The 10 Best Bars in Coromandel, New Zealand

Don’t be fooled by its name: the Star and Garter Hotel is a fully-functioning pub and restaurant at the heart of Coromandel Town. The venue has kept the simple Kauri wood aesthetics from its previous incarnations as a general store for miners and a drapery. Live music, modern gaming machines, pool tables and a range of quality food, wine, cocktails, beers and spirits perfectly come together to bring the building into the present.

The Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its abundance of seafood. If that sounds like a treat and you’ve found yourself in the town of Whitianga, Squids Bar and Restaurant is a definite must-visit. The venue takes pride of the fact it is the only one of its kind in Mercury Bay to offer locally-sourced seafood delicacies for bar and restaurant patrons to relish. As a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy some lovely views of the marina while you’re chilling out over meals and drinks.

Affectionately known to locals as the ‘GBD’, Grahamstown Bar and Diner is a favourite among those living and exploring the town of Thames. The bar and restaurant is part of the historic Junction Hotel, and looks very much like a classic inn. Daily blackboard specials, plus an impressive array of beverages and foods are some of its top highlights. The GBD also has a function space that can seat up to 120 people.

Located in the rural town of Whenuakite, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula near Whitianga and Hot Water Beach, the Hot Water Brewing Co is worth visiting if you’re keen on experiencing the local craft beer scene. Besides offering their house-made brews, the establishment also caters to your classic pub grub needs, with a great selection of bar snacks, burgers and daily food specials to keep all hungry visitors content.

The Pour House in Hahei is another Coromandel must-visit if you love your craft beers and ales. The family-owned brewery, bar and restaurant is within close range of Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, making it the ideal stopover after a day out in the sun. Besides offering a wide selection of tap beers and house made brews, the venue is known for its delicious pizzas and amazing garden views.

The Lincoln is quite a popular choice for those venturing into the Coromandel Peninsula resort town of Whangamata. Generous food offerings, a great selection of tap beers and a regular lineup of live music acts are some of this friendly venue’s draw cards. A good place to catch up with friends over drinks while mingling with the locals.

Punters Bar & Grill is quite the hot-spot among the Tairua-based crowds. People are drawn to its daily happy hour specials, decently priced beers and hearty meals for all ages and appetites. The venue is also one of the local go-tos for those wanting to catch a variety of sports screenings, ranging from live rugby matches to American NFL games.

The Coromandel Hotel features a rustic pub filled with historic nick-knacks and a vibrant atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike come to this establishment to watch some sports at the big screen TV, sink their teeth into the Wednesday and Thursday lunch specials or to try their luck at winning a NZ$500 bar tab. The restaurant is also a hit among casual diners – especially those who love trying new seafood dishes.

The historic Admiral’s Arms hotel consists of a fabulous garden bar and restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, fantastic food and a great selection of wines and beers to quench everyone’s thirst. The upstairs restaurant is known for its seafood offerings and bistro-style meals while the downstairs sports bar features pool tables, dart boards, plus a TV for live match screenings.

Waikino is a small village nestled at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, between the Karangake Gorge and Waihi. Within this former gold mining settlement you will find the Waikino Tavern, a classic Kiwi pub serving a great selection of food and drink for all occasions. Pizzas, bar snacks and hearty mains are among the options for those wanting to grab a bite to eat. The tavern also functions as a hotel if you want to spend a little longer exploring your surrounds.