The venue can make or break your cocktail function. A poorly structured layout can affect sound quality, food accessibility, and mingling potential. Auckland has several incredible venues for cocktail functions catering to lux, chic, quirky, and traditional events. No matter the number of guests or the time of day you want your cocktail function to be, one of these 18 cocktail function venues will serve you just right. You can thank us later for helping you narrow down the search. If you're looking for other options, check out our complete guide to Auckland venues here.

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort

Image sourced from Rydges

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort is an awe-inspiring coastal venue set in Beachlands, just 45 minutes from Auckland City. With jaw-dropping views as far as the eye can see, this clifftop venue looks out to Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. Blending this idyllic location with top-tier spaces and facilities - Rydges is a sought-after venue for cocktail and seated functions. 

Akarana

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Indulge in panoramic ocean views from almost every window at Akarana. With bespoke menus, AV facilities and dedicated staff - Akarana is famous for delivering seamless events with finesse. Set on Tāmaki Drive, Akarana is an inspiring space for your cocktail event. 

 

Little Creatures

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Be bold with Little Creatures, an Auckland cocktail party venue that allows you to spread your wings. Once a military base and also the birthplace of the commercial aviation industry in New Zealand, this cocktail party space has blossomed into a hotspot for activity and events. There are a total of 7 spaces to choose from for your Auckland cocktail party, from the adorable Kittyhawk to the more extensive Seaside Garden Bar. If you want to go all out, hire out all of Little Creatures, with a capacity of 550 guests. They offer a host of sumptuous catering options, high-end audiovisual equipment, plenty of on-site parking, and attentive event coordination throughout. 

 

Glasshouse Morningside

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This incredible greenhouse-style venue is a perfect little oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. This Auckland cocktail venue is a stunning glasshouse filled with bespoke furniture and lush greenery that can host around 400 guests. Glasshouse in Morningside is the perfect venue for a daytime cocktail function, basking in the green space and entirely flooded with natural light. It's equally fabulous when it comes to nighttime cocktail events, transitioning seamlessly and allowing for a variety of stylistic approaches Having partnered with some of the best caterers in Auckland, this cocktail venue can create a menu to suit your taste or thematic needs.

 

The Annex at 10 Madden Street

Image by The Annex at 10 Madden Street

Run by Generator, The Annex at 10 Madden Street is part of the bustling Wynyard Quarter. Sleek and stylish, it serves as the perfect canvas for your Auckland cocktail party. It boasts a single, flexible space that hosts up to 140 people. Go as large as you like, or whittle it down to suit the requirements of your cocktail function. The Annex at 10 Madden Street comes with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and an on-site events coordinator, at your beck and call to ensure that your cocktail party runs to a T. This Auckland cocktail party venue is the ideal option for a polished night, filled with natural light and adapting to every style.

 

Luxerose Secret Garden

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Understated and ever so lovely, Luxerose Secret Garden is a charming cocktail venue set in Parnell. Moments away from the CBD, this Auckland venue offers spaces for more intimate cocktail parties, with bespoke catering options that will wow you and your guests. Suited for up to 100 guests, Luxerose Secret Garden boasts plenty of natural light, a myriad of styling options, complimentary WiFi, and audiovisual equipment and assistance. This Auckland venue is a premier choice for cosier cocktail events, with personalised service that turns any cocktail night into a seamless experience.

 

The Fox

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If you're going to host an event, do it in style at The Fox. This trendy bar gives a cheery nod to its European background through its styling, menu and selection of drinks. Their team specialises in hosting cocktail nights, celebrations and other fun-filled functions. Choose to spread out in their main space or retreat to something more exclusive: The Churchill Room. Hosting up to 75 guests, this Auckland cocktail venue is located on the bustling Viaduct, making it as convenient as it is stylish. Sporting on-site catering, audiovisual equipment and easy access, you've got a recipe for success at The Fox.

 

St. Matthew’s

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If you're after a timelessly gorgeous Auckland venue for your upcoming cocktail party, look no further. St Matthew's is an Auckland venue that has hosted several modern, flashy events that all went off seamlessly as a result of their committed in-house team and impeccable planning. In hiring this venue, you have full control over catering, beverages, entertainment and more. The seasoned team at St Matthew's can provide a list of preferred vendors should you need it. This iconic Auckland venue makes the ideal location for inner-city events, including cocktail parties, seminars, celebrations and more. With a sophisticated, characterful charm to it, your cocktail party will be the talk of the town.

