Auckland’s hospo scene knows how to serve up a good time, and there’s no better way to toast the evening than with a well-priced pour. From sleek rooftop bars to cosy neighbourhood eateries, the city’s best happy hours serve up top-tier tipples and tempting bites without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after a crisp glass of champagne or a perfectly mixed martini, these spots guarantee golden-hour indulgence at its finest. Here’s where to sip and savour for less.

Bivacco’s Aperitivo Hour

Bivacco’s Aperitivo Hour (Monday to Friday, 4–6pm) is the perfect post-work escape. As the sun sets, the volume rises, with flowing champagne, expertly crafted cocktails, and complimentary bites. With seasonal drinks, tasty food, and often a DJ spinning lively tunes, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and savour golden hour.

Andiamo’s Otto Hour

Otto hour is a must at Andiamo — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an afternoon. Between 4—5pm daily, revellers can enjoy an elevated selection of drinks priced at a modest $8 (Otto means eight in Italian). We encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding the Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita.

Gilt’s Martini Mondays

With its decidedly European slant, convivial vibe no matter the day, and delicious menu, Gilt is the perfect spot to while away an autumn evening. Adding to our long list of reasons to visit are the elevated establishment’s Martini Mondays, where, from 11.30am ’til late, thirsty patrons can enjoy $15 martinis. Vesper, Gibson, French, Dirty — whatever your proclivity, Gilt has you well-satiated, ensuring every week is started in style.

The Bakehouse at Ayrburn’s Happy Hour

Ayrburn’s Bakehouse Happy Hour (4—6pm daily) is a ritual worth savouring. Settle in with a $12 house wine, $10 tap beer, or a $15 Aperol Spritz as the sun dips behind the mountains. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a pre-dinner stop, this charming spot offers the perfect pause before the day is done.

Darling on Drake’s Happy Hour

Daily from 3—6pm, Darling on Drake runs an epic happy hour with deals on house wines, house beers, jugs, and delicious cocktails. The vibes here are always great, the food is inventive and tasty, and the cocktails are amongst some of the best in town.

Non Solo Pizza’s Aperitivo Hour

NSP’s aperitivo hour has us regularly spending late afternoons in its famed courtyard, enjoying a delicious drink and a selection of complimentary finger foods to satisfy our appetites.

Somm’s Sundowners

For those seeking an afternoon escape, paradise is found at Somm, with a delicious happy hour running from 4—6pm daily. Know off work a little early to sip, savour and soak in the sunshine with a number of $8 drinks to choose from, as well as $11 cocktails. A considered selection of local wines is available, spanning all of the usual varietals (they are the experts, after all), alongside ice-cold Little Creatures larger, and the infamous Somm Spritz.

Saint Alice’s Martini Hour

Adored by many for its live music offerings, this Viaduct Harbour mainstay is the perfect blend of sea views, great drinks, live entertainment, and a mouthwatering, locally inspired menu — everything we crave when it comes to the end of the day. And if you’re in for a big night, Martini Hour (Thursday to Saturday, 9—11pm) serves up expertly crafted, $16 cocktails to set the mood.

HI/SO’s Sundowners

HI-SO Rooftop Bar’s Sundowner menu takes happy hour to new heights. Available weekdays from 3—6pm, it offers expertly crafted drinks at irresistible prices — think $15 Tommy’s Margaritas, $12 Prosecco, and premium wines for $14. Pair your pour with refined bar snacks like truffle arancini or crispy gochujang chicken, all set against stunning skyline views.

Metita’s Afi Afi Hours

Afi Afi hours (‘evening’ in Samoan) at Metita offers a refined take on aperitivo, blending Pacific-inspired cocktails with complimentary bites. From 5—7pm, Tuesday to Saturday, sip on island-inspired cocktail creations paired with tasty bites, from tempura mussels to kingfish tartar and Parāoa Parai. Live entertainment on Tuesdays and Thursdays adds to the ambience, making it an essential stop for CBD professionals seeking inventive drinks and a modern taste of tradition.

Oyster & Chop Happy Hour

Enjoy the freshest oysters in Auckland at Oyster Happy Hour, daily from 3—5pm. Indulge in the chef’s selection of rock oysters for just $2 each, alongside great drink specials and stunning Viaduct Harbour views. Available exclusively in the Oyster Bar and Terrace — perfect for a laid-back afternoon treat.

SkyCity’s Golden Hour

SkyCity’s Golden Hour offering is a feast for the senses. Delight in a series of curated sharing menus from the precinct’s most beloved eateries, for the first sitting of the evening. Huami’s menu features signature dishes like Yangzhou fried rice, kong bao chicken, and crispy Tabasco prawns, all paired with a glass of Church Road McDonald Series Syrah.