About Reign & Pour
Reign & Pour is a casual seaside-style tavern and restaurant located at the corner of Queen Street and Little Queen Lane in Auckland’s Commercial Bay precinct (www.reignandpour.co.nz ) (archipro.co.nz ). This ground-floor venue in a modern waterfront building offers a bright, contemporary interior and a long bar, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects its “seaside tavern” theme (archipro.co.nz ). It specialises in New Zealand craft beers, wines and pub-style cuisine. The spacious layout can accommodate large groups (up to about 260 people in total) (www.reignandpour.co.nz ), making it one of the larger bar/restaurants in central Auckland. Because it opened as part of the new Commercial Bay development, Reign & Pour has quickly become a popular spot in the revitalised waterfront area (archipro.co.nz ) (www.reignandpour.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
Reign & Pour operates primarily as a bar and restaurant rather than a concert venue, so it does not have ticketed performances like a theatre. Instead, it hosts regular dining specials and casual entertainment. Weekends often feature a popular bottomless brunch offering (for which bookings can be made in advance), and evenings may see live acoustic music or DJs on occasion. During major sports events (e.g. rugby or football games) the venue shows live broadcasts on its screens. The vibe is generally relaxed – some customers drop in for dinner or drinks with friends, while others come specifically for themed nights. There is typically no cover charge; guests simply pay for the food and drink they order. For private events, Reign & Pour can be booked for large parties or corporate functions up to its full capacity (www.reignandpour.co.nz ).
Tickets and Booking
Reign & Pour does not use traditional “tickets” as a theatre would. Entry is free and walk-ins are welcome when seats are available. Because it can fill up on busy nights, advance table reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or large groups. You can book a table for up to 9 guests using the online reservation form on their website, or by calling the venue (09-280-3327) (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). For groups of 10 or more people, you should email the restaurant ([email protected] ) with your requirements; the management can arrange bookings for parties and is capable of hosting groups of around 260 in total (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). Reservations are usually confirmed quickly by email or phone. There are no hidden fees: you simply pay for the food and drinks you consume. No advance tickets are needed unless you’re attending a special ticketed event (which are rare at this venue).
Seating and Layout
The venue features an open-plan layout with a mix of seating options. Inside you’ll find a long timber-lined bar, high tables and stools for a tavern feel, plus standard dining tables and some booth seating. There is also a casual lounge area with sofas. Large windows and outdoor tables line Queen Street, creating an alfresco dining option on mild days. Many guests enjoy sitting on the sidewalk terrace when the weather is fine. The design (by Gartshore) uses warm woods and brass accents, giving it a modern yet cozy vibe. Good seats depend on your preference: the outdoor tables have a lively street view and harbour breeze, while indoor tables near the bar are convenient if you want to chat with bartenders or watch sports on TV. A few review notes mention that the acoustics can get lively when the music or DJ is on, so if you’re looking for a quieter meal, midday or early evening weekdays tend to be more relaxed.
Getting There and Parking
Reign & Pour’s address is Shop 51, 7 Queen Street, Commercial Bay, Auckland 1010 (www.reignandpour.co.nz ), right on the waterfront side of downtown. It’s very central: the main Queen Street bus corridor runs right past it, and the Central City Link (free inner-city bus) has stops nearby. Auckland’s Britomart train and ferry terminal is a 5–10 minute walk (just head down Queen Street or along Quay Street). If you’re coming by car, the Commercial Bay complex has an on-site multi-storey car park (Wilson Parking, entry off Commerce Street or Jean Batten Place) that serves the building (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). Parking rates vary by time, but expect standard CBD rates (roughly $3–$5 per hour). Limited metered street parking is also available on Quay Street. Rideshare/taxi drop-offs typically use Queen Street; there is a convenient drop-off point at the corner of Quay & Queen. Pedestrians can easily reach Reign & Pour via the new “Little Queen Lane” pedestrian street or walk along the waterfront promenade from Wynyard Quarter.
