In Auckland, coffee isn’t simply a pick-me-up; it’s a cornerstone of culture, deeply embedded in the city’s vibrant daily rhythm. From the bustling cafés of Ponsonby to the hidden gems of K’ Road and the neighbourhood go-tos, Auckland’s coffee scene thrives on its ability to innovate while honouring tradition. As the city’s love affair with coffee only deepens, the clever, creative coffee shop owners and their staff across town are continuing to challenge conventions with adventurous brews that surprise and delight the palate.
From Biscoff-infused oat milk cold brews to creative tonics to floats topped with intriguing foams and creams, these unique creations reflect a growing curiosity for flavours that go beyond the classic flat white, embracing global influences and the fine art of coffee preparation. With local baristas, roasters, and coffee shop owners leading the charge, Auckland is proving to be a playground for coffee enthusiasts seeking bold, boundary-pushing experiences.
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Here, we explore the most creative cups in the city — each a testament to Auckland’s world-class coffee culture.
Little Things — Espresso Ale
Tucked into a cozy corner in Glenfield, Little Things, owned by Indika Koggalahewa, is a welcoming café and artisanal micro-roastery that celebrates connection, creativity, and exceptional coffee. Originally from Sri Lanka, Indika blends a passion for storytelling with a sommelier-like approach to coffee, crafting complex, specialty-grade brews roasted in-house. With features like a gratitude wall, a communal guitar, and air-roasted coffee tailored to perfection, Little Things creates an intimate space where every cup is a unique experience. It’s a hidden gem redefining Auckland’s coffee culture.
Little Things’ Unique Brew: “We have a few different things, but a personal favourite of mine is our espresso ale which is a double espresso over ginger ale with a touch of elderflower syrup. It sounds unusual but it’s delicious, by the third sip it all makes sense — the coffee, and ginger are delicious together.”
D.O.S.E on High — Biscoff-Infused Oat Cold Brew
D.O.S.E on High, owned by Reinaldo Tanudjaja and Connie Chung, is a sleek, 30-square-meter café inspired by Japanese cocktail bars. This intimate space offers a creative twist on coffee culture, blending bar-style techniques with specialty brews and signature infusions crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. Pooling their diverse skill sets and drawing upon the dynamism of their collective heritage, the duo brings a unique perspective, focusing on innovation and connection — with D.O.S.E standing out as a stylish, experimental café redefining the way Aucklanders experience coffee.
D.O.S.E on High’s Unique Brew: “We have a number of signature drinks on our menu,” says Reinaldo, “We have partnered with Oatly, the original oat milk, to create an awesome Oat Cold Brew, where we infuse Oatly’s creamy oat milk with Biscoff and then use that to make a tasty cold brew coffee. It’s pretty special!”
Remedy — Earl Grey & Oat Iced Coffee
Nestled in a space that once belonged to a pub, Rich O’Hanlon’s Remedy is an eclectic café with a vibrant, artistic vibe. Combining UK-inspired creativity with New Zealand coffee culture, here, the walls showcase local art, plants, and quirky merch designed by Rich’s brother, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its diverse coffee offerings, Remedy embraces individuality, featuring global blends and exciting brewing techniques. Music, from hip-hop to Daft Punk, completes the café’s bold, non-minimalist charm and sets the tone for the vibrant brews on offer.
Remedy’s Unique Brew: “We have a drink called the Dirty London Fog, that are our head barista created, which is made with earl grey syrup, double espresso and oat milk and is served over ice,” says Rich, “It’s delicious.” He adds, “This summer, we are also working on coffee slushy that we’re hoping to launch in December, which will see us infuse orange flavours into our coffee and top it with a whipped passion fruit foam.”
Young Dandy — Blood Orange & Saffron Cream Float
Parnell’s newly-opened Young Dandy is a vibrant café helmed by James Prendergast, whose two decades of global hospitality experience shine through in every detail. Inspired by European café culture, James has created a cosy, intimate space with exposed brick and handcrafted furniture, brimming with charm. Here, the focus falls on specialty coffee, featuring a consistent house blend from Ozone Coffee and intriguing single origins for aficionados. The menu offers elevated classics, and the hospitality in this community-driven space is always warm and welcoming.
Young Dandy’s Unique Brew: “Our brand new Cold Brew Float features speciality-brewed coffee which is topped with a blood orange and saffron cream — it’s incredible,” says James.
Stone Oven — Grapefruit Cold Brew
Stone Oven, in the heart of Devonport, is a cherished café blending heritage with quality. Housed in a stunning art deco building, this community hub offers freshly baked breads, pastries, and an extensive menu crafted by in-house chefs. Owners Brendan and Dani bring a passion for coffee and hospitality, partnering with the likes of Eighthirty Coffee Roasters and Oatly oat milk to deliver perfection in every cup. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming — quintessential to Devonport.
Stone Oven’s Unique Brew: “Our barista Jenny is a real coffee nerd,” says Brendan, “She has created a beautiful grapefruit cold brew with agave syrup, and it’s blown me away. It’s a combo that I wouldn’t have thought of myself, and it’s so great to see our team constantly challenging expectations and levelling up.”
Ground Coffee — Espresso Tonic
Sam Boniface’s Ponsonby-based Ground Coffee brings a minimalist, London-inspired vibe to Auckland’s coffee scene. With a deep passion for coffee cultivated during his time at Kaffeine in London, Sam focuses on delivering consistently excellent cups, partnering with the likes of Be Specialty Roasters and Oatly for quality and sustainability. A true family affair, Ground Coffee also offers baked goods crafted by Sam’s mum, in the laid-back atmosphere. Expect expertly brewed coffee, homely hospitality, and a taste of London’s vibrant café culture.
Ground Coffee’s Unique Brew: “During the summer months, we have a specialised Iced Espresso Tonic,” says Sam. “It tastes like a coffee cola, and this year we’re using a coffee from Ethiopia that has notes of vanilla and rum which are then counterbalanced by the tonic water. It’s very refreshing and tasty.”
Beyond an incredible ability to innovate, the things these creative coffee shops all have in common is their partnerships with the original oat milk purveyor — Oatly. Around since the 90s, and always focused solely on oat milk, Oatly is not only the best tasting oat drink on the market, but the best performing in coffee too (and that’s us speaking from personal experience). Creamy, smooth, and perfect for heating or pouring into hot (or cold) drinks, Oatly doesn’t just taste great, but the brand strives to deliver products with maximum nutritional value and minimal environmental impact too. Cheers to that.
www.oatly.com
