18 top wine bars and restaurants in New Zealand 2026
New Zealand’s ever-growing wine scene boasts venues of great breadth, proudly serving locally sourced wines from around the country, as well as those from the rest of the world.
Star Wine List's New Zealand Ambassador has selected his favourite spots to enjoy a glass – or bottle – of wine. Add these bars and restaurants to your hit list!
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![Apero Wine Bar, a wine bar in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
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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![Odeon, a restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 224 201 378
Address: 165 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Odeon is one of Christchurch’s most contemporary dining spaces, offering a food and wine experience built around sharing, openness and energy. From the moment you step inside, the scale of the room is striking – high ceilings, an open kitchen and a combination of warm wood elements give the space a modern, industrial feel that remains warm and inviting. The layout plays an important role in how the venue works. Long tables encourage communal dining, reinforcing the idea that the food is meant to be shared and enjoyed collectively. At the same time, smaller tables allow for more intimate dinin...
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![Central Fire Station Bistro, a restaurant in Napier, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 665 011 15
Address: 163 Tennyson St, Napier South, Napier
Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier makes a strong first impression even before you step inside. Standing in front of the building, there’s an immediate sense of southern Europe – something that feels closer to Vence or a small Italian town than a typical New Zealand dining room. It sets the tone for what follows: relaxed, confident and quietly elegant. Inside, the venue is spacious and filled with natural light from large windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening. The interior balances modern and natural elements well – wooden tables contrast...
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![Alma, a restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 924 215 70
Address: 130 Quay St, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Alma in Britomart is a focused and confident dining destination that brings Mediterranean and Andalusian influences into a well-defined, contemporary setting. The menu is concise but expressive, driven by seasonal produce and bold Mediterranean flavours. There is a particularly strong seafood selection, and the food is designed for sharing, encouraging a table full of plates and wine. Execution is consistent and precise, and the menu naturally calls for thoughtful wine pairing. The wine list follows the same clear direction. It is not extensive, but it is purposeful, with Spanish wines at its...
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![Ground Wine Bar, a wine bar in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 210 875 6545
Address: 10 O'Connell St, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Ground Wine Bar is quietly positioned below street level in central Auckland, offering a calm and welcoming retreat from the pace of the city. The setting is cosy and intimate, with thoughtful use of space and discreet corners that encourage guests to slow down and enjoy their wine in comfort. The food menu is deliberately concise and well judged, built around classic wine bar staples designed to complement rather than distract from the wine. Expect baked Camembert with Rewarewa honey, traditional French saucisson, and a solid selection of cheeses and charcuterie – simple, familiar and well e...
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![Gilt Brasserie, a restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 930 031 26
Address: 2 Chancery St, Chambers, Auckland
Gilt Brasserie is a well-executed inner-city brasserie that delivers consistency, clarity, and confidence across both food and wine. The space is modern and welcoming, with warm lighting, open seating, and a clean, polished feel throughout. Fresh flowers add a thoughtful touch, reinforcing the sense of care and attention to detail. The menu is built around seasonal produce and is well balanced — dishes work equally well for sharing or individual enjoyment. It’s a flexible, all-day offering that suits different occasions without losing focus. Everything functions smoothly, making Gilt a place...
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![Cellar Door, a wine bar in Christchurch, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 03 925 8497
Address: 1 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nestled within the historic Christchurch Arts Centre, Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Cellar Door is a wine bar blending classic charm with modern sophistication. The venue's warm and welcoming atmosphere is characterised by red brick walls, wooden floors, tables and chairs, and beautifully subtle lighting. The high ceilings provide a spacious feel, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy fine wines. The food menu is compact yet thoughtfully curated to complement the wine offerings. It features a variety of shareable small plates alongside more substantial dishes and delectable desserts. A notable h...
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![Interior of Charley Noble Eatery & Bar, Wellington, New Zeeland.]()
Phone: +64 508 242 753
Address: Ground Huddart Parker Building, 1 Post Office Square, Wellington
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Located between the waterfront and Wellington’s business district, Charlie Noble sits in the historic Huddart Parker Building, perfectly positioned to capture both the city’s corporate rhythm and its after-hours energy. The restaurant occupies a long, open ground-floor space that immediately feels generous and welcoming. Entering the room, you’re met by a smartly positioned bar at the front, with comfortable high tables alongside – ideal for pre-dinner drinks, small plates, or an impromptu catch-up. The ceiling height enhances the sense of space, while the modern, understated fit-out keeps the...
