There are not many better things for sports lovers than sitting down to a major game with fellow die-hard supporters, ice-cold beverages, and the game-day atmosphere. Whether you are into rugby, football, basketball, or UFC, New Zealand is fortunate to have numerous sports bars featuring world-class viewing experiences. With huge screens, comfortable seating, delicious food, and excellent beverages, the bars make every game day a day out to remember. On game day, this is the place to be.
Watch Every Game at The Fox – Auckland’s Top Sports Bar
Located in the heart of Auckland Harbour Viaduct, The Fox is the ultimate sports bar in the city. Fitted with a number of big screens, private booths with individual televisions, and a sports room, the pub, with its British theme, is the perfect place to catch all the live games. From football to rugby and American sports, The Fox ensures all the games are broadcast live in full high definition.
What’s Special
- A few screens so that you never miss an action.
- Special games theme night and live games.
- Good beverage selection and good, traditional bar fare.
Shadows Sports Bar – The Perfect Spot for Sports Fans in Hamilton
Shadows Sports Bar, Hamiltonians’ go-to favourite, the place to be is where you need to be. Great selection of international and local beers, pool tables, and a giant projector screen for big games, Shadows Sports Bar is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts to gather, with friendly staff and a vibrant crowd. From the international tests of the All Blacks through to the current UFC fight or the current Formula 1 Grand Prix, Shadows Sports Bar is the perfect way to view it.
What’s Special
- Large projector display for major sporting events.
- Comfortable seats with great views over the screens.
- Pool tables and other games to entertain yourself.
The Cambridge Hotel – Perfect for Sports Fans and Socializers in Wellington
Wellington establishment, The Cambridge Hotel, where locals head for a good match-day experience. The pub is close to the city centre and has a traditional pub feel, with cheap drinks, a raucous crowd, and televisions scattered around the bar. It’s popular with rugby fans, particularly when the All Blacks take to the field.
What sets Cambridge apart is its welcoming and hospitable vibe. You don’t need to be a die-hard sports fan to catch the energy, whether you’re a sports addict or just someone who needs to have a fantastic night out.
What’s Special
- Vibrant atmosphere perfect for die-hard enthusiasts.
- Discount drinks and food deals on game days.
- Conveniently positioned close to Wellington nightlife.
Zephyr Bar – Where Sports and Craft Beer Meet in Christchurch
Christchurch has a modern sports bar, the Zephyr Bar, with stylish decor and good viewing quality rolled into one. The bar has an impressive range of craft beers and premium liquor, and it has something to offer both the occasional sports watcher and the die-hard sports enthusiast.
There are plenty of HD screens so that whether you’re at the front, middle, or back, you’ve got a solid eye on the action. The food beats your typical sports bar fare, with gourmet burgers, share plates in the guise of tapas, and really good bar snacks.
What’s Unique
- Craft beer selection with local and international brews.
- Contemporary ambience with high-definition television.
- Gourmet pub food with delectable game-time snacks.
Speight’s Ale House – A Classic Sports Bar Experience in Dunedin
Speight’s Ale House in Dunedin is heaven for a sportsman with good beer. From the wide range of Speight’s beers, the pub boasts the personality that belongs to the good old days combined with a sports-themed ambience. Cricket and rugby enthusiasts love the place with its laid-back but vibrant atmosphere. It has roomy air with indoor and outdoor seating, so it does not matter whether it’s during the middle of winter or the heat of the summer.
What You’ll Love About It
- Traditional New Zealand beer and traditional pub fare.
- Peaceful and friendly atmosphere with the locals.
- Large televisions and big-screen projectors for the best game-watching.
Backyard Bar – Tauranga’s Vibrant Hub for Sports and Entertainment
Tauranga’s Backyard Bar, where food, music, and sport come together as one. A bumper outdoor area, a few big screens, and some local craft beers on tap make it a game night destination par excellence. Rugby, UFC, motorsport – the sport doesn’t matter because there’s always a crowd to cheer with enthusiasm.
What’s Special
Outdoor furniture for an informal setting Live performances and music performances following games Selection of beers, varying from mainstream popular ones to craft ones.
Final Thoughts
Be it an adrenaline-pumping, stadium-like vibe or a low-key setting with amazing food and drink, the best-of-the-best New Zealand sports bars offer the ultimate game day experience. From Auckland to Queenstown, the possibilities are endless and something for all sorts of sports enthusiasts. Get a pint, relax, and prepare yourself to cheer on your favourite team!
