Cork Bar
A sociable Wanaka hub with a vast spirit selection, unique cork ambiance, and lively music, celebrating Central Otago's best.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cork Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sociable Wanaka hub with a vast spirit selection, unique cork ambiance, and lively music, celebrating Central Otago's best.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Opt for quieter times for a more relaxed experience, especially if you prefer a less crowded setting.
Ask for Cocktail Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to great classic and craft cocktails, or even create custom drinks.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 3 443 2224
Address
14 Helwick Street, Wanaka, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extensive Spirit and Cocktail Selection
Boasting 60+ whiskeys and 50+ gins, plus unique cocktail twists, this bar is a haven for spirit enthusiasts.
Vibrant Live Music Scene
Enjoy live music and DJ sessions on select evenings, adding a lively beat to your drinking experience.
Unique Cork-Lined Ambiance
Walls, floors, and bar crafted from cork create a cozy, conversation-friendly atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Opt for quieter times for a more relaxed experience, especially if you prefer a less crowded setting.
Ask for Cocktail Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to great classic and craft cocktails, or even create custom drinks.
Explore the Courtyard
Enjoy a different ambiance in their outdoor courtyard seating area while sipping your drink.
Embrace Live Music Nights
Consider visiting when live music is playing for an enhanced and entertaining evening out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Opt for quieter times for a more relaxed experience, especially if you prefer a less crowded setting.
Ask for Cocktail Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to great classic and craft cocktails, or even create custom drinks.
Explore the Courtyard
Enjoy a different ambiance in their outdoor courtyard seating area while sipping your drink.
Embrace Live Music Nights
Consider visiting when live music is playing for an enhanced and entertaining evening out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cork Bar is a highly recommended spot in Wanaka, praised for its exceptional cocktails crafted by knowledgeable bartenders and a vibrant atmosphere. Patrons often highlight the friendly and engaging staff, the diverse selection of spirits, and the enjoyable live music. While generally well-loved, some mention limited beer options on tap, though the extensive spirit and wine lists often compensate.
"Came into Cork as we heard around town it is the best place to go for cocktails. Was served by Kourtney and Matty who were very friendly and recommended some great cocktails on and off the menu. It is great to see bartenders who love their craft. Can’t recommend this place enough."
Dawn
"Me and my friend spent a few days in wanaka on a fishing trip. Came in here after a day on the lake for a few drinks, had the best night being served by matty and courtney. They recommended and made the most amazing mix of classic and craft cocktails. Matty even recommended some great spots for the salmon and trout in the morning! Will definitely be back. 👍🏼"
Jack Walker
"Great venue, super popular with locals and tourists, they put on a seasonal menu for cocktails too which has been great, Cafe Banana should be served in pints."
Sean Tinker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Its walls, floor, and bar are constructed from cork, creating a cozy and conversation-friendly atmosphere, alongside a vast selection of spirits and cocktails.
Yes, they often have live music and DJ sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings.
For a more relaxed experience, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
The staff are excellent at recommending cocktails, or you can explore their extensive G&T menu and extensive spirit selection.
Yes, Cork Bar features an outdoor courtyard area for a different dining ambiance.
They offer a rotating selection of Wanaka-brewed craft beer and regional New Zealand drops, though some note limited tap options.
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One of Wānaka’s most sociable hangouts, Cork Bar, celebrates all things Central Otago, pumping out a rotating selection of craft beers, local wines and live music. You’ll see on entry why it’s called Cork Bar: the walls, floor and bar are each constructed from the noise-deadening material, making it a great place to converse and meet up with new (or old) friends. Most of the taps flow with Wānaka-brewed craft beer, along with a smattering of other regional New Zealand drops.
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If you like gin & tonic, they have an extensive G&T menu – it’s almost overwhelming how many options there are. The bartender asked me a few questions about flavours I like and then made three drinks for me to try over the course of the evening. The cheese platter is also delicious.
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If you like gin & tonic, they have an extensive G&T menu – it’s almost overwhelming how many options there are. (The bartender asked me a few questions about flavours I like and then made three drinks for me to try over the course of the evening.)
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The place to go for evening drinks, Cork has an impressive array of wines, beers, fine spirits and cocktails. Served by bartenders who truly do know their stuff, it’s likely you’ll develop an infatuation with this bar very quickly.
Where To Eat, Drink & Play In Wānaka For A Weekend
Add music to the mix with Cork Bar’s Friday and Saturday evening gigs and DJ sessions that will keep you up to the wee small hours. This intimate bar has an impressive top shelf that lends itself to an extensive cocktail selection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit