Overview
Coffee has woven itself into the fabric of New Zealand society. Our love affair with this humble, life-giving bean stretches back generations, with Kiwis paving the way for international innovation. David Strang, a bloke from Invercargill reportedly invented the world's first instant coffee. While Derek Townsend of Karajoz Coffee Company claims he made the first ever flat white (don't listen to the Aussies). So it's not just some drink to knock back with your cereal or in-between classes, it's a way of life. It's for dates, for quiet moments, for celebration. It is the ultimate pick-me-up.
With a history richer than a triple-shot flat white, it's no wonder that we're spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee shops. Auckland in particular can boast more coffee shops than chain store conglomerates. So next time you're in the CBD and feel your energy levels crashing, consider trying these fortifying brews.
CHUFFED COFFEE
Tucked away down High Street is Chuffed, the perfect place to escape from the hubbub of the CBD. Their baristas encapsulate the artistry of coffee making, crafting their own blends that are just as satisfying cold as they are hot. Regardless of temperature, the coffee strikes the fine balance between being full bodied yet creamy. While exotic batch brews from guest roasters will be sure to spark the interest of the most pretentious coffee snob. It's washed down perfectly in their lovely enclave out back, preferably while feasting on something lush from their perfectly appointed kitchen.
BESTIE CAFE
The space Bestie operates in used to be Alleluya, the iconic café of choice for generations of Elam students. Now the decades of obscure gig posters have been scraped off the walls before being painted in pastels to mark the transformation of St Kev's from bohemian hub to artful elegance. With ample greenery and generous windows that look out over Myers Park, Bestie really is the best place to while away a lazy Sunday morning with a perfect Eighthirty beans brew in hand. While their bottomless filter coffee is perfect if you don't want to get too jittery without compromising on taste. No matter your poison, pair it with their Snickers Slice, it really is unmissable.
REVEL CAFE
Revel Cafe embodies everything great about K' Road. The décor is eclectically vintage and unrepentantly bold, yet it still feels like a space you can curl up in for hours. The staff are always on hand with a relaxed smile and swift service. While the largely vegan/vegetarian menu does not scrimp on imagination or flavor. Sure the coffee might come served in a bone china tea cup, but their fair trade brew will taste too good for you to care. Sustainability is at the heart of Revel, with this cheap and cheerful café advocating fair trade, free range food. Style and substance — what more could you want?
Yoshi Travel
REMEDY COFFEE
Remedy Coffee will be sure to make any Wellingtonian's heart sing. A stone's throw from the Civic Theatre, this quirky bolt hole is filled with nostalgic charm and delicious coffee. Mismatched mason jars grace the tables and miraculously, there is room for an arcade game. Coffee-wise, their baristas do remarkable things with Toasted Expresso. While black coffee aficionados are well-catered for with an array of single origin beans on offer. Their hearty, healthy food is robust and a modest price point — think sandwiches, salads and some cabinet food if you're feeling wicked. With plenty of board games on offer and an excellent playlist at just the right level, it's the perfect place to hibernate in the upcoming months.
DAILY DAILY COFFEEMAKERS
If you're dashing down K' Road, make sure you keep an eye out for Daily Daily. With one communal table and a smattering of window seating this tiny but perfectly formed place is the epitome of the saying "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." They do a robust brew by Supreme coffee and a tasty array of cabinet food that will make you want to linger.