The Best Rooftop Bars in Auckland (2026)
Harbour views, house-brewed beer and summer sunsets in the city.
By Quick answer
- Best overall Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
- Harbour and Rangitoto views HI-SO Rooftop Bar
- Afternoons into late nights Rooftop at QT
How this list is ordered: listings marked “Featured” are paid Premium placements; other listings are ordered by plan (Standard, then Basic) and then by our editors’ ranking. “Best overall” is always our editors’ pick. Links to businesses are provided for reference.
Auckland’s rooftop bars look over the Waitematā Harbour, the Viaduct and the city’s parks. We compared seven, from a gin bar on the 20th floor to a rooftop brewery by the water.
The outdoor terraces are at their best from spring through autumn, so check the weather before you head up.
Our picks at a glance
- 1. Queens Rooftop & Wineshop 270° views and seafood
- 2. HI-SO Rooftop Bar Harbour and Rangitoto views
- 3. Rooftop at QT Afternoons into late nights
- 4. The Churchill Gin lovers
- 5. Sunset Street-food snacks and DJs
- 6. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co. Craft beer by the Viaduct
- 7. La Zeppa Tapas over Victoria Park
Compare side by side
| Rooftop Bars | Best for | From | Level | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queens Rooftop & Wineshop | 270° views and seafood | — | 21 | Auckland CBD |
| HI-SO Rooftop Bar | Harbour and Rangitoto views | — | — | Auckland CBD |
| Rooftop at QT | Afternoons into late nights | — | 6 | Viaduct |
| The Churchill | Gin lovers | — | 20 | Auckland CBD |
| Sunset | Street-food snacks and DJs | — | — | Auckland CBD |
| Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co. | Craft beer by the Viaduct | — | — | Viaduct |
| La Zeppa | Tapas over Victoria Park | — | — | Freemans Bay |
The list
1. Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
The smartest all-rounder in the city.
- Level
- 21
- Seafood bar
- Yes
2. HI-SO Rooftop Bar
Our pick for impressing visitors.
What we like
- Harbour and Rangitoto views
- Great for visitors
Worth knowing
- Busy on sunny weekends
- Views
- Waitematā Harbour & Rangitoto
3. Rooftop at QT
Try the espresso martini on tap.
What we like
- Cocktails on tap
- Sunny Viaduct setting
Worth knowing
- Lower-level view
- Level
- 6
4. The Churchill
The place to explore gin with a view.
What we like
- Nearly 200 gins
- 20th-floor city views
Worth knowing
- Gin-focused list
- Level
- 20
- Gins
- Nearly 200
5. Sunset
Grab a balcony table.
What we like
- Mumbai street-food snacks
- Rotating DJs
Worth knowing
- Small balcony
6. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.
A popular local hangout for a sunny afternoon.
- Brewery
- Yes
7. La Zeppa
Warm, welcoming and good for groups.
What we like
- Deck over Victoria Park
- Tapas made for sharing
Worth knowing
- Low-rise view
How we picked these rooftop bars
We started from current local guides and venue listings, then compared each bar on its view, drinks, price, atmosphere and practical details such as opening hours, happy hours and dress codes. We checked that every bar was still open in 2026, and we left out venues that have closed or changed hands. No venue paid to be ranked; any paid Featured spots are labelled.
- The view and how high you are
- Drinks quality and price
- Atmosphere, music and service
- Happy hours and value
- Practical details: hours, dress code, weather cover
Best rooftop bars in Auckland: what Reddit says
Searching for “best rooftop bar auckland reddit”? Local Reddit threads on r/auckland are a good way to hear unfiltered opinions from people who live in Auckland — but recommendations are scattered across many posts and are often years old.
How to use Reddit alongside this list:
- Search the subreddit for a business’s name to read recent experiences, good and bad.
- Check the date — prices, staff and opening hours change, so favour threads from the last 12 months.
- Look for specifics (what was paid, how long it took, what was done) rather than one-word recommendations.
- Then compare with the prices, hours and contact details on this page, which our editors keep up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Which Auckland rooftop bar has the best harbour view?
HI-SO looks across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island, and Queens Rooftop has 270° views.
Where can I get craft beer on a rooftop?
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. brews its own beer above the Viaduct.
Which is best for gin?
The Churchill, with close to 200 gins on the 20th floor of Four Points by Sheraton.
