Zealand's biggest city, Auckland, is one of the South Pacific's premier coffee locations thanks to its great diversity of independent cafes and the ability to roast a great bean. This month, our NZ editor offers up his five favourite places to find good espresso in the City of Sails.

Photo cc. Percita

Mezze Bar

9 Durham St East, City :: http://mezzebar.co.nz

Located near the top end of Queen St, the Mezze Bar's beginning to feel homely again after its relocation in 2005. Serving great coffee and good food with style, the Meze Bar is almost certainly houses the best espresso in the CBD.

Roasted Addiqtion

487 New North Road, Kingsland :: http://www.roastedaddiqtion.co.nz/addiqtion_flash.html

Photo cc. BsonK

A stalwart of the Great North Road coffee houses, Roasted Addiqtion's house blends started me on my six-espresso-a-day habit in 1998. Brilliantly full-bodied flavour served by competent barristas in a funky art-filled lounge. While you're there take home some freshly roasted beans from a wide selection of blends.

Atomic Coffee Roasters

420 New North Road, Kingsland :: http://www.atomiccoffee.co.nz/

Like Roasted Addiqtion, Atomic has broken into the mainstream and their beans are now available in selected supermarkets and other outlets. That's no reason to bypass the small, minimalist cafe on Great North Road. No nonsense staff serve a well-rounded coffee blend in a silver and white environment.

Prefer the beach to the city's suburbs? Mission Bay is Auckland's premier inner city beach and home to two excellent cafes.

Photo cc. Gewitterhexer

Bar comida

81 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay :: 

With a friendly Mediterranean flavour, Bar Comida's my first landing place when stopping for a pick-me-up. Worn wooden benches give warmth and style to this great stopping point on the waterfront.

Mecca

44 & 81 Tamaki Drive :: http://www.meccacafe.com

This is certainly coffee mecca as people travel from around the city to savour its strong espresso blend. The original (and best?) is on the cafe strip, whilst the Stonehouse stands apart in the middle of the park overlooking the sea. On a hot summer's day it's nice to escape into its heart…even though the busy buzz continues inside. 

Honourable mention: Columbus

This Little High Street gem has quickly expanded into a professional franchise which hasn't compromised on its sources or its barrista's standards. Wherever you see its Yellow and brown signage, there's a good chance you'll find good service and excellent coffee.

Looking for independent Auckland cafe reviews? Check out Tim Bulkeley's Sansblog. This Old Testament teacher frequently reviews the food and coffee of Auckland's many cafes. And if I catch you in Starbucks? Let's not go there.

Got questions about New Zealand? Email NZ editor Craig Martin, craig [at] wanderingeducators dot com, and he'll find an answer for you.