Auckland Bubble Tea: 12 Places So Good You’ll Ditch Your Diet
David Sims
| Last Updated: March 2024 Did you know that the chewy tapioca pearls you slurp up in your bubble tea weren’t originally meant for drinking?
Originally, vendors at Taiwanese night markets were inspired by a dish of cold, sweet potato sago balls, and they decided to add them to their iced teas. The rest, as they say, is bubble tea history!
Fast forward to today, and bubble tea has taken the world by storm. Auckland is no exception.
After getting more bubble tea (and sugar rushes) than we can count, we found the very best bubble tea shops in town. And now we’ll share them with you.
1. Daily Tea
Website: Daily Tea
Address: 385 Great North Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 20 4090 5981
Daily Tea is undeniably one of the best bubble tea shops in town. This is largely due to their commitment to quality drinks.
One of their popular ones is the taro mochi milk tea. It is flavorful, rich, and authentic, and the addition of mochi balls takes it to the next level.
Their roasted rice milk tea is nice too. It captures the comforting and toasty flavours of roasted rice—it’s the kind of beverage that grows on you with each sip.
And their oolong milk tea is another must-try. It’s a classic, but it’s creamy and refreshing.
Pro Tip: Do not miss out on their winter melon milk tea! It’s sweet and has a cooling effect making it ideal for those hot summer days.
2. Boba & Chill
@hopecorez hopecore 🥺❤️🩹✨ #hopecore #positivity #wholesome ♬ Evergreen – Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners
Website: Boba & Chill
Address: 1266 Dominion Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
Boba & Chill has quickly become a hotspot in Auckland’s bubble tea scene. They’re known for their outstanding bubble tea options and very chill atmosphere.
Their creamy coconut milk tea is a winner, for sure. It’s a tropical twist on the classic milk tea, but still satisfying and incredibly tasty.
Then there’s the creamy honeydew milk tea. This drink is like a summer day in a cup. The honeydew flavour is sweet and subtle. If you’re a fan of fruity flavours, you definitely need to give this one a try.
And if you want something rich? Go for the bubble caramel milk tea. It’s the perfect indulgence.
Pro Tip: The tiramisu hazelnut milk tea is a must try. It’s like dessert in a cup. The nutty hazelnut combined with soft creamy notes of tiramisu make a drink that’s a total game changer.
3. Twentea
Address: 5 Rose Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Twentea has gained a reputation as one of the prime go-to spots for bubble tea enthusiasts.
Their leading drink is Teh Tarik, a Malaysian milk tea that is a must-try. It pays homage to traditional Malaysian tea culture, offering a taste adventure you won’t forget.
For those seeking a dairy-free tea, the rose milk tea is a dream come true. Subtly fragrant, this tea is as pleasing to the palate as it’s to the eye.
Then there’s the ice Milo, a nostalgic nod to the classic childhood beverage for many. It’s a refreshing chocolatey drink that cools you down and tastes like nostalgia too.
Pro Tip: Their original signature milk tea is worth trying if you just want something simple but still tasty.
4. Machi Machi
Address: 11/14 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6492000286
Machi Machi is easily one of the city’s top bubble tea shops. They have an array of bubble tea drinks that are as unique as they are delicious.
For one, their milk tea with panna cotta is a treat. The panna cotta adds a creamy and indulgent texture to the already flavorful milk tea.
And the brown sugar latte is a love letter to all those with a sweet tooth. The rich caramel flavour, brown sugar, compliments, and creamy latte create a drink that is indulgent.
But their black milk tea with crème brûlée is where Machi Machi truly dares to be different. The crème brûlée adds a subtle, burnt sugar taste and a satisfying crunch to the smooth black milk tea. It’s a unique combination that sets Machi Machi apart from other bubble tea shops in the city.
Pro Tip: The oat milk tea with pearls is a refreshing alternative for those looking for a lighter option. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and satisfying bubble tea experience.
5. Comma Tea
Address: 343 Albany Highway, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +64210391506
With a wide variety of flavours and customisable options, Comma Tea offers something for everyone’s taste buds. Whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or refreshing drinks, their menu is sure to satisfy your cravings.
One of their drinks is peach gum milk tea. Peach gum is known for its health benefits and jelly-like texture. The combination of the natural sweetness from the peach gum and the richness of the milk tea creates a delightful balance that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Their matcha, with red beans and taro, is a feast for the senses. The slightly bitter taste of matcha is balanced with the sweetness of red beans and the unique, slightly nutty flavour of taro balls. This is a drink that is sure to thrill both matcha and red bean lovers.
Then there’s the unique tree gum and taro with fresh milk. The chewy texture of the tree gum pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the taro and fresh milk.
Pro Tip: Try the milk tea with coconut jelly. The coconut jelly adds a tropical twist to the classic milk tea, offering a unique texture and subtly sweet flavour.
6. Tea Talk
Address: 311 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Phone: +64212888086
Tea Talk has carved its niche in the hearts of bubble tea aficionados through its innovative menu and warm, inviting atmosphere. Their taro storm is a yummy blend of taro, brown pearl, taro pudding, and cheesy foam. This drink redefines the definition of milk tea.