Inside the Venue
On entering Reign & Pour, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff at the host station near the door. The dress code is casual – smart weekend attire or jeans and an open-collar shirt are all typical. There is usually a small queue on busy nights, but once seated the service is generally prompt (several reviewers have praised the efficient, friendly staff). ID check (NZ 18+ law) is enforced late at night: staff will ask for photo ID (driver’s license or passport) if you look under 25. The interior is kept clean, including the restrooms which some visitors specifically note are well-maintained. Inside you’ll find high-speed Wi-Fi (ask staff for the password), and the décor includes nautical touches like porthole mirrors and ship-style lamps. A cashless policy is standard (EFTPOS and credit cards accepted for payment). The drinks menu is extensive – craft beers on tap, a good wine list and a fully-featured cocktail bar – and the kitchen serves mains, small plates and pub classics from noon onward. If you have special needs or requests (private celebration, highchair for kids, etc.), the friendly team will usually try to accommodate you.
Nearby Amenities
Reign & Pour is in the heart of Auckland’s CBD dining district, so there are plenty of things nearby:
Restaurants: A quick walk will take you to many other eateries in Commercial Bay and nearby streets. For example, “Northern Steamship” (famous for fish & chips), modern cafes on Little Queen Lane, and casual Asian-fusion spots are all within 1–2 blocks.Bars and Cafés: If you arrive early and need a place to wait or have a pre-dinner drink, the precinct includes several trendy lounges and brewpubs. There’s also a branch of Peoples Coffee and small wine bars just around the corner.Hotels: Several downtown hotels are within easy walking distance (around 5–10 minutes), including the Rydges, Città Hybrid, and the Mercure Hotel on Customs Street. The SKYCity Grand Hotel and Sky Tower are only 700m south along Queen Street.Other Services: The ground floor of Commercial Bay has shops including a Woolworths/Superette, ATMs, and restrooms, so you can grab groceries or essentials before/after your visit. Public toilets (male, female, and accessible) are available in the building for customer use.Late-Night Transit: After closing, late-night buses run along Queen Street, or you can grab a taxi/ride-share from designated zones on Quay Street. Otherwise the downtown shuttle bus zone (stop #2) is a short walk away.
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets Reign & Pour apart is its combination of size, style and location. It is one of the few large-scale pubs in Auckland with a prime waterfront setting (archipro.co.nz ). The design (by Auckland-based Gartshore) blends industrial and nautical elements – exposed brick walls, timber floors and brass fittings – giving it the feeling of a modern yacht club or harbour tavern. This “sea breeze” vibe is emphasised by the corner glass frontage and handy access to the harbour promenades. Compared to smaller inner-city bars, Reign & Pour has a more relaxed seaside character and a very spacious layout. It’s also fresh to the scene – opening in the early 2020s – so it has modern conveniences and new fixtures. Locals love it for its safe, festive atmosphere: it often feels like an upscale pub where both office workers and tourists mingle, enjoying hearty meals and NZ craft beers with views of the Waitematā Harbour. In short, Reign & Pour combines the energy of a city pub with the laid-back feel of a seaside venue, which makes it popular for both casual drinks and special occasions (archipro.co.nz ) (www.reignandpour.co.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is on the ground floor with no steps at the main entrance, and the interior floors are level throughout. There’s space for a wheelchair alongside tables and at the bar. Accessible (unisex) toilets are provided. ID Requirements: Patrons must be 18 or older to drink. Staff will request ID if you look under 25. Bring a valid passport or driver’s licence if you plan to have alcohol. What to Wear: No formal dress code – business-casual or smart casual is fine. Some evening patrons dress up a bit more than during daytime. Open-toed shoes and shorts are acceptable in summer. Booking Ahead: Saturdays and Friday nights can get particularly busy. We recommend booking at least a day in advance for large groups (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). Evenings can fill up, so plan to arrive shortly after opening (from 5pm) if you don’t have a reservation. Expected Wait: If you walk in without a booking, wait