Remote Work Warriors: Auckland’s Ultimate Guide to Cafés, and Coffee, with Wi-Fi Perks, and Power Points.

Over the last three years, I’ve done a lot of remote working, mainly because, for most of that period, I haven’t had an office of my own. I am, however, a social butterfly, and when you’re an extroverted, social human, constantly interested in learning about what’s new in the world, sitting alone at home can get taxing.

Yes, you might have your puppy warming up your feet under your desk. Yes, you might be business on top and boardshorts on the bottom for all those Teams calls (does anyone still use Zoom?). But eventually, you start to miss other humans. Sure, we can be annoying, and sometimes we all feel like maybe it would be better if that comet just hit, so we could be done with all the craziness we bring into our lives. Even with all that, there’s something about a good (nay, excellent) cup of coffee and the sound of other people talking through their own problems (that aren’t yours). It just resonates.

All of this combined has made me a bit of a connoisseur in finding the best spots in Auckland for good coffee and food that come with the added benefit of great Wi-Fi, and sometimes, even a power point to plug into. So, if you live in Auckland, my friends, keep reading, because today is the day I share some hot tips with you—whether you need to find some strangers around you or just want to stay highly productive.

Best Café for Remote Working Overall

Crave – 6 Morningside Drive, Morningside

Why: Nigel and his team at Crave converted part of the upstairs area into what they call ‘The Library,’ a dedicated space for people to work from. Complete with high-speed internet and power outlets throughout, it’s the most convenient place to work. As an added benefit, they even have two meeting rooms you can book by the hour. Even though the meeting rooms aren’t free, it’s still a great addition.

Best thing on the menu: Chilli Chorizo Scramble – it’s a dish unique to Crave, and it’s awesome.

Coffee Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: There’s on-street parking available, and cheap all-day parking from ParkMate just around the corner for $8 in front of Poynters.

Best Café for Working with a View

Akarana Eatery – 8/10 Tamaki Drive, Orakei

Why: This is one I’ve come to realise not many people are aware of. This café is pretty much on the water. It has good, free Wi-Fi, and there are some plug points dotted throughout the café (look for the pillars). They also offer table service, so you can spend all day working without ever having to leave your “desk”… how’s that for productivity? Only kidding, one 5-minute break should be acceptable, right? You’ll be so infatuated with the gorgeous view, though, that you won’t notice the time passing.

Best thing on the menu: Chicken Fettucine – the balance is just right, kudos to the chef.

Coffee Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: There’s a free all-day carpark right in front of the door. It might not always be free, but since I’ve been going there, it has been.

Best Café for a Chill Vibe While Working

Kind Café & Eatery – 16 McDonald Street, Morningside

Why: You’ll feel like you’re sitting in a café conceived at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Cathie and her team do an amazing job of making everyone feel welcome amidst the great greenery inside the café. There are only two power points in the entire café, so make sure you’re charged up if you’re heading over. This café used to be vegetarian and vegan only, but they’ve recently updated their menu to be more inclusive, so it’s carnivore-friendly now too.

Best thing on the menu: Kuning Kari – a yellow curry with chicken and rice. I’ve seen people try to lick the plate.

Coffee Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: There’s on-street parking available, and cheap all-day parking from ParkMate just around the corner for $8 in front of Poynters.

Best Café for a Busy Vibe While Working

Chur Bae – Shed 13A/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD

Why: A small but immensely busy café with great service and great food. If you like a busy, happening environment around you, then Chur Bae is the place for you. Situated at City Works Depot, the Bae brothers have created a gem of a modern industrial-type setting that is both comfortable and inspiring.

Best thing on the menu: Galbi-Jjim – 14-hour slow-braised beef rib. You won’t be disappointed.

Coffee Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: Parking available in the City Works Depot car park right in front of the door. They do check the parkings… sometimes.

Best Café for Getting Sh*t Done

Coffee Club Mission Bay – 49/51 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay

Why: This might seem like an odd choice, and it probably might be for some. It’s not your standard trendy establishment, but it has great Wi-Fi. Ravi, the owner, and his team run a tight ship, and their local lunch menu is awesome. Plus, there are two power points available, and during the week the café is never immensely busy, which means you can work with a bit of a view and without distraction. These guys won’t bother you unless you ask them to. That means even if you haven’t ordered anything in the last 1.5 hours, they’ll leave you alone to focus. Hence, I’ve found it’s the best place to go if you want to get out of the house and just want to get sh*t done.

Best thing on the menu: The steak sandwich on the lunch menu is really good.

Coffee Rating: 4.5 Stars

Parking: Lots of street parking in Mission Bay, and three carparks available as well.

If you’ve read this far, you deserve an award. So, what if you want to work but, instead of coffee, you want a wine or a beer? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.

Best Pub for Remote Afternoon Working Overall

Morningside Tavern – 16 McDonald Street, Sandringham

Why: How can a pub be a good spot to work from? Well, this pub has power points in every booth. You heard me right—you can plug in your laptop, connect to the free Wi-Fi, order a beer, and join your next meeting with beautiful brickwork behind you. During the day, the pub might be busy at times, but the noise levels are manageable, and the service is great.

Best thing on the menu: Bao Buns – your choice of tofu or chicken, but in my opinion, the chicken is always the way to go.

Beer Selection Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: There’s on-street parking available, and cheap all-day parking from ParkMate just around the corner for $8 in front of Poynters.

Best Pub for Remote Working in a Pinch

The Birdcage – 133 Franklin Road, Freemans Bay

Why: This pub has its own parking area under the motorway behind the building, and excellent Wi-Fi. There are two power points available, and it’s rare that anyone is using them, which means if you want a beer between meetings and to keep working, this is a great place to pull in because it has easy access to anywhere in the city.

Best thing on the menu: They have great specials from Tuesday to Friday, all $25 or less.

Beer Selection Rating: 5 Stars

Parking: Free parking behind the building.

So there you have it, my fellow caffeine and Wi-Fi seekers your ultimate guide to working remotely in Auckland’s finest cafés and pubs. Whether you’re looking for the zen of a jungle café or the efficiency of a power-point laden pub booth, there's a spot for everyone. And if you see me out there, nose-deep in my laptop, looking suspiciously like I might be working on world domination (or maybe just an email), give me a nod or better yet, have a coffee with me. We remote workers have to stick together, after all!

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