 

Administrator House

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In the middle of colourful Auckland City, Administrator House awaits. This central space provides you with the foundation of an incredible cocktail night. From a regal entrance sporting Oamaru limestone and Nelson marble to a sun-soaked interior featuring high ceilings and wooden floors, this is an Auckland cocktail party venue that radiates elegance. The walls are dotted with a carefully-curated art collection, compiled over the years, bringing a stylistic edge to a timeless room. Administrator House is ideal for your intimate to medium-sized cocktail function. With an on-site event manager, attentive staff, in-house catering, state-of-the-art audiovisual tech and more, this Auckland venue is an outstanding option for your upcoming soirée. 

 

Barcita

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Located in the heart of the city, stowed away just behind Karangahape Road, Barcita is an intimate cocktail party venue for celebrations and events. Perfect for a small-scale, tailored night, they offer bespoke bottomless drinks packages, cocktails on arrival, nightcaps, entertainment options, an on-site pastry chef, a raw bar and more. Working closely with local suppliers, they also offer styling and décor solutions for your function. Barcita is the ideal Auckland venue for cosy cocktail events, with a team of talented staff and a host of options for crafting an ideal cocktail party from start to finish.

 

The Cellar Bar

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Your new favourite downtown bar, The Cellar Bar is a classy venue dedicated to private events. The space hosts 100 guests cocktail-style, with various lounging and seating options. The venue staff are incredibly accommodating - offering event catering, AV facilities, live entertainment recommendations and more.

 

East Street Hall

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East St Hall resides within a mid-century modernist building just off Karangahape Road, Auckland. Once functioning as a Samoan church, East St Hall remains a community hub and space that facilitates connection. Their thoughtful menu consists of sharing + small plates inspired by the food culture of Tel Aviv, and the bar focuses on organic wines, fresh beer and citrusy, herbaceous cocktails. This vibrant venue offers four event spaces: The Courtyard, Canteen, Summer Deck and Bar. If you're seeking exclusivity, you can hire the entire 250-pax venue for your cocktail event. 

Thursday Bar

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A nod to the members-only establishments of New York City, Thursday Bar is an intimate venue on Symonds Street. With mood lighting, brushed fixtures and luxe furnishings - Thursday Bar will bring an air of sophistication to your event.

Cocoon House

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Your cocktail party will be in the best of hands with Cocoon House. As home to Auckland's most exclusive cocktail events, this stunning space is a toast to contemporary style. Featuring a total of 3 floors, it offers a multitude of rooms for you to choose from for your upcoming cocktail party. From the dining room to the private bar, it exudes unmatched elegance, surrounded by modern décor and filled with swathes of natural light. Cocoon House has a maximum capacity of 40 guests, making it perfect for intimate, private cocktail functions. This Auckland venue boasts top-notch service, audiovisual supplies and a curated experience that will leave your guests in awe.

 

Warkworth Hotel

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Dip into old-world festivities with Warkworth Hotel. An hour's drive from central Auckland, this hotel may be off the beaten path, but it's a getaway worth taking. Sporting comfortable accommodation options, divine catering, attentive staff and more, this is an Auckland cocktail venue that goes the extra mile for its guests. Warkworth Hotel has a total of three different spaces for hire, including their private dining room, lobby and courtyard; if you're taking things to the next level, you can hire out the entire venue. Packing plenty of style and experience, this Auckland venue is a perfect choice for conferences, seminars, meetings, and much more.

 

The Grange

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A stylish bistro in the heart of Takapuna, The Grange is committed to excellent events. With eight event spaces across the venue, The Grange is known for its sun-soaked spaces, incredible hospitality and mouth-watering menu. Complete with audiovisual supplies, bespoke catering options and event assistance - The Grange is fully equipped to host celebrations, private dinners and meetings.

Crown Range Lounge

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From sophisticated soirées to easygoing luncheons, the Crown Range Lounge is your go-to Auckland cocktail venue. Now partnered with local Parnell restaurants, this inviting space offers a plethora of options for your upcoming cocktail function. Pick between their Courtyard, Clubroom or Lounge for your cocktail party, private dining experience or celebration, with a capacity of up to 80 guests. Crown Range Lounge hinges on a sense of relaxed luxury, often a private and tailored experience for you and your lucky guests, brought to you by attentive staff and meticulous planning.