If you want something simple, the strawberry milk tea is as good as it gets. And for those who want something exotic, get the purple rice with yoghurt. It’s an unexpected harmonious blend that will surely pique your taste buds’ curiosity.
Pro Tip: Give the super-peach gum tree tea a try. This speciality drink blends purple, sticky rice, red bean, and peach gum—it’s a testament to Tea Talk’s creativity.
7. Gong Cha
Address: 164 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Phone: +6493681668
Gong Cha has firmly established itself as one of the best bubble tea shops in Auckland. Whether you’re a bubble tea connoisseur or a newbie to the tea scene, Gong Cha has something for you.
One of the classics on their menu is the pearl milk tea. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavour and chewy tapioca pearls.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Oreo chocolate milk tea is perfect. It will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Pro Tip: Gong Cha also offers fresh Japanese matcha for those who want something more traditional. It’s refreshing and soothing, and it’s perfect for any time of the day.
8. Own Tea Ormiston
Address: 44/240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 2016, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +6492122100
Own Tea Ormiston’s magic lies in its perfect blend of authentic tea flavours and new twists. Their number one tea is their black gold milk tea. Each sip is a testament to why milk tea has won hearts worldwide.
For the adventurous, the dragon fruit with cream milk tea is a must-try. This unique blend is a refreshing fusion of the subtlely sweet dragon fruit, and the cream makes it super delicious.
The sesame milk tea is another good choice. It’s a little nutty, but the black sesame pairs gracefully with the smooth tea.
Pro Tip: You have to try their Lotus Biscoff milk tea! Yes, you read that right. This drink pairs the familiar taste of milk tea with the spicy sweetness of Lotus Biscoff. It’s a national treasure.
9. Hulu Cat
Address: 239-249 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
If you’re a bubble tea fanatic in Auckland, chances are you’ve heard of Hulu Cat. This charming bubble tea shop has made a name for itself as one of the prime spots for bubble tea.
One of their drinks is Japanese green milk tea with egg pudding. Robust green tea, creamy milk, and egg pudding make this drink a must-try for any bubble tea lover looking for something different and delicious.
And their coffee tea with vanilla ice cream is one you definitely don’t want to miss. Especially if you love sweet things.
Then there’s a passionfruit black tea with pearls. It may sound a little bit bland, but this fruity drink is a refreshing tea that you’ll surely love.
Pro Tip: Give their taro green milk tea a try. It’s a match made in bubble tea heaven.
10. City of Tea
Address: Unit 2/142 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 2016, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +64 09 265 0867
City of Tea’s menu is filled with classic drinks most bubble tea lovers know and love. One of their leading drinks is rose milk tea. And yes, it does kind of taste like a rose. It has a subtle floral flavour that is unique and light-tasting.
Then there’s their classic matcha tea for all the matcha lovers. It’s bittersweet but just as good.
Pro Tip: Get your drink with additional toppings, whether it’s silky pudding or popping boba—fun toppings take your bubble tea to the next level.
11. The Rise Bubble Tea
Address: 16a Princess Street, Takanini 2112, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64 27 505 7827
The Rise of Bubble Tea has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s really not hard to see why. With drinks like watermelon sugar high (yes, it lives up to its name) that are sweet, juicy, and thirst-quenching on a hot summer day, it’s no wonder that this shop has gained such popularity.
Whether you’re a fan of fruity or creamy flavours, there’s bubble tea here for everyone to enjoy.
The dirty brown sugar fresh milk tea is just as good too. But the real game changer here is the bazooka. This creamy bubblegum drink is paired perfectly with mango jelly balls. It’s a fun and playful beverage that’ll have you feeling like a kid again.
Or try the taho with sugar and brown sugar syrup. This drink has tofu, pudding, sweet brown sugar, syrup, and chewy white sago pearls.
Pro Tip: If you really want something different, go for the Beyoncé special (named after the queen herself). This drink is a layered boba dessert drink reminiscent of halo halo (a popular Filipino treat). It’s a dessert, a snack, and a drink all in one.
12. Cactea
Address: 6 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Monday & Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 64 9 963 6249
Cactea is known for its technique and exciting drinks. Their volcanic ash drink is as intriguing as its name suggests.
This drink features a distinctive charcoal flavour. That’s both rich and surprising. It’s a bold and exciting beverage that’s not for the fate of the heart, but definitely a must-try for the adventure-loving bubble tea lover.
Their dirty milk tea is a combination of classic milky and rich caramel, like brown sugar. It’s the kind of comfort drink that warms you up from the inside out.
Then there’s the coco mango. This drink is a tropical escape in a cup, boasting a refreshing blend of creamy coconut and sweet mango. It’s fruity, creamy, and perfect for summertime fun in Auckland.
Pro Tip: You’ve got to try one of their potted milk teas, especially the matcha one. And yes, it looks like a cute little plant, so you even get to put something new on your Instagram!
