⚠️ Station not yet open. Karanga-a-Hape Station opens in 2026 as part of the City Rail Link. It will be New Zealand's deepest train station at 33 metres underground, with entrances at Beresford Square and Mercury Lane (next to the Mercury Theatre). Mercury Lane is designated as a pedestrian-priority shared space from May 2026.
Karangahape Road — universally known as K Road — is one of Auckland's most distinctive and culturally rich streets. Long the heart of Auckland's LGBTQ+, arts and alternative communities, it has also become one of the city's best dining and drinking destinations without losing any of its edge. The station sits right below the road, with K Road's full length of restaurants, bars, live music venues and legendary thrift shops within easy walking distance of both entrances.
St Kevin's Arcade
K Road's most beloved landmark — a 1924 heritage arcade that walks through to Myers Park, and the cultural heart of the street.
St Kevin's Arcade
Built in 1924, St Kevin's Arcade is one of Auckland's most treasured heritage buildings and the undisputed focal point of K Road. The long, light-filled arcade connects Karangahape Road through to Myers Park — one of the best inner-city parks in Auckland, with a large open lawn, playground, stream, and views back to the city. The arcade itself houses a remarkable collection of independent tenants: Pici (acclaimed Italian pasta, one of Auckland's best), Sagrado Cantina (authentic Mexican), Bestie Cafe (popular all-day brunch), Whammy Bar (one of Auckland's best live music venues), Acho's (Japanese izakaya and sake bar), Green Dolphin Bookstore (the best bookshop on K Road), and Mo's Barbershop (legendary for sharp cuts). The walk through to Myers Park is one of the most pleasant short strolls in central Auckland.
Arcade open daily from 7am · Individual venue hours varyCafes
Three excellent independent cafes on or just off K Road — including the best croissants in New Zealand.
Probably the best croissants in New Zealand — a small, beautifully run café and bakery on K Road with exceptional laminated pastries (walnut pain au chocolat, fruit Danishes), sourdough toast with seasonal toppings, and excellent coffee. Regulars return every time they're in Auckland just for this. Warm, unhurried atmosphere. Closed Mondays.
Tue–Fri 7:30am–2pm · Sat 8:30am–2pm · Sun 9am–1:30pm · Closed Mon
A sunny, welcoming all-day café at the front of St Kevin's Arcade with large windows looking out to Myers Park and the city skyline. Excellent coffee, innovative brunch dishes and a warm, buzzy atmosphere. Opens at 7:30am weekdays. Open 7 days.
Mon–Fri 7:30am–2:30pm · Sat–Sun 8:30am–2:30pm
Millers Coffee
Tucked away on Cross Street just off K Road — a specialty coffee roaster that roasts its own beans on-site. "Best coffee in the area by a country mile." A tiny, focused space run by a team clearly passionate about the craft. Regulars come for the flat white and leave with bags of beans. Try the flat white choccy. Weekday mornings only, closes at noon.
Mon–Fri 7:30am–12pm · Closed Sat–SunRestaurants
K Road has evolved into one of Auckland's best dining streets — from fine dining to Lebanese sharing plates and Malaysian street food.
One of Auckland's finest restaurants — a Brazilian-influenced tasting menu experience that consistently draws superlatives from reviewers. The gnocchi is described as "the best in New Zealand." Warm, intimate service; the team treats every table like a birthday. Dinner only, Tue–Sat. Bookings essential.
Tue–Sat 5–10pm (Fri–Sat until 11pm) · Closed Sun–Mon
A K Road institution — a buzzing Italian restaurant beloved for its wood-fired pizza, house pasta, excellent cocktails and the famous polenta chips (a dollar from each serving goes to charity). The energy is always high. Function room available. Tue–Sat from 4pm, closed Sun–Mon.
Tue–Sat 4–9:30pm (Fri–Sat until 10pm) · Closed Sun–Mon
A much-loved burger bar on K Road — American-sized smash burgers with a huge variety of flavours, great milkshakes and hot fresh fries. The $15 happy hour lunch deal is outstanding value. Staff are friendly and genuinely helpful. Open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays — perfect post-bar food.