 

The Riverhead

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There's nothing like an elegant cocktail party, looking out at a star-strewn sky and enjoying the breeze. Just outside Auckland and surrounded by greenery and tranquil waters, The Riverhead is a private and flexible venue that offers itself up for hire. Outdoors, indoors or a nice mix, this Auckland venue is all about giving you options amidst cosy beauty and convenience. With your catering taken care of by on-site suppliers, plenty of natural light and multiple spaces to choose between, The Riverhead is one of the finest cocktail party venues on the fringes of Auckland. Their spaces include The Boat House and Deacon's Kitchen, as well as exclusive hire of the venue for your cocktail party.

 

Smiths & Stables

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Located on 50 acres of rolling hills, paddocks and vineyards in Matakana, Smiths & Stables is a versatile cocktail party venue option outside of central Auckland. With the space to fit more than 500 guests inside and over 1000 using the courtyards and lawn, the potential for this unique rural venue is endless. Smiths & Stables also has 2 restaurants and 2 bars, expansive manicured lawns, and 2 sheltered courtyards to boot. It’s a delightful mixture of contemporary and rustic, with a wonderful outdoor/indoor flow that few venues can match.

 

Abbeville Estate

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Abbeville Estate is a lovingly-restored heritage home that now hosts some of Auckland's most distinguished events. Though a modern venue with high-end facilities, the property retains its old-world charm beautifully. With several distinct spaces, Abbeville Estate can host up to 350 guests for a cocktail event.

Abel Estate

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Raise a glass at Abel Estate, an Auckland cocktail venue basking in beauty. It boasts everything you need and more to host an incredible cocktail function from start to finish. This includes on-site catering options, audiovisual supplies and assistance, plenty of parking and more. Their facilities are polished to perfection, poised to help your big day transcend boundaries. Abel Estate has a total of 3 spaces for individual hire: the Lakeview Room, accommodating up to 100 guests; The Vineyard Room, accommodating up to 50; and the Terrace, an outdoor area for up to 100. On the fringe of Auckland, this cocktail party venue is all about relaxing with your colleagues, friends and more, with views of their sparkling lake all around.

 

Percy Café

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Percy Café presents modern comfort and beauty in an architecturally-designed pavilion close to Auckland Airport, ideal for cocktail nights for up to 80 guests. Convenient and classy, this space is primarily an eatery that doubles as a venue for hire, packed with a contemporary menu and audiovisual facilities for your cocktail function. Their carefully-selected menu is seasonal and filled with local produce, delivering the very best in flavour and freshness. If you're after a stylish and comfortable location for your upcoming cocktail event, Percy Café is the answer - especially given its close proximity to the airport. Their team is always around to help you plan the perfect cocktail evening from start to finish.

 

Ocean Groove Cruises

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Ocean Groove Cruises invites you to a cocktail night like none other. Sailing across the seas with your guests is the ultimate way to celebrate with their bespoke space for hire. Based in the serene Westhaven Marina, this Auckland cocktail venue is a little different given that it's an event boat. They pride themselves on catering to cocktail events filled with good times, offering entertainment of every kind and sublime service. Ocean Groove Cruises boasts a series of flexible and useful packages for your Auckland cocktail function, with hourly rates that will match your event's need, as well as a host of handy facilities for you and up to 50 guests.

 

Spectra Café

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If contemporary elegance for your cocktail function is your goal, Spectra Café has got you covered. This eatery was designed to be a toast to the best that modern architecture can give us, located on the seventh floor in the middle of the busy Auckland City. They have everything you need for your upcoming cocktail event, from professional and attentive staff to stunning views over the city and harbour. When it comes to their menu, you'll be in for a treat with their seasonal and simple dishes that are sure to delight. Opened in 2020, Spectra Café seeks to be an Auckland venue for hire that offers the very best when it comes to cocktail parties. Accommodating anywhere from 50 to 350 guests, this is a perfect choice for your celebration.

