails.
To make life easy, you can even click and collect your lunch! How convenient is that?
If you’d rather hang about to enjoy your coffee, the heated courtyard offers a welcome, colourful escape from the hustle and bustle of the CBD.
And we feel like it goes without saying at this stage, but this is some of the best coffee in Auckland!
43 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Take a Seat and Take a Sip
8. Bestie Cafe
To those who know about Bestie Cafe, it will hardly come as a surprise that this beautiful cafe is included in this collection.
Situated in St Kevin’s Arcade on K-Road, you’ll notice that the cafe is filled with plants and greenery everywhere. They also enjoy incredible views out over Myers Park!
If you’re a real coffee fiend, you’ll be pleased to hear that Bestie runs a an ‘all you can drink’ coffee system for only $7. It’s quality filter coffee and it’s endless – a real win-win!
They are known locally for their delicious breakfasts, vibrant atmosphere and fantastic coffee, making them a must-visit spot on our tour of the best coffee in Auckland.
179/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
9. Scarecrow
Scarecrow describes themselves as a “kitchen-florist-grocery”. They really do do it all and they do it well!
Serving up delicious fresh bread and coffee every day, they bring a small slice of country life into the heart of the city, creating a mini-farmers market within the confines of a cafe.
There you’ll find a great selection of organic goods, fruit and vegetables, locally made products and even gorgeous flowers!
They also offer pre-prepared takeaway lunches for those busy work days.
In addition to their superb coffee menu, Scarecrow also has a great selection of tea to choose from.
33 Victoria Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
10. Merge Cafe
Merge Cafe is a social enterprise, run by the Auckland charity Lifewise.
A social enterprise is a business that exists to work towards a social cause. In this case, Merge make an amazing contribution to the homeless community in Auckland City.
The cafe sells their food on a ‘pay as you are able’ basis, serving breakfasts to those in need from only $2, whilst still offering a range of other delicious meals still at very affordable prices.
In addition, patrons are encouraged to buy a second meal (if they can), which can then be donated to a person in need.
And of course, what cafe would be complete without exceptional coffee?!
The barista, Manu, has quite a reputation on K-Road for his coffee making skills and friendly rapport with customers.
As an added bonus, Merge also host occasional pop up dinners and art displays – all in a bid to help the homeless. Keep an eye on their social media to find out when their next event is.
Merge give you the opportunity to enjoy excellent food and coffee all whilst supporting our community.
Is there anything better?
453 Karangahape Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1010
Auckland is fortunate to have so many amazing spots to grab a cuppa.
Though we’ve listed the 10 best places to get coffee in Auckland, there is no doubt that there are many, many more amazing cafes just waiting for you to check out.
The more you explore Auckland, the more you will discover!
Go out and make friends with the baristas, try different types of coffee, support local and enjoy the atmosphere of these awesome cafes.
Let coffee take you on a journey around Auckland!