The guide’s ranking · Auckland

Best Pavlova
in Auckland

Pavlova is the definitive New Zealand dessert, a meringue-based cake named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. A perfect Pavlova is a feat of engineering, requiring a crisp outer shell and a soft, marshmallow-like interior. It is traditionally topped with a thick layer of whipped cream and tart fruit like kiwifruit or passionfruit. The contrast between the sweet, airy base and the tart fruit is what defines the dish. The trap is using store-bought bases, which are often overly sweet and lack the billowy texture of a freshly baked meringue.

Pav · say “Pavlova” ·

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Guide score ✕ verified reader stamps ✕ critic notes ✕ Google Maps signal. External reviews are linked, never copied.

What to order

Why locals care

Cibo

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Queue: Parnell, 15-min walk from Britomart or bus 670 from CBD.

Go: 20:30; the grand finale to a meal.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Soul Bar & Bistro

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Queue: Viaduct Harbour, 10-min walk from Sky Tower or Britomart.

Go: 13:30; perfect for people-watching on the terrace.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Amano

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Queue: Quay St, Britomart; 3-min walk from Britomart station.

Go: 12:30; a busy spot for a stylish lunch.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Batch Winery

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Queue: 40-min ferry then island bus or rideshare from Matiatia.

Go: 14:00; enjoy it with a view of the vineyards.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Milse

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Queue: Britomart precinct, 3-min walk from Britomart station.

Go: 21:00; perfect for a late-night dessert fix.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Orbit 360°

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Queue: Sky Tower, 10-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 19:30; see the city lights while you dine.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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The Sugar Club

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Queue: Sky Tower, 10-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 20:00; book ahead for a window table.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Miann

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Queue: Britomart precinct, 3-min walk from Britomart station.

Go: 15:00; a great spot for an afternoon treat.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Federal Delicatessen

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Queue: Federal St, 5-min walk from Sky Tower.

Go: 12:00; a busy spot for a quick lunch.

Price: $$

Dietary:

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The Engine Room

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Queue: North Shore suburb; Birkenhead ferry then bus 981, or car via Harbour Bridge.

Go: 19:30; essential to book this destination spot.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Ponsonby Road Bistro

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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, 20-min walk from CBD or bus 18.

Go: 20:00; book ahead as it is very popular.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Prego

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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, bus 18 from CBD.

Go: 12:30; great for a lively family lunch.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Andiamo

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Queue: Herne Bay, 10 min from CBD by bus 18.

Go: 19:00; a cozy spot for a neighborhood dinner.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Oyster & Chop

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Queue: Viaduct Harbour, 10-min walk from Sky Tower.

Go: 17:00; perfect for an early evening meal by the water.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Harbourside Ocean Grill

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Queue: Ferry Building on Quay St, 5-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 13:00; sit on the balcony for the best experience.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Decide at a glance

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Top score

0.0 / 10

Verified venues

15 stops

Per meal

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