After a #dunnerstunner day shake the beach sand from your toes, lay your shopping aside and rejuvenate yourself with a refreshing drop or two at one of Dunedin’s many perfect spots to relax over a drink.
Woof!
Some would say Woof! is the hottest spot in Dunedin's social scene, but there are more important things to consider, such as their expertise in designing colourful and exotic cocktails. Try out their monthly creation of liquid relaxation or one of the classics on tap.
Cnr Moray Place & Lower Stuart Street
Esplanade
Watch the last rays of sunshine over the hills onto St Clair Beach waves and surfers. Relax with a cocktail, bubbles or an Otago wine and nibbles to savour. It’s the kind of sundowner you pictured when you planned this perfect day.
2 Esplanade
Zanzibar
A gin bar with so many choices they’re running out of room for glasses to serve them in. Somehow it feels like exotic explorers would pause there to rest before heading to a new frontier. Knowledgeable staff and live music.
311 George Street
Inch Bar
This tiny bar is big on character to match its excellent selection of beers from all over the world. Grab a pint and head for the small and quirky outdoor courtyard tucked away at the back. A great place to escape the sun and wet your whistle.
8 Bank Street
The Press Club Dunedin
Paying homage to Dunedin’s original 1870’s haunt for editors and publishers, this smooth, velvety spot provides the very cocktails required to inspire free flowing conversation, or high-brow contemplation of life. Sup and enjoy.
310 Princes Street
Carousel Lounge and Rooftop Bar
Looking to watch the sunset over the city? Head for the sophisticated vibe of comfort exuded by this popular spot. Dance, eat and enjoy cocktails themed to suit the summer.
141 Stuart Street
Arc Brewing Co.
Combine a northern coastal jaunt with a stop in at Arc Brewery on State Highway 1 just near the turn off to Warrington. The relaxed vibe, fresh brews and outdoor seating make this the ideal summer destination with live music and food trucks adding to the festive feel. Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
1870 Waikouaiti-Waitati Rd, Blueskin Bay
Toast Bar
Clarified Aviation, Toast Negroni… yes, there is an avidly creative cocktail-making crew at this vibrant bar. New ingredients are always appearing, and Toast is keen to share the taste sensations. So keen they even offer cocktail-making classes – now that’s a tangy twist to add to your Dunedin experience. The chilled skill and attention to cocktail detail draws in plenty of discerning regulars, and that always says a lot.
59 Princes Street
Alley Cantina
If you prefer a spicy end to your day, add a little Mexican to the mix and head to the Alley Cantina, where tequila cocktails liven up the chimichungas.
140 George Street
Vault 21
With an exciting range of delicious cocktails, Vault 21 moves from being a bustling city restaurant by day to becoming a leading nightlife venue featuring top DJs in the jumping heart of Dunedin.
21 The Octagon
Ombrellos
Get your Latin American dancing shoes on, relax with a cocktail or two and step out into Ombrellos’s courtyard on Salsa Thursdays. Or, simply watch and enjoy. Live music on Fridays and fresh Mediterranean moods every other day of the week (except Monday night) ensure this Dunedin stalwart guarantees a cosy, memorable end to a special summer’s day.
10 Clarendon Street
Pequéno Lounge Bar
Secret spaces can be the most fun and this suave spot is found down an alleyway opposite the Rialto Cinema in Upper Moray Place. It’s made for lounging around, enjoying the slightly New York-rustic atmosphere and there’s often smooth music to sip along to.
50 Princes Street, but actually ‘round the corner
Eureka
This popular eatery and bar close to the University of Otago campus has a great selection of craft beers on tap and a cosy private deck and garden area to enjoy a drink in.
116 Albany Street