The Luck of the Kiwi

If there's one place in New Zealand that needs no introduction on St Patrick's Day, it's Danny Doolans. Nestled at the heart of Auckland's Viaduct Basin, Danny's is an institution of the New Zealand bar scene — and on 17 March, it's absolutely the place to be.

The atmosphere here is pure craic: live music every single night of the week, a roaring crowd of city socialisers, and a bar team that takes its Guinness seriously. The interiors lean into that classic Irish pub aesthetic — welcoming, warm, and designed to get people talking. It fills up fast on celebrations, so arriving early (or booking a table for your group) is highly recommended.

What to eat and drink

Danny's Steakhouse Grill is the star of the show — choose your cut, pick your sides, and settle in for the evening. If you're after something more casual, traditional Irish pub classics are on the menu all day. And the drinks list? Over 200 whiskeys, craft beers, and the cheapest jugs you'll find on the Viaduct. Need we say more? For private celebrations, The Cellar Bar — an underground Irish-inspired space below the main venue — is available for exclusive hire.

Perfect for: Large groups, live music lovers, anyone who wants the full St Patrick's Day experience in Auckland's party precinct.

For those who take their beer seriously — and let's be honest, on St Patrick's Day that's everyone — Galbraith's Alehouse is a pilgrimage worth making. Brewing world-beating beers from its on-site brewery since 1995, Galbraith's is New Zealand's most celebrated producer of cask-conditioned Real Ale outside of the UK.

And here's the best part: head brewer Dave O'Leary is from Dublin. Born and raised. He joined the Galbraith's family in 2011 and has been crafting exceptional ales ever since, earning the brewery a trophy for world champion in the strong dark beer class at the prestigious International Brewing Awards in Burton-on-Trent. It doesn't get more authentically Irish than that.

The setting is equally charming — housed in a beautiful lofty heritage library building at the top of Mt Eden Road, with an award-winning walled Beer Garden and Gin Bar that's perfect for a sunny mid-March afternoon.

What to eat and drink

On tap right now: Mr G's Luncheon Ale, Bellringer's Best Bitter, Eden Ale Ruby Ale, Man of Kent English IPA, Praha Czech Lager, and more. The food is hearty pub fare made with fresh local produce — think homemade Sausages & Mash, Smash Burger & Chips, and Scotch Eggs. A Sunday Roast is also returning for the autumn season. No public holiday surcharge applies.

Perfect for: Craft beer enthusiasts, those who appreciate a genuine pub with brewing heritage, groups wanting a relaxed but memorable celebration.

There's something irresistibly spirited about Maverick's Gastro Pub in Taupo — and that spirit fits St Patrick's Day perfectly. Situated in the modern Wharewaka development right on the shores of Lake Taupo, Maverick's is one of the Central North Island's most exciting hospitality destinations.

Step inside and you're greeted by a character-filled old-world aviation theme — warm timber, vintage memorabilia, and a replica WWII US Navy spotter plane hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is bold, warm, and genuinely fun: attentive service without a hint of stuffiness. For those wanting to celebrate St Patrick's Day somewhere a little unexpected and memorable, this is the spot.

What to eat and drink

The menu is a genuine celebration of flavour — slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder, Korean Fried Chicken, Seafood Chowder, loaded Poké Bowls, The Butcher's Block platters for sharing, and indulgent desserts including Caramilk Cheesecake and Triple Chocolate Lava Cake. The drinks list covers cocktails, mocktails, wine, craft beer, and RTDs. On St Patrick's Day — a Tuesday this year — Maverick's is open from 4pm, making it ideal for an evening celebration. The $30 Steak & Ale Thursday special is worth knowing about for those planning a post-St-Paddy's continuation!

Perfect for: Taupo locals and visitors, groups wanting a distinctive venue with personality, families and those looking for hearty pub-style food in a stunning lakeside setting.

Napier locals know The Station Bar & Bistro well — and for good reason. This is a real local's pub in the city, and it comes with everything you'd want for a St Patrick's Day celebration: 22 beers on tap (including the only bar in Napier City to pour Heineken on tap), multiple big screen TVs, a lively garden bar, and a separate function room.

Open from 9am seven days a week, The Station is the kind of venue you can drop into at any time of day — whether it's an early coffee, a midday feed, or a late-night gathering. On St Patrick's Day, that flexibility is a real asset.

What to eat and drink

The menu is wonderfully versatile, covering everything from light snacks and pizzas through to classic bar food and full restaurant-style meals — plus an extensive dessert menu. The 22-tap beer range means there's something for every palate, from craft ales to crowd-pleasing lagers. For groups, the Garden Bar and function room make it easy to celebrate in your own space. Drop in before or after the Hawke's Bay Theatre, or settle in for a full evening.

Perfect for: Napier locals and visitors, groups wanting flexibility in dining and timing, anyone looking for a true community pub with serious beer credentials.

Wellington's Cuba Street is one of New Zealand's great hospitality strips, and Liberty is one of its brightest lights. This award-winning bar and restaurant is built around a simple but compelling philosophy: unfussy dishes full of flavour and intrigue, made to be shared, alongside drinks sipped and savoured for any mood or occasion.

There's something genuinely convivial about Liberty — it's a place that encourages you to stay a little longer, to try one more dish, to open one more bottle. The spirit of St Patrick's Day — gathering, sharing, celebrating — fits perfectly here.

What to eat and drink

The menu draws inspiration from Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, producing dishes that are vibrant, generous, and designed to be shared across the table. The drinks programme is carefully considered, with a wide range of wine, spirits, and cocktails on offer. Whether it's a small group dinner or a longer evening of celebration, Liberty delivers the kind of experience you'll be talking about on the way home.

Perfect for: Wellington diners who want a sophisticated but relaxed St Patrick's Day celebration, small to medium groups, food lovers who want something a little different from the traditional pub formula.

Queenstown knows how to throw a party, and The World Bar is at the centre of it. Tucked into Church Lane in the heart of the CBD, The World Bar is a Queenstown legend — a place for adventurous spirits, good honest food, live music, craft beer, and all sorts of quirky events and nighttime shindiggery.

On St Patrick's Day, the craic is absolutely guaranteed. The World Bar's lively atmosphere and late licence (2:30am every day of the week) means the celebrations can stretch well into the evening. Whether you're a local, a domestic visitor, or an international traveller — and Queenstown sees plenty of all three — this is where you want to be on 17 March.

What to eat and drink

The World Bar is the Home of the Teapot Cocktail — a Queenstown institution that needs to be experienced to be believed. Beyond that, the menu covers gourmet burgers and Modern NZ pub favourites, alongside an excellent craft beer selection. Live music, outdoor seating, and a genuinely welcoming vibe make this the ideal venue for everyone from solo travellers to large groups.

Perfect for: Queenstown visitors and locals, craft beer and cocktail lovers, anyone who wants a high-energy St Patrick's Day celebration in one of New Zealand's most vibrant towns.