As the workday winds down and the city comes to life, there’s no better place to toast to the evening than HI-SO Rooftop Bar. Perched high above Auckland’s skyline, this sleek 16th-floor oasis offers an elevated alternative to the bustling bars below, boasting panoramic views, a curated selection of finely crafted drinks, and tasty food to pair.

Once the city’s pioneer in rooftop revelry, HI-SO has evolved beyond its high-energy beginnings, settling into a more refined rhythm. Think less bottle-popping and table top dancing, more intimate cocktails and refined bites — an inviting space where each pour and plate is carefully curated, and the vibe is perfectly suited to sophisticated sundowners.

For those seeking after-work indulgence, HI-SO’s new Sundowner menu makes the transition from day to dusk all the more delightful. Available weekdays from 3-6pm, you’ll find a handpicked selection of the bar’s finest tipples at an irresistible price. From Tommy’s Margaritas for $15 to a chilled flute of Col de’Salici Prosecco for $12, or a glass of Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc or Paikaka Pinot Noir for $14, whether you lean toward crisp whites, velvety reds, or something a little more spirited, HI-SO promises options for every taste and proclivity.

If we were to pick favourites, it would be a toss up between the ever-refreshing Hackney Spritz, pairing sloe gin with peach, blackcurrant, and lemon, the Lady Dahlia with gin, cherry, lillet rose, lime and egg white, or the quenching Rae-Rae — a heady mix of rum, mezcal, passionfruit honey, tonka, and lime. But honestly, each and every cocktail here is as refined and unique as the last.

And, beyond the drinks, HI-SO’s menu of refined bar snacks is designed for easy grazing. A dozen oysters with a splash of mignonette, truffle mushroom arancini, prosciutto with house pickles, or crispy chicken thighs with gochujang glaze — each dish is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed evening above the city.

The space itself remains centred on imaginative design that is anything but ordinary. Crafted by Dutch design house Moooi, its origami-inspired Perch lights cast a warm glow over stone finishes that nod to Auckland’s mineral-rich underground, while flecks of gold throughout the space pay homage to the building’s history as the Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand, where the nation’s largest gold bullion was once stored.

As Auckland’s rooftop scene grows, HI-SO remains ahead of the curve — an effortlessly chic, sky-high retreat for those in the know. Whether you’re unwinding solo, gathering with colleagues, or slipping into the weekend a little early, this is where city-siders find their perfect post-work pour.

Opening hours:
Monday — Thursday, 3pm — 11pm
Friday & Saturday, 3pm — Midnight
Saturday, 11.30am — 9pm

hiso-rooftopbar.co.nz