New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar officially opens

The highest rooftop bar in New Zealand has officially opened in one of Auckland‘s newest lifestyle hotels, offering sweeping and stunning views of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Perched on the 38th floor of voco Auckland City Centre, Bar Albert could make a sophisticated, sky-high spot for your next soiree with its Art Deco inspired décor, open-air deck and private event space, complete with gold-trimmed leather seating.

As the highest rooftop bar in Aotearoa, Bar Albert’s position on level 38 of the voco provides guests with spectacular views spanning the Waitematā Harbour and Waitakere Ranges, towering over the likes of The Churchill on the 20th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton and Hi-So’s Rooftop Bar on level 16.

Presenting locally inspired food and a curated menu of beverages, Bar Albert offers signature gins and seasonal cocktails with a recurring Auckland theme, including the Eden Crescent, the Napier Street, the Chancery Street and the Market Place.

The signature Eden Crescent cocktail features The Roots Dry Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, house-made pistachio and rosewater orgeat and a spray of rhubarb bitters, served in a coupe glass and garnished with dried rose petal, while the Napier Street combines Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or Scotch and Cocchi Americano Blanco, topped with housemade tamarillo and honey soda with a honeycomb skewer.

Wine connoisseurs can sip New Zealand wine produced less than 50km away, from Waiheke’s Man O War or Kumeu River Wines, among other local and international varieties. Matakana’s Sawmill Brewery features on tap alongside Peroni, with East Imperial tonics on hand for alcohol-free tipples.

Among the offerings on Bar Albert’s menu is an antipasto platter with selections of cured meats, pickled vegetables, artisan breads, dip and olives, small plates and cheeses – the charcuterie is best paired with a Napier Street.

The voco’s food and beverage outlets, including Bar Albert, have been designed in consultation with globally recognised consultant Shane Giles from Blue Salt. Meanwhile head mixologist and bar manager Chelsey York is said to bring her American flair in the fine art of making prohibition-inspired craft cocktails.

“I’m super excited to be joining the team at Bar Albert and serve smashing cocktails accompanied by the most incredible sky-high views in our sophisticated speakeasy inspired atmosphere,” York said.

“I’ve designed balanced cocktail menus that feature seasonal produce and are approachable for everyone. I love getting behind the bar and making new unique syrups, dehydrating fruits, creating mixes, and clarifying punches.

“My thirst for knowledge is unquenchable, so is my thirst for a banging Espresso Martini.”