About
Headquarters is one of Auckland's most established craft breweries, occupying a prime spot on Customs Street West in the CBD. Built around a serious commitment to quality beer-making, this brewery produces a rotating lineup of IPAs, lagers, and experimental brews that have earned genuine respect among New Zealand's craft beer community. The on-site taproom and bar give you direct access to their full range, plus guest taps featuring other quality producers — it's the kind of place where the staff actually know what they're talking about, and the beer list reads like a who's who of the local craft scene.
Visiting Headquarters feels refreshingly unpretentious despite its reputation. The industrial-meets-welcoming space works equally well for a solo afternoon at the bar with a flight of samples, a couple's dinner date, or a group catching up over pints. Expect to spend 1.5 to 3 hours depending on whether you're just tasting or settling in for food and drinks. The venue regularly has food trucks or partners onsite, and the vibe leans toward genuine conversation rather than Instagram theatre — locals outnumber tourists, which is always a good sign. It's worth noting the CBD location means it's busier after work (4-7pm weekdays) and on Friday and Saturday nights.
Headquarters sits perfectly within an Auckland CBD bar crawl, with waterfront walks and dining precincts within easy reach. It's particularly rewarding if you're already exploring the Viaduct or visiting the Maritime Museum. The brewery is worth visiting year-round, though summer (December–February) brings outdoor drinking crowds, while quieter autumn and winter months offer a more relaxed tasting experience. If you're serious about craft beer, this is essential; if you're just after a good local bar with character, you'll find that too.
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