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![Interior of The Cellar Dunedin, New Zeeland.]()
Phone: +64 26 683 7578
Address: 4 Hanover St, Central Dunedin, Dunedin
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Nestled on Hanover Street in central Dunedin, The Cellar is a contemporary wine bar and relaxed dining space that has quickly become part of the city’s vibrant hospitality fabric. Positioned right in the urban core, it feels naturally connected to Ōtepoti’s rhythm – it’s close to the historic precinct, surrounded by cafés, bars and pedestrian energy, and very much plugged into the life of the city. The interior is defined by a generous, open-plan layout with tall ceilings and exposed red brick, lending the space an intimate underground charm. A thoughtful mix of lower and higher tables allow...
The Cellar Dunedin is temporarily closed.
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![Onemata Restaurant, a restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 09 366 2500
Address: Park Hyatt Auckland 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
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Nestled within the prestigious Park Hyatt Auckland 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...
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![Boulcott Street Bistro & Wine Bar, a wine bar and restaurant in Wellington, New Zealand.]()
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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![Noble Rot Wine Bar, a wine bar and restaurant in Wellington, New Zealand.]()
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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![Puffin Wine Bar, a wine bar in Wellington, New Zealand.]()
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...
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![Toast & Oak, a restaurant and wine bar in Queenstown, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 03 442 8627
Address: 15 Shotover Street, Queenstown
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Located in one of the most picturesque towns in New Zealand, Toast & Oak takes full advantage of its stunning surroundings. This elegant and ultra-modern wine bar boasts calming lighting, warm oak furnishings and comfortable seating that invites you to relax and indulge. Meanwhile, panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu provide a breathtaking backdrop. The food menu is designed to complement the impressive wine selection, with a range of delicious options from small bites to a full chef’s tasting menu. Each item is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients,...
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![Rātā, a restaurant in Queenstown, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 03 442 9393
Address: 43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
Rātā is a restaurant offering unparalleled dining experiences in the heart of Queenstown, perfectly capturing the spirit of New Zealand – an unmissable destination for locals and tourists alike. The design integrates the natural beauty of the region, with a sophisticated, contemporary interior utilising natural materials such as wood and stone; large windows provide ample natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With its elegant yet relaxed ambience, Rātā suits a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to special celebrations. The culinary offerings present a true...
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![Gatherings, a restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 0210 293 5641
Address: 5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Tucked away in the vivacious city of Christchurch, Gatherings offers an escape from the hustle and bustle. It is a small yet remarkable restaurant with a refreshing outlook and a warm, homelike feel that instantly puts you at ease. The venue’s commitment to natural wines, sustainability, and minimal intervention sets it apart, making every visit an adventure in flavour and discovery. The food at Gatherings is a celebration of seasonality and local produce, with a plant- and water-based menu that changes often. The communal dining experience is enjoyable and interactive and, from fresh salads...
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![San Ray, a restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Phone: +64 09 360 0486
Address: 118 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
San Ray is a sleek and stylish venue that has quickly become a standout in Auckland’s vibrant dining scene since opening in July 2024. An interior featuring warm hues, clean lines and contemporary photography hosts guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making this a versatile choice for both locals and visitors. The food menu is a lesson in laid back sophistication. Morning staples like eggs, crumpets, and toast make way for confident versions of all-day favourites such as Caesar salad, crudo, and tajin fries. There’s a generous vegetable section including plates of buttered cabbage, mushr...
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![Bon Pinard, a restaurant and wine bar in Auckland, New Zealand.]()
Address: 134A Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Bon Pinard is a sleek yet intimate wine bar that has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike since opening in June 2024. Located in Birkenhead, just ten minutes’ drive from the heart of Auckland, the venue exudes warmth and elegance with soft lighting, banquette seating and a glowing colour palate – perfect for a relaxed evening of wine exploration. The food menu includes a variety of snacks, from artisanal cheese boards to gourmet charcuterie and other tasty morsels. Each item is prepared with care and precision, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. A mid-sized wine...