times can vary. Many reviewers note that service is brisk on slower nights, but on weekends you may have to wait 10–15 minutes for a table. The host stand usually provides an estimated wait time. Smoking/Vaping: Auckland law bans smoking (and vaping) inside all bars and restaurants. Eating and drinking areas are smoke-free. If you need to smoke, you must step outside (ensure you use outside-facing areas only).Food & Drink: The menu is hearty pub fare (burgers, salads, flatbreads, steak, seafood chowder, etc.) and prices are mid-range ($$–$$$) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Cocktails, beers and mocktails are available. There is no corkage — you’re expected to purchase all drinks on-site. Children: Families often dine here at lunch or early evening. High chairs are available and kids’ meals (smaller portions of standard dishes) can be requested. The atmosphere is casual while kids are present, but very young children may find it noisy, especially after dark. Children under 12 usually must leave by 9pm when the bar becomes adult-focused.Insider Tip: On sunny afternoons grab a table outside on Queen Street (make sure to wear sunscreen). It gives a great view of passing ferries and a feel of Auckland’s waterfront energy. No Outside Food/Drink: As a licensed venue, outside alcohol is not permitted (even a bottle of wine). Outside snacks or catered food should be checked with staff in advance (they sometimes allow cakes for birthdays).
What is the exact address of Reign & Pour?
Reign & Pour is located at Shop 51, Ground Floor, 7 Queen Street in the Commercial Bay building, central Auckland (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). This is at the corner of Queen Street and Little Queen Lane (near Quay Street), right on the waterfront side of downtown.
What is the seating capacity at Reign & Pour?
The venue is quite spacious. It can accommodate up to around 260 people when fully booked (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). This includes all seating and standing room. For large bookings (10 or more people), the restaurant asks that you email them in advance so they can ensure space.
What are Reign & Pour’s opening hours?
Reign & Pour is open every day from noon (12pm) to late (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). It does not close in the early afternoon – it’s a continuous lunch/dinner bar. Kitchen service typically runs from 12pm until around 10pm (website or calls can confirm exact service hours), and the bar stays open later on weekends.
Should I make a reservation or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without a reservation if you like, but on busy nights (Friday/Saturday) or holidays it’s safer to reserve. For groups up to 9 people, use the online booking form or call 09-280-3327 to book a table (www.reignandpour.co.nz ). Groups of 10+ should email the venue ahead of time. Reservations are free – you only pay for what you order. If you walk in and there’s no table immediately available, the host will give you an estimated wait time.
What is the price range for food and drinks?
Prices at Reign & Pour are moderate. On TripAdvisor it’s listed as “Bar, European, $$–$$$” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). In practice this means main courses typically range from about NZ$25 to $40, cocktails around $18–$22, and beers $8–$12. Happy hour or special promos may offer some deals. Overall it’s considered mid-range – not cheap fast food, but comparable to other casual city bars.
How do I get to Reign & Pour by public transport?
It’s very easy to reach by Auckland public transport. Buses run all day along Queen Street with stops within 50m of the venue. The free City Link loop buses and mainline routes stop at Britomart Transport Centre (about a 5-minute walk up Queen St). Britomart station also serves suburban trains. If you’re coming from the North Shore or Waiheke, take the ferry to the downtown terminal on Quay Street – Reign & Pour is about a 5-minute walk along Quay St heading east. Off-peak the walk from Britomart is 5–7 minutes; from the ferry terminal about 8 minutes.
Is there parking available, and what are the costs?
Yes. The nearby Commercial Bay car park (Wilson Parking) serves the venue. The entrance is on Queen Street (next to 7 Queen St) and on Commerce Street. Rates vary but expect typical CBD pricing (roughly NZ$4–6 per hour). Metered street parking is limited on Queen/Quay Street (charging from 8am–10pm weekdays). Many patrons prefer rideshare or city buses to avoid parking hassles. There are also several other paid parking buildings within 500m (on Commerce Street and Galatos Street).
