Rooftop at QT, the rooftop bar of the QT Auckland hotel on Federal Street in the city centre, holds a perfect 5.0 Google rating from 331 reviews, with guests praising the cocktails, the view and the warm, friendly service; details are on the QT Auckland website.
A rooftop bar is a study in timing: the half hour before sunset is when a city view earns its keep, and the tables with the best outlook go first, so arriving early or booking ahead on weekend evenings pays off. Auckland weather can turn in an afternoon, which is why the good ones plan for it with sheltered seating as well as open air. Hotel rooftop bars tend to pour proper cocktails at occasion prices, so it makes sense to settle in and let the visit be the evening.
For a drink with the city at your feet before dinner on Federal Street, Rooftop at QT makes an easy pick.