Mon–Thu 11am–8:30pm · Fri–Sat 11am–1am · Sun 11am–8:30pm
Authentic Malaysian mamak-style food — the hand-made roti chennai on a genuine roti grill is the best in Auckland. The nasi goreng, laksa and chicken curry are all outstanding. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Fantastic value with generous portions. A K Road staple.
Daily 11am–3:30pm & 4:30–8:30pm
A beloved Lebanese restaurant inside St Kevin's Arcade — one of Auckland's most celebrated eateries. The hummus, falafel, malfouf (grilled cabbage) and Habaq small plates are outstanding, and the Sky Tower view from the arcade makes for a memorable setting. Family-run with warm, knowledgeable service. Dinner only, Tue–Sat. Book well ahead.
Tue–Thu 6–9:30pm · Fri–Sat 5:30–10pm · Closed Sun–Mon
A short walk from K Road on Pitt Street — outstanding Lebanese shawarma with fries inside the wrap, freshly made baba ganoush, coriander chips and baklava. Open kitchen lets you watch the cooking. Friendly staff and fast service. Lunch only, closed Mondays.
Tue–Sat 10am–3pm · Sun 10am–2pm · Closed MonBars
K Road has one of Auckland's most diverse and vibrant bar scenes — from hidden cocktail bars to iconic LGBTQ+ venues.
Sly Bar
One of Auckland's best hidden bars — the entrance is deliberately tricky to find (half the fun). Once inside, the candlelit, intimate space and exceptional cocktails take over. The passionfruit sour, Sandman and espresso martini are all outstanding. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. Wed–Thu 7pm, Fri–Sat 5pm. Closed Sun–Tue.
Wed–Thu 7pm–12am · Fri–Sat 5pm–2am · Closed Sun–Tue
Verona Cafe & Bar
A K Road stalwart at the eastern end of the strip — open from 9am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of the few places that spans the full day. Good coffee, excellent cheesecake, and a friendly neighbourhood bar feel. Popular with regulars who appreciate the consistency and warm service. Open 7 days.
Mon–Tue 9am–10pm · Wed 9am–11pm · Thu 9am–12am · Fri–Sat 9am–1am · Sun 9am–10pm
One of Auckland's most loved LGBTQ+ bars — a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone is accepted. Excellent cocktails at reasonable prices, a great jukebox, sunny outdoor seating, karaoke on Thursdays and a warm community feel. Open daily from 4pm, until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Daily 4pm–12am (Thu until 2am · Fri–Sat until 4am)
Acho's
A Japanese izakaya and sake bar inside St Kevin's Arcade — a genuine hidden gem with a huge selection of Japanese sake, whisky and beer, and a daily-changing specials board of traditional Japanese pub food. The intimate space has an outstanding vibe. Open Tue–Sun from 5pm. Closed Mondays.
Tue–Sun 5pm–2am · Closed Mon
Right at the Beresford Square station entrance — a warm, British pub-style bar packed with railway memorabilia, a great tap beer selection, custom cocktails and a covered outdoor area. The owner Craig and team make everyone feel immediately welcome. One of the most welcoming bars on K Road. Tue–Sat from 3pm (Thu–Sat from noon). Closed Sun–Mon.
Tue–Wed 3pm–12am · Thu–Fri 12pm–12am · Sat 1pm–12am · Closed Sun–Mon
One of Auckland's finest wine bars — an intimate, convivial space where owner Mo talks you through every dish and wine with genuine warmth and expertise. The food is beautifully balanced: goat cheese croquettes, falafel, mashed potato with blue cheese (served like churros), and exceptional steak. Let them choose for you and you might get wines not on the list. Mon–Fri only, from 5pm (noon Thu–Fri). Closed Sat–Sun.