Is Reign & Pour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Reign & Pour is on the ground floor with level entry (no steps) and wide doors. The indoor seating area is wheelchair-friendly, and there is an accessible toilet (unisex) in the venue. Most tables can accommodate a wheelchair, and staff are trained to assist as needed. If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s a good idea to mention them when booking.
Does the venue have outdoor seating?
Yes. There are several tables outside along Queen Street (trotting terrace style). These are popular on sunny days for patio dining with street views. The outdoor area is casual – food and drink service is the same as inside. (Note: outdoor seating fills up quickly in fine weather, so an early reservation or arriving early can help you snag a table.)
Are children and families welcome?
Families and children are welcome during daytime hours. The menu has kids-sized portions of many dishes, and high chairs are available on request. Before about 9pm it’s family-friendly, though it is still a bar/restaurant rather than a soft-play venue. Expect a quiet, casual atmosphere for families at lunch or early evening. After 9pm the place becomes a nightlife setting (with alcohol-only areas and possibly louder music), so children usually aren’t present then.
What is the dress code at Reign & Pour?
There is no formal dress code. Smart casual is appropriate for evening visits. Many guests wear jeans, dresses or slacks with collared shirts or blouses. Flip-flops or board shorts (beachwear) would be out of place; if you’re stopping by after work, business casual attire fits right in. Essentially, just wear what you’d normally wear to a nice pub or restaurant – neat and comfortable.
What types of events and entertainment does Reign & Pour offer?
Besides dining, Reign & Pour occasionally hosts live entertainment. This can include weekend DJs, solo acoustic musicians, or sports viewing parties on big game days. They also sell occasional event packages (like New Year’s Eve or special festivals) on their website or partnered platforms. Most evenings the music is background level. In short, it’s mainly a place for drinks and meals, but with the addition of the occasional performance or themed night to add variety.
Is Reign & Pour pet-friendly?
Reign & Pour, like all NZ bars, does not allow pets inside due to liquor licensing laws. Only medically certified guide/assistance dogs are permitted indoors. (Service dogs are trained to remain quiet and clean, and they’re allowed if identified.) Otherwise, outdoor seating is city footpath area – dogs on leash may be tolerated outside at staff discretion, but always ask first.
Is Wi-Fi or a coat check available?
Free Wi-Fi is available in Reign & Pour – just ask a server for the network name and password. There is no formal coat check; space is limited. Most patrons leave coats and bags at the back of their chairs. If you have large luggage or heavy coats, you can bring them in, but staff recommend keeping personal items with you or hanging them on your chair.
Do they take credit cards or cash only?
Reign & Pour accepts all major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and debit cards. Cash is also accepted, but most customers pay by card. Tipping is not expected or customary in New Zealand, though leaving a small gratuity for very attentive service is always appreciated.
Does Reign & Pour cater to large group bookings or private events?
Yes. Reign & Pour is well set up for groups. They can reconfigure the space for parties (standing cocktail style or seated dinners) and have hosted corporate functions and birthdays. For groups of 10 or more, contact the restaurant in advance (email is best) to discuss menu options and any special requests. They may offer set menus for large parties. The maximum capacity is around 260 people (www.reignandpour.co.nz ), so even a very large event can be managed here.
Is Reign & Pour historically significant or part of a chain?
Reign & Pour itself is a standalone venue, but it is part of a local hospitality group that operates other pubs (with similar naming, often under the “Public Drinks” brand in NZ). While it doesn’t have decades of history (opened around 2021 with the building’s launch), it’s significant as one of the anchor restaurants of the newly developed Commercial Bay area. Its name (“Reign” + “Pour”) emphasizes pouring beers/wines, fitting the upscale pub theme.
