8 great wine bars and wine restaurants in New Zealand 2024
New Zealand is a country with a growing wine scene where you can find venues with great depth and width both when it comes to wine from the world and New Zealand. Star Wine List's ambassador, sommelier Maciej Zimny, has selected his favourite wine spots in the country – check out the wine bars and restaurants not to miss.
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Phone: + 64 9 373 4778
Address: 280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Apéro is a very special place on the Auckland hospitality scene: a labour of love established by restaurateur couple Leslie Hottiaux and Ismo (Mo) Koski. The interior is warm and inviting with brick walls, dim lights and stylish furniture. It’s a small yet cosy establishment situated on the prominent central curve of K-Road’s dining district. Greeted by Mo’s warm smile, unassuming nature and home-like hospitality, you feel immediately relaxed from the moment you walk in. The tables are spread on two sides of the narrow room with the kitchen and bar at the rear. You might join a communal table...
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Phone: +64 9-303 0238
Address: Snickel Lane 23 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s mega city, Auckland, La Fuente is a tiny place tucked away down Snickel Lane, in close proximity to Queen’s Wharf and the Sky Tower. La Fuente translates to "The Fountain". It’s namesake perfectly reflects the vibrancy and latin energy of this unique wine and Mezcal bar, operated by passionate Mexican-born sommelier Edmundo Farrera. Inspired by Italian fashion, always well-dressed and well-groomed, you can’t help but notice Edmundo’s beautiful shoes and cool, suave charisma when he greets you at the door. I adore La Fuente for its welcoming atmosphere. Th...
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Phone: +64 9-360 2122
Address: 283 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s most glamorous suburbs near the city centre, is well known for its vibrant food and drink culture, from bustling cafes by day to fine, elegant restaurants by night. It is no wonder that Sidart is one of the most celebrated restaurants in New Zealand and has enjoyed global recognition too. With his roots in Fiji, owner and executive chef Lesley Chandra marries Indian-inspired flavours with contemporary cooking techniques to delight his guests with an elevated dining experience, driven by five-star standards and delivered with uncompromising excellence. The menu at S...
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Phone: +64 9-368 4129
Address: Saint Patricks Square, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
The Grove restaurant is located in Auckland’s city centre, just off the bustling hub of Queen Street, next to Saint Patrick’s Square. The Grove has achieved nationwide recognition for its high-end fine dining and degustation experience, gaining many culinary awards since the opening in 2004. Upon entering you are met by the Maitre d’ and ushered through to the comfortable bar space, which offers a good preview of the culinary experience in the main dining room. The stylish interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere and the staff move with serenity. White tablecloths, comfortable chairs,...
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Phone: +64 09 366 2500
Address: Park Hyatt Auckland 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Nestled within the prestigious Park Hyatt Hotel, Onemata Restaurant stands as a culinary beacon near Auckland's Harbour Ferry terminal, Victoria Park, and the bustling Auckland fish market. The restaurant boasts a captivating location with stunning views that effortlessly complement the dining experience. Elegance and modern design define Onemata's ambience, where comfortable sofas, steel and stone accents, rich wood elements, and an exquisite display of glassware and wine fridges create an inviting atmosphere. While the initial impression might hint at a touch of corporate refinement, sinking...
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Phone: +64 4-499 4199
Address: 99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington
Without a doubt, Boulcott Street Bistro is a Wellington institution. Established in 1991, this charming, cosy restaurant is located in a beautiful old Victorian cottage on the outskirts of the central business district of Wellington: a culinary haven amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. Inspired by Victorian gothic architecture, complete with dramatic sweeping roof, elegant gables and even a turret, this iconic venue is unforgettable once seen. The interior is filled with warm wooden elements, low beams and delicate lighting: the decor finished with white linen table cloths. If you wis...
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Phone: +64 4-385 6671
Address: 6 Swan Lane, Te Aro, Wellington
Situated inside an old red-brick bakehouse, Noble Rot is a cosy European-inspired wine bar and restaurant tucked away on the corner of Swan Lane. The fit-out is mainly composed of exposed brick walls, wood and steel elements, adding an old-fashioned charm, but you are immediately struck by its distinctive features upon entering: the bespoke, two-tier wine bottle chandeliers that command the attention of all who sit under them. Wine bottles are everywhere, displayed on just about every surface, shelf and wall you can see. The interior is split between three sections: the bar, dining area and...
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Address: 60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Puffin Wine Bar has found its home at The Intrepid Hotel, former warehouse of Cadbury Chocolate, just off Cuba Street. This hidden gem is located at the gateway to the culinary district of Wellington, surrounded by restaurants, brew bars, music venues, vibrant street art and some of the capital’s best coffee shops. You are drawn off the street by dim lighting shining through a long corridor: the secret entrance to Puffin. The interior decor boasts a long brass bar top, intimate sofa booths along the wall and casual seating in the middle of the room. Towards the rear there is a small, cosy cour...
