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

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 

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 

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.

Honourable mention: Columbus

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

Note: this article was publised in 2008 and updated in 2017