 

Space on Crummer

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Space on Crummer is a gorgeous venue that's settled in the heart of Ponsonby, simply waiting to serve as the ideal cocktail venue for you. Modern, light-filled and with plenty of room to paint the town red, their spaces are flexible, including the Main Area and Courtyard, hosting anywhere from 50 to 160 guests. This Auckland venue was designed with adaptability in mind, featuring white walls and steel beams for an especially contemporary look. Inside, Space on Crummer also boasts a full on-site kitchen for your caterer's use, whilst the sheltered Courtyard serves as the perfect breakaway area to mix and mingle.

 

Fantail & Turtle

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With an easygoing vibe and plenty of space, Fantail & Turtle is an eatery that has it all: two bars, a community brewery, an expansive all-weather outdoor area and plenty of local taps to choose from. This Auckland venue is ideal for cocktail parties, hosting up to 200 guests and offering a seasonal sharing menu like none other. They also feature fantastic on-site catering and a drinks list that includes local craft beer, real ale, cider, over fifty wines, kombucha and more. Fantail & Turtle is a flexible and relaxed Auckland venue, ideal for your upcoming cocktail party.

 

The Officers Mess

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Historically charming and with oceanside views for miles and miles, The Officers Mess is an Auckland venue that offers space and versatility for you and your guests to enjoy. Drink in views of the sea, Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island whilst sipping on drinks, with an expansive deck for your cocktail party to spill onto. The Officers Mess has 3 spaces to choose from, including the Main Room and Middle Room. They can accommodate anywhere from 40 to 200 guests, making this Auckland venue a great option for cocktail functions.

 

Markovina Vineyard Estate

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Settled in the wine-making district of Kumeu, Markovina Vineyard Estate is an Auckland venue surrounded by nature. With a purpose-built venue to host any and every event, they are a family-owned and operated space. Facilities include mouthwatering catering options, on-site parking, as well as both outdoor and indoor spaces to host your cocktail party. Their friendly service and attention to detail ensure that your cocktail party will be an experience like none other, ensconced in greenery and the beauty of the countryside.

 

Hilton

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Hilton Auckland is an iconic feature of the Auckland City Skyline - and with sound reason. Its convenient location to some of Auckland’s hottest nightlife spots makes it perfect for a cocktail party, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the harbour and the rest of the city's hotspots. This luxurious cocktail venue offers world-class catering and beverage options, accommodating up to 700 guests. Their facilities include sumptuous on-site catering, plush accommodation options, audiovisual supplies and more. The experienced team at Hilton Auckland is on hand to ensure that your cocktail party runs to perfection in one of the world's greatest hotels.

 

Okahu

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Located in the centre of Tāmaki Drive, Okahu provides an inspiring space for your cocktail event. Extending over the water, the sun-soaked deck offers uninterrupted views out to Rangitoto Island and the Harbor. With all-inclusive packages or the option of dry hire - Okahu is flexible to its core, with the ability to host up to 250 guests.

 

The Grounds at Whoa! Studios

Image by The Grounds at Whoa! Studios

The Grounds at Whoa! Studios is a modern and purpose-built venue, perfect for cocktail functions. Choose to host your cocktail event at this Auckland venue, located only 15 km from the CBD and 30 km from the airport. With plenty of natural light, an expansive outdoor space and a restaurant, The Grounds at Whoa! Studios is a wonderful cocktail venue option in Auckland. They offer on-site catering options and have a dedicated team that is available to help you make sure that your cocktail party runs exactly as planned.

The Hunting Lodge

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The Hunting Lodge is laid out on 80 acres of rolling hills and green fields, home to the historic and iconic Hunting Lodge Homestead. This Auckland cocktail party venue adapts to the atmosphere and tone of every function of up to 250 guests. Choose from their emerald lawns, rustic barn and restaurant when planning your incredible cocktail party. The Hunting Lodge offers bespoke packages for events, helping you to put together the necessities in one, neat bundle to make planning and executing your event a breeze. This Auckland venue is at the top of the list when it comes to superb service, featuring mouthwatering catering options, audiovisual supplies and assistance, event expertise and more.

 

Tui Hills

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Nestled in the bush-covered Waitakeres, Tui Hills offers a quintessential Aotearoa native-bush setting. With Tuis and Kereru in the trees, it's a serene property that feels miles from the city noise. With a myriad of all-weather spaces, in-house catering and AV facilities - Tui Hills can host up to 120 guests for your cocktail event. 

