Auckland’s Best Bang For Your Buck Happy Hours

Coley and Punch is the waterfront’s resident whisky bar; the sleek and sophisticated venue takes happy hour to a whole new level. Impress your friends and colleagues with the extensive range of whisky Coley and Punch has, with over 250 bottles in the collection. Or, start with something a little softer and ease into it. Happy hour runs from 4pm – 7pm, a few specials you can expect are the $10 Aperol spritz, $8 Steinlager Tokyo Dry, $8 glass of rosé and $8 Four Pillars G&T. Don’t forget to line your stomach! The food is incredible, with rich flavours and unique dishes like salt and pepper crispy pig ears with green onions, chilli and a fried egg, or try our favourite, the steamed duck shumai with a mushroom soy tea.

Coco’s Cantina has a home-away-from-home appeal that we can’t get enough of, and after a busy day at work, there’s nowhere we’d rather be. Get out of work early; happy hour goes from 4pm – 6.30pm, with $8 bubbles, Sawmill pilsner, house vino (red or white) and a variety of seasonal offerings. Coco’s Cantina includes a selection of its Mediterranean-inspired dishes into the happy hour special. Get your hands on the pasta Pomodoro for $15, served with parmesan and pangrattato. Pair your pasta with either the daily antipasti or a pudding for $20 with the Double Happy deal.

Bellini knows how to take care of their customers, its Aperitivo hour is held Monday – Thursday between 4pm – 5.30pm. During this time, you can stock up on $10 prosecco, wine, and beer. If you’re looking for a stronger kick, Bellini has beautiful cocktails on special for $12; an Aperol spritz, rosé bellini, and Mount Edward Vermouth. There’s also an alcohol-free gin and tonic up for grabs. This hidden treasure in the heart of Auckland is the perfect after-work oasis; the luxurious restaurant is relaxed yet sophisticated with breathtaking views of the waterfront.

Dr Rudi’s hosts the self-proclaimed best happy hour in all of Auckland, from Monday to Thursday, 3pm – 5pm patrons can indulge in the glorious $5 specials. Treat yourself to a cold pint of beer, a refreshing cider or a nice big glass of wine as you lounge on the balcony and watch the sunset over the harbour. Sounds like a good night out to me. Dr Rudi’s also have a snack happy hour (yum) running at the same time, grab a bowl of fries or polenta sticks for $5. The lively atmosphere, breathtaking views and bowling alley make Dr Rudi’s one of our favourite spots for an after-work pick-me-up.

If there is one place that knows how to host the perfect happy hour, it is Headquarters. The bar and restaurant sits proudly on the viaduct with a beautiful wrap-around outdoor sitting area on the waterfront; kick back as you listen to throwback music in the sunshine with a glass of something strong in hand. These happy hour specials are some of the best we have seen; all-day until 8 pm, customers can indulge in delicious margarita cocktails for $10, jugs of select beer for $20 and glasses of red and white wine for $5. It’s no surprise that Headquarters is a popular destination with a happy hour or happy day session, this good.