You’re walking along Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, the sun is dipping low behind the mast-filled horizon, and you’re looking for a spot that isn’t just another overpriced tourist trap. Most people end up at Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing eventually. It’s basically a rite of passage for anyone visiting the CBD. But honestly, is it just the view, or is there actually something more going on up there?
The truth is, Dr Rudi's is a bit of an anomaly. It's a massive, sun-drenched deck perched on Level 2 of the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets. It's got an on-site brewery, 14 rotating taps, and—most famously—a two-lane bowling alley that's somehow completely free to play.
It shouldn’t really work. A bowling alley in a craft brewery on a rooftop? It sounds like a gimmick. But it’s been a staple since 2016, and it’s consistently packed for a reason.
Who is Dr Rudi, anyway?
Most people think "Dr Rudi" is just a made-up marketing name. It’s not. It’s actually a nod to Dr. Rudi Roborgh, the legendary hop scientist who basically invented the "Super Alpha" hop in New Zealand.
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One of the founders, Andrew Roborgh, is actually the grandson of the doctor. He opened the spot with mates Kristian Lloyd and Callum O'Brien. They wanted something that didn't feel like a stuffy, elitist craft beer bar. They wanted a place where you could order a "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" APA and then go throw a gutter ball while a DJ plays house music.
The brewery itself is tucked right there in the bar—a 1,000-litre setup that pumps out some of the freshest lager and pilsner you’ll find in the city. You can literally see the steel tanks from the bar stools.
The Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Experience: Pizza, Pins, and Pints
If you’re heading up the escalators for the first time, there’s a specific way to do Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing. If you just show up at 8:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to be fighting for standing room.
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That Free Bowling Alley
Yes, it’s real. There are two vintage-style lanes tucked in the back. You don’t even have to wear those weird rental shoes; they let you play in your own kicks (as long as they aren't stilettos, presumably).
- How it works: You can book a lane online 7 days in advance.
- Groups: One lane fits 2–10 people, or you can snag both for a crew of up to 20.
- Timing: Bookings are usually for two-hour slots.
What to Eat (The Foot-Long Rule)
The menu is built for sharing. Don't come here looking for a delicate three-course meal. You come here for the "Pizza by the Foot." They offer one-foot, two-foot, and three-foot pizzas. The "Lost Souls 2.0" with pepperoni and jalapeños is a classic, but "The Spinach Guy" (named after a real regular) is surprisingly good if you want something less meaty.
If you’re feeling fancy, the seafood platters are massive. We’re talking Te Kouma Bay oysters, line-caught trevally ceviche, and snapper wings. It’s the kind of food that requires a lot of napkins and zero ego.
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Survival Guide for the Viaduct Crowd
It gets loud. On a Friday night, the music is pumping, the crowd is "lively" (read: drunk), and the balcony is a sea of sunglasses and linen shirts. If you want a chill vibe, go for lunch on a Tuesday. The view of the marina is just as good, and you won’t have to yell your drink order at the bartender.
Pro Tip: Bring a jacket. Even in the height of summer, the wind coming off the Waitematā Harbour can get pretty bitey once the sun goes down. There are heaters, sure, but the balcony is open-air for a reason.
The service can get a bit slow when the venue hits its 450-person capacity. That’s just the reality of a place this popular. If you're starving, order your food as soon as you find a table. Don't wait until you're three pints deep.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book the Bowling Early: Don't expect to just walk in and get a lane. Those 7-day-out slots fill up within hours for weekend times.
- The "Hidden" Access: Use the escalators near the Holey Moley bar on Quay Street. If the line looks long, check if there’s a separate entrance for those with reservations.
- Try the Lady Louise: It’s their flagship lager. It’s clean, simple, and exactly what you want when you’re sitting in the sun.
- Order the Snapper Wings: It’s a Kiwi delicacy that many tourists skip. They’re crunchy, salty, and basically the best beer snack on the menu.
Whether you're there for the hop heritage or just to see if you can bowl a strike while holding a pilsner, Dr Rudi's remains the undisputed king of the Auckland waterfront for a reason. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s quintessentially Auckland.