Vintage Vibes: An Afternoon at the Northcote Tavern
Classic Charm, Great Beer, and Good Company on Auckland’s Shore
There are pubs, and then there are institutions — and the Northcote Tavern is most definitely the latter. Perched on Auckland’s North Shore, overlooking the city skyline and harbour, this much-loved local was the first stop on our debut Great British Pub Crawl aboard “Dorothy,” our 1960s London Routemaster double-decker. It set the tone for everything the afternoon was about: community, laughter, heritage, and a properly poured pint.
A Touch of Britain by the Harbour
The moment our guests stepped off the bus, they were greeted by the warm buzz of conversation drifting through the garden bar. With its weathered wooden beams, sunny courtyards, and the smell of hearty pub meals wafting from the kitchen, the Northcote Tavern feels like a little slice of Britain tucked right into the heart of the North Shore.
Inside, classic memorabilia and friendly locals give the place a timeless, welcoming energy — the kind of spot where every visitor feels like a regular within minutes. It’s easy to see why this is one of Auckland’s favourite pubs.
The Perfect Start to the Crawl
Our guests enjoyed their first drink of the day — a choice of local beer or house wine — as they got to know each other under the afternoon sun. There were smiles all around, stories shared, and plenty of photos taken beside our bright red double-decker gleaming in the carpark.
The Tavern’s staff were legends, as always — quick with a grin and a recommendation. A few of our guests discovered their new favourite craft lager here, while others leaned into the British theme with a cold, traditional ale.
By the time we boarded again, there was an unmistakable sense of camaraderie — a group of new friends heading off to the next great stop on a vintage adventure.
Why We Love the Northcote Tavern
For us at Vintage Views, the Northcote Tavern isn’t just another venue — it’s a reminder of what we love most about running these tours: connecting people with places that have character, heart, and history.
This pub is a true cornerstone of the North Shore community, where families gather for Sunday roasts, mates meet for pints after work, and now — thanks to our Great British Pub Crawl — travellers from around the world get to experience a taste of Kiwi-British pub culture in one unforgettable stop.
Visit on the Next Great British Pub Crawl
The Northcote Tavern will always be the first chapter of our Pub Crawl story — and we can’t wait to share it again with our next guests.
Climb aboard our lovingly restored London bus, soak in the views from the top deck, and experience Auckland’s best pubs with a drink in hand, good food, and great company.
👉 Book Your Seat Now at VintageViews.co.nz
🍻 Next departure from Queen & Customs Street, Auckland CBD
🚍 Three iconic pubs · Three drinks · Nibbles · Laughter · Vintage fun