Is it 6pm or 2am? Enter this dark and cosy bar to lose track of time and enjoy some of Auckland’s finest cocktails.

Find a substantial selection of Japanese whisky, sake and beer, plus snacky dishes such as gyoza and bao buns at this late-night Karangahape Road bar.

A village gem in Mount Albert, this neighbourhood favourite has a sun-trapping courtyard and a tasty snack menu, plus an off-licence for takeaway booze.

This neighbourhood wine bar does double duty as a daytime coffee and sandwich spot, with excellent small plates and an interesting wine selection at night.

Inspired by the vibrant and jolly neo-bistros of Paris, this date-ready wine bar is worth visiting for the food alone. Its seasonal shared plates are simple yet full-flavoured – think whole flounder with brown butter and sourdough with anchovies and burrata.

Enjoy punchy Peruvian flavours at this fun and lively bar and restaurant. It serves great cocktails and the food is a drawcard all of its own.

You’re almost guaranteed to taste something totally new at this bookings-only bar that’s modelled on a typical chefs-table degustation.

Come for the sun-trapping courtyard and polished yet comfortable pub vibes. Stay for the excellent food.

This unpretentious neighbourhood bar is charming and relaxed, a welcoming go-to for a lowkey drink.

Culprit’s jazzy little brother across the street is just as sophisticated but comes in a smaller package. Graze on local seafood or late-night fries in the moody lounge, or linger in the grand dispensary and watch the bartender stir your miso Old Fashioned.

Marked by a nondescript door in an Auckland CBD laneway, this downstairs cocktail lounge is known for its for excellent, custom-mixed drinks, live music and relaxed, cosy vibe.

This multifaceted bar, restaurant, club and events space will just as happily host you for a dance as it will a chill drink and pizza.

Fancy a cocktail with a view? Find the best of both at waterfront bar Parasol & Swing.

Find Spanish sharing plates and excellent cocktails at this Karangahape Road mainstay with a lively yet intimate atmosphere.

This cosy 40-seat cocktail and wine bar is in a great location on Ponsonby Road, with a menu of tasty house-made sharing bites that includes a variety of vegan options.

This relaxed, pared-back venue on Pitt Street is a good stop-off point for a weekday coffee or a drink on the weekend.

Head to the curved outdoor terrace for a drink and bite surrounded by downtown Auckland’s skyscrapers, or slide into a comfortable rounded booth at this Acme & Co-designed bar and restaurant.

This tucked-away backbar is accessed through Karangahape Road’s Candela, with a sheltered balcony that’s great for both late-night cocktails and weekend events.

There's arguably no better city than Auckland to have a drink a few floors up. Surrounded by all that sparkling blue harbour, there are plenty of stunning water views – as anyone visiting rooftop bar Sunset will see.