Mon–Wed 5–11pm · Thu–Fri 12–11pm · Closed Sat–Sun
A chic French-influenced restaurant and bar at 292 K Road — the "Trust the Chef" multi-course menu is outstanding value, with generous, beautifully presented small plates and excellent cocktails. A great atmosphere for both small and large groups. Open every day from 4pm (5pm Sat–Sun), making it one of the most accessible dinner options on the strip.
Mon–Fri 4–10pm (Fri until 10:30pm) · Sat–Sun 5–10pm (Sat until 10:30pm)
No.7
A multi-role gem on Pitt Street — café from 8am Mon–Fri, then morphing into a wine bar and restaurant Wed–Sat evenings. The weekly rotating pasta menu is outstanding and great value (served with house wine). Excellent cocktails, great vegan options and a laid-back atmosphere. "Unpretentious, stunning food, super friendly hosts." Closed Sundays and Tuesday evenings.
Mon–Tue 8am–2:30pm · Wed–Thu 8am–10pm · Fri 8am–1am · Sat 4pm–1am · Closed Sun
A celebrated Filipino-influenced bar and restaurant on Cross Street — chef Carlo brings deep South East Asian heritage to every dish. The $85 "trust the chef" menu is outstanding value: tuna carpaccio with coconut vinegar, paua and squid kikiam, crab and prawn lumpia, and melt-in-your-mouth steak with soy and spring onion. One of the most distinctive dining experiences on K Road. Wed–Sun from 5pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Mon 5–10pm · Wed–Thu 5pm–12am · Fri–Sat 5pm–1am · Sun 5–10pm · Closed TueLive Music & Venues
K Road has two of Auckland's most beloved live music venues — both within metres of the station entrances.
Tucked into the basement of St Kevin's Arcade — one of Auckland's most important live music venues for independent and alternative music. Grungy, intimate and raw. New Zealand and international touring acts play here regularly. Also operates as Double Whammy (upstairs) and Public Bar. Check the website for listings.
Event nights only — check website for listings
Auckland's premier late-night electronic and alternative music venue — open Fri–Sat from 10pm to 4am. An inclusive, community-minded venue that hosts local and international DJs and live acts across electronic, indie and alternative genres. Described by many as the best club venue in Tāmaki Makaurau. Check the website for upcoming events.
Fri–Sat 10pm–4am · Closed Mon–Thu & Sun
A multi-level live music and event venue on K Road, praised for its excellent sound, two floors of space and consistently warm, attentive staff. Notably accessible — the team goes above and beyond for wheelchair users and disabled patrons. Check the website for upcoming gigs.
Event nights only — check website for listingsRetail, Thrift & Second-Hand
K Road is Auckland's best street for second-hand and vintage clothing — a mix of charity op shops, curated vintage boutiques and independent stores, all within a few minutes' walk.
The best second-hand women's clothing store on K Road — carefully curated designer brands and high-quality fabrics (silk, linen, NZ designers), organised by colour and type. Prices are very reasonable ($15–$25 for most dresses, $30 for ball gowns). A clearance section at the back. Regulars have been coming for years. Open 7 days.
Mon–Sat 10am–5:30pm · Sun 11am–5pm
A beautifully curated vintage boutique right next to St Kevin's Arcade — lots of American vintage, excellent selection in all sizes, and a team that genuinely loves what they do. Reviewers describe it as "the best vintage store in Auckland" with prices worth every cent for the quality. Open 7 days.
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 10:30am–5:30pm
Auckland City Mission Op Shop
The Auckland City Mission's K Road op shop — well-organised, clean and worth a thorough browse for hidden gems. Good selection of second-hand clothing and accessories. Open daily including Sundays. Purchases directly support the City Mission's social services. A good starting point for a K Road thrift crawl.
Mon–Fri 10am–5:30pm · Sat 10am–5pm · Sun 10:30am–4pm
Red Cross Shop
The Red Cross charity shop on K Road — a compact but well-stocked store with a good range of pre-loved clothing. Opens early at 9am weekdays and is one of the most central charity shops in Auckland. Good for a quick browse on the way past. Open 7 days.
Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm · Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 9am–5:30pm
A beautifully curated gift and homewares boutique championing New Zealand-made products — jewellery, ceramics, prints, textiles and objects d'art from independent NZ makers. Staff go above and beyond, including handwritten notes with online orders. "Truly the best of the underground." A wonderful place to find a unique NZ souvenir or gift. Open 7 days.
Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
Right at the Mercury Lane station entrance — a cavernous Aladdin's cave of treasures spanning Y2K, genuine vintage and modern pieces in leather, wool and silk, including designer and preloved items at great prices. Described as "the perfect shop for any occasion." Busy with a diverse range of customers. Open 7 days from 10am (11am Mon and Sun).
Mon 11am–6pm · Tue–Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 11am–5pmLim Chhour & Food Court
K Road's iconic Asian supermarket and food court — a neighbourhood institution open daily until 9pm.
Lim Chhour
A K Road institution — a large Cambodian-owned Asian supermarket at 184 Karangahape Road with an outstanding range of fresh and frozen seafood (silver pomfret, prawns, oysters, squid), meats, produce and Asian pantry staples. Open daily 9am–9pm, making it one of the most convenient grocery stops in the area. Outside the supermarket is a small food court with some of K Road's most popular cheap eats — including Sneaky Snacky (4.7 stars, 488 reviews — famous for the donut burger with crispy fried chicken, glazed bun and pickle), plus rotating vendors for Vietnamese, Thai and Asian street food. A beloved neighbourhood landmark since the 1980s.
Daily 9am–9pm · Food court vendors hours varyBus Routes
Karangahape Road is one of Auckland's busiest bus corridors. The Inner Link and City Link stop on K Road itself. Routes 18, 105, 106, WX1, 11T and 11W stop right outside the Beresford Square entrance to the station.
On Karangahape Road
A great place to transfer — all buses heading eastbound continue to Auckland City Hospital; all buses heading westbound continue to Ponsonby Road.
| Route | Serves | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| INN | Inner Link — Waitematā loop via Parnell, Newmarket, Auckland City Hospital, K Rd & Ponsonby Rd | Every 7–8 min |
| CTY | City Link — Wynyard Quarter ↔ K Rd via Queen St | Every 7–8 min |
| 866 | Albany Station ↔ Newmarket via all Northern Busway stations, Ponsonby Rd & K Rd | Weekdays only |
| 966 | Beach Haven ↔ Newmarket via Onewa Rd, Ponsonby Rd & K Rd | Weekdays only |
Stop A — Beresford Square entrance
| Route | Serves | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | New Lynn ↔ City Centre via Avondale, Pt Chevalier, Zoo, MOTAT & Grey Lynn | Frequent |
| 105 | Westmere ↔ City Centre via Richmond Rd & K Rd | Connector |
| 106 | Freemans Bay loop via K Rd, Pitt St, Mayoral Dr & Albert St | Connector |
| WX1 | Northwest ↔ City Centre via Lincoln Station, Te Atatu Station, Newton Rd & K Rd | Peak hours only |
| 11T | Northwest ↔ City Centre via Westgate, Triangle Rd, Lincoln Station & Te Atatu | Peak hours only |
| 11W | Northwest ↔ City Centre via Westgate, Waimumu Rd, Lincoln Station & Te Atatu | Peak hours only |
💡 The Inner Link and City Link run on K Road every 7–8 minutes — one of Auckland's most frequent bus corridors. Routes WX1, 11T and 11W stop at Beresford Square and connect directly to the Northwest — Lincoln Station, Te Atatu, Westgate and beyond. Route 18 connects to New Lynn via Grey Lynn, MOTAT and Pt Chevalier. Routes 866 and 966 connect to the North Shore via Ponsonby Road (weekdays only). Always confirm at at.govt.nz.
⚠️ Station not yet open — opens 2026. Venue ratings and hours were current at time of writing. Always check a venue's own website or Google Maps for current hours. Bus route information sourced from Auckland Transport — confirm at at.govt.nz.