Cordis

Image by Cordis Auckland

If you’re thinking of throwing a large-scale private cocktail event, then Cordis is the favoured option. They can host cocktail events for hundreds, so your event can be as fabulous and awe-inspiring or as quaint as you prefer. As the country's largest hotel venue, you're treated to another choice full of contemporary charm: the Pinnacle Tower. Their world-class catering is sure to leave your guests feeling refreshed, with delicious canapés and incredible beverages from their talented catering team. Cordis is also an award-winning Auckland hotel, so for any of your guests who take the “cocktail” part of a cocktail party too seriously, there is a place for them to rest in all-encompassing comfort.

 

Ellerslie Event Centre

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Only a 10-minute drive from Auckland, centrally located right on a motorway on-ramp, the Ellerslie Event Centre is as accessible as it is functional. This Auckland cocktail venue has plenty of on-site parking for mocktail drinkers and taxis, and it can host up to 1200 people, depending on your needs. The view over the Ellerslie Racecourse is indeed a sight to behold, with sprawling greenery, manicured gardens and more. There's an on-site Ellerslie Event Centre catering team to ensure flawless execution, offering everything from passed hors d'oeuvres to something more substantial. You and your guests can unwind and mingle in comfort at Ellerslie Event Centre, one of Auckland's most seasoned function spaces.

 

Fale Pasifika Complex (University of Auckland)

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An inspired design created by 7 artists, academics, and architects, each with a deep connection to Pacific cultures, Fale Pasifika Complex is a gorgeous venue through and through. The building is a cultural and spiritual centre for the Pacific communities at the University of Auckland. This stunning space is available for hire - perfect for a cocktail night with international guests to show them a little taste of New Zealand’s strong connection to the many cultures of the Pacific. The building is of utmost importance to the University of Auckland, and in turn, to the Academic community in Auckland. Filled with natural light, this cocktail venue allows for external catering, styling and more, making it one of the more flexible choices in the city.

 

MOTAT

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Welcome to MOTAT, one of Auckland's most exciting spaces. Inside, the Aviation Hall, with one of the world's most unique aviation displays, has hosted a handful of our nation’s most prestigious events. Fortunately for all, you can choose to host your upcoming cocktail event in the very same space. Drink, eat, and socialise under the nose of the Avro Lancaster Bomber before taking your guests down the runway, complete with custom lighting, to witness the impressive Sunderland flying boat. MOTAT has a number of spaces and caters for up to 500 guests, with on-site catering options and a seasoned team to help with the planning and running of your function.

 

Naumi Hotel

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When it comes to modern hotels that host fabulous cocktail nights, Naumi Hotel is at the top of that list. The double-height ceiling adds a touch of drama to this quirky venue that can host up to 150 guests. Their Razzle Dazzle room has private access and massive double doors, which ensures you plenty of privacy. High-end audiovisual equipment and high-speed WiFi are just a few of the amenities provided by the team at Naumi Hotel. For a more boho feel to your event, consider Naumi Hotel’s Marquee: this permanent marquee structure has tons of lush greenery and natural light, making it perfect for a summery cocktail event for up to 100 guests. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to this versatile cocktail venue, complete with on-site catering and event management.

 

Queens Wharf (Shed 10 & The Cloud)

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Auckland Live manages two strikingly juxtaposed venues on Queen’s Wharf: Shed 10, an old industrial urban structure built in 1910 (the only original building remaining on Queen’s Wharf), The Cloud, a modern work of art and architecture physically embodying the image of a cloud. The Cloud was constructed in 2011, and it was intended to be a temporary structure and fan-zone for the Rugby World Cup. The two buildings have since become iconic features of Auckland and are both popular and versatile function spaces. Tech companies, banks, and tertiary institutions have all used the venue to host massive annual cocktail functions. Since the spaces are largely empty, they are great blank canvases for you to design the perfect event.

 

The Orange

Image by The Orange

A historic events centre, The Orange was a purpose-built event and function hall that was opened in 1923. Since then, it has hosted thousands of events. It was at its most popular in the 1940s when lines to enter the dance hall would reportedly stretch all the way down Newton Road. Something was clearly done right because The Orange is still entirely relevant. Timeless brick walls, exposed wooden beams, a lofty ceiling, and a sprung wooden dance floor give the venue an urban chic appearance which has become a trendy style for many function spaces to emulate. Don't hesitate to host your cocktail function in timeless style at this Auckland venue.