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When you first land in New Zealand, there’s a good chance your first destination will be Auckland. Famous for its vibrant harbor, and numerous volcanoes (48 to be exact), Auckland offers the ultimate introduction to this land of breathtaking scenery, vibrant Maori culture, and outdoor adventure.
If you’re anything like me, one of the first things you look for in a new city are the best places to get a good coffee, especially after an 18-hour flight. As New Zealand is one of the creators of the flat white, it holds a special place in the global coffee scene and cafe culture. If you didn’t know that fact, you’re welcome (and best not to mention it in Melbourne).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my five best cafes in Auckland Central Business District (CBD), whether you need your caffeine fix or to rest your legs after a busy day of shopping and exploring.
1. Chuffed
It would be wrong to not include Chuffed on this list, consistently named one of Auckland CBD’s best cafés since 2014. I knew this before I visited, so had extremely high expectations – and was not disappointed.
Tucked away from the mayhem of Queen Street, this white-walled café features an ‘oasis courtyard’ with bird-themed décor, creating an incredibly charming, relaxed atmosphere. The natural lighting is a huge bonus, especially on a sunny day, which can be rare in Auckland.
If the ambiance wasn’t enough to convince you, then their coffee is even better. Their flat white with almond milk is a particularly popular choice, with the perfect amount of natural sweetness and smooth texture. They also have a wide selection of cold brews to kick-start your morning. For non-coffee drinkers, Chuffed offers plenty of options from healthy juices, a variety of teas, and alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer.
If you’re after brunch in Auckland CBD, I always recommend Chuffed’s eggs benedict, with eggs poached to perfection. Each meal is beautifully presented, ideal for taking a quick snap to share your ideal Kiwi life with friends overseas. During the week, I recommend you book in advance, but on weekends expect to need to wait for a table.
Chuffed is hidden away down a corridor on High Street, keep an eye open for the sign!
2. D.O.S.E On High
Perhaps the polar opposite to Chuffed, D.O.S.E On High has more of a gothic, trendy aesthetic and considers coffee as more of a craft than just a drink. Highlighting local New Zealand ingredients and flavors, this intimate espresso bar is the perfect place for those looking to steer away from their usual latte.
The staff are extremely passionate and have been inspired by Japanese-style cocktail bars to make a creative coffee experience. You can expect to find the classics on their menu, alongside signature drinks such as nitro and cold brews with unique and interesting flavors. For example, have you ever heard of nashi pear and kiwi cold brew with honey miso foam? Neither had I before I visited!
I highly recommend trying their Biscoff and oat cold brew, which works perfectly with one of their freshly baked canelés. If you’re not feeling very adventurous, then their mocha was delicious too.
Even if you’re not a coffee fan, it is a great experience watching the baristas meticulously make your drink in front of you. Just pop in for a hot chocolate and say hello to their adorable Corgi, Bobo.
D.O.S.E On High is on High Street. You’ll usually find a queue of people waiting outside on particularly busy days. If there is no space to sit, you can take your coffee away to Albert Park just up the road. One of my favorite things to do in Auckland is sit here and enjoy people-watching in the sunshine.
3. Bestie Café
Located on Karangahape Road (‘K-Road’) – the heart of thrift shops with a laid-back, hippy vibe – you can find Bestie Café. From the moment you walk in, a cozy, vintage atmosphere and the smell of pancakes welcomes you. The best thing about this café though, is it offers fantastic views of Auckland’s Sky Tower, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural lighting. This makes it one of the best cafes in Auckland CBD for catching up with friends, doing some work, or simply enjoying a relaxing drink.
In coffee terms, Bestie’s is uncomplicated when compared to D.O.S.E On High, but that doesn’t mean it’s not tasty. Its locally roasted Eighthirty coffee has hearty flavors, especially noticeable in their americano.
If you’re looking for a spot where you enjoy freshly cooked food alongside your coffee, then this is the place for you. Their menu is extremely varied, with options catering to all different dietary requirements, and you can also decide how healthy you want to be!
If it’s a cheat day, I recommend the hotcakes with whipped butter and maple syrup, or the spicy stack if you’re craving an extra kick.
Bestie café can be found in the back of St Kevin’s Arcade on K-Road. If you are staying in the heart of Auckland CBD, you’ll find regular buses every ten minutes. To take the bus, you’ll need an AT Hop card, which you can buy at the airport, train stations, major bus stations, and convenience stores.
4. Scarecrow
On the doorstep of Albert Park, Scarecrow is a quaint coffee shop hidden from the hustle and bustle. Operating since 2014, the café prides itself on delivering fresh food and organic coffee, as well as being a florist and farmers market all in one.
Considered more of an upscale café, Scarecrow focuses on sourcing local ingredients to create fresh seasonal dishes and baked goods. Because of this, everything they offer is of great quality, with a truly homemade feel. Whilst you are waiting for your order, browse their artisanal products such as boutique wine and beer, chocolate, and gifts to take home for friends and family (or keep for yourself…).
As for coffee, their Kokako organic cappuccino is very highly rated, with an impressive selection of milk options. They also have a variety of creative lattes to try, from premium matcha to Hakanoa Chai to West Coast cocoa vanilla chai.
On my last visit, it was a cold and rainy Auckland day. If you have the same weather misfortunate, nothing beats the Soup of the Day. One of my favorite things about Scarecrow is how aesthetically pleasing each dish is. You can really tell the owners put a lot of love into their kitchen.
Scarecrow can be found on Victoria Street East, with Albert Park a one-minute walk away.
5. Stolen Summer
More of a coffee stand than a café, Stolen Summer claims to be the ‘cutest Instagram-able coffee spot on High Street’. Blink and you’ll miss it, the intimate shop is perfect for a morning grab-and-go coffee. If you’re lucky to have pleasant weather in Auckland, you’ll find two tables outside.
You’ll first notice the quirky quote blackboard which welcomes you into the store. This blackboard is a local icon, prepared by staff or local artists every day. I love the cozy atmosphere of this spot. Think multi-colored cups, funky pin badges, and the smell of freshly baked goods.
Their coffee is fairly simple, but the house blend beans create a very light, refreshing taste – especially their iced latte on a hot summer day. Each drink also comes with a miniature cookie, making Stolen Summer one of the best cafes in Auckland CBD for takeaway coffee.
If you’re looking for a great photo, snap a pic of the vibrant cup with the signature Stolen Summer logo in front of the inspiration board. If you’re in the mood for a snack, their blueberry muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For locals and Auckland expats, this is a particularly popular spot for those on their way to work, so I always time my visit for later in the morning to avoid the crowds.
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