Must-see nightlife in Dunedin & Otago

  • Pequeno

    Dunedin

    Head down the alley opposite the Rialto Cinema, with the black-and-white kākāpō street-art piece by Phelgm, to discover this intimate and sophisticated…

  • Dog with Two Tails

    Dunedin

    Nightly events here range from jazz jams and soulful singer-songwriters, to indie rock and literary readings with a peppering of quiz nights and open mics…

  • Insomnia by Strictly Coffee

    Dunedin

    One of Dunedin’s seriously serious coffee bars, Strictly Coffee is a stylish, retro option hidden down grungy Bath St. Different rooms provide varying…

  • Inch Bar

    Dunedin

    Make the short trek from town to this cosy bar for its selection of Kiwi craft beers and tasty nibbles, and the cute indoor/outdoor beer garden. Despite…

  • New Zealand Whisky Collection

    Dunedin & Otago

    Actually a maturation house rather than a distillery, where the whiskies are uniquely aged in red-wine barrels, giving them spicy, cherry-plum, Christmas…

  • Albar

    Dunedin

    This former butcher is now a bohemian bar, with a dark, atmospheric interior and cosy booths, illuminated by a single chandelier. Punters are drawn in by…

  • Allpress

    Dunedin

    The coffee at the Dunedin branch of this famous Kiwi roastery is just as smooth and rich as you'd expect. The simple cafe space fills with students from…

  • Scott's Brewing Co.

    Dunedin & Otago

    Drop into this old waterfront warehouse to sample the output of Ōamaru's popular craft brewers. Slouch against the counter for a tasting or head out onto…

  • Criterion Hotel

    Dunedin & Otago

    The most Victorian of the Victorian Precinct's watering holes, this corner beauty has a good beer selection and plenty of local wines. There's usually…

  • Aika + Co

    Dunedin

    'Dunedin's littlest bar' might only be 1.8m wide, but this bolthole on George St is still full of punters. There's sometimes even live musicians squeezed…

  • Carousel

    Dunedin

    Monochrome tartan wallpaper, a roof deck and great cocktails leave the classy clientele looking pleased to be seen somewhere so deadly cool. It gets going…

  • Daily Coffee Co

    Dunedin

    Not much but coffee to be had here, but oh yes, it's good coffee. This is where working street artists hang out while it's raining. Bring a keep cup if…

  • Captain Cook Hotel

    Dunedin

    The Cook hosts many local and touring acts and attracts a lively crowd from across the road at the uni.

  • Stuart St Brew Bar

    Dunedin

    Nelson's Mac's brewery is making a strike deep into Speight's territory in the form of this popular, convivial pub right on The Octagon. It's the sunniest…

  • Tonic

    Dunedin

    Craft beers, single-malt whiskies and good cocktails appeal to a different crowd than those found in Dunedin’s numerous student pubs. Antipasto plates,…

  • Mazagran Espresso Bar

    Dunedin

    The godfather of Dunedin’s coffee scene, this compact wood-and-brick coffee house is the source of the magic bean for many of the city’s restaurants and…

  • The Fix

    Dunedin

    Wage slaves queue at the pavement window every morning at this petite coffee bar, while students and others with time on their hands relax in the…

  • Pop

    Dunedin

    A late-night Dunedin staple, Pop serves great martinis and prides itself on seriously good DJs playing funk and house. It's downstairs.

  • Speight’s Ale House

    Dunedin

    A good spot to try the full range of Speight’s beers (six/eight beer tastings $18/22); there are also decent pub meals on offer.

  • Crown Hotel

    Dunedin

    Indie music venue offering anything from punk to funk with posters from Dunedin's dirty '90s on the walls.