Vultures' Lane

Located at 10 Vulcan Lane, in Auckland's Central Business District, Vultures' Lane is a well known craft beer bar would be the first and one of the last that I would visit during my trip to New Zealand in March 2017.

Vultures' Lane sandwiched by other bars - Vulcan Lane

It was surprisingly quiet on the Saturday evening of my first visit, which suited me as I was able to find a table near the bar and get some iPhone photos as a record.

Keg beer taps in centre and single handpump on right of bar

As a member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and as the cask beer on the handpump was my favourite American Pale Ale style, I ordered a Tuatara Tomahawk.

The 425ml measure is less than an imperial pint and the price of $NZ10 equates to approximately £5.60 (March 2017). Beers can also be served in 330ml measures or in litre jugs for groups to share.

Served without gas pressure and at a cool rather than cold temperature this was a fine introduction to beer in New Zealand. Vultures' Lane has 22 rotating taps and 75 bottle choices in the fridge and the beer menu on a clipboard has the relevant details including brewery, ABV, IBU, style and price.

The beers on the taps are also listed on a blackboard behind the bar. These are mainly from New Zealand but the photo from my second visit, on a Monday night (above and below), shows that Guinness and Adnams Ghost Ship from the Northern Hemisphere were also available on draught.

On entering the bar, there are high and low tables on opposite sides of the narrow room. The bar is at the back of the room faced by further high tables. Typically, cricket may be shown on the TV screen above the entrance with the sound off. There are also seats immediately outside the pub and as Vulcan Lane is a pedestrian street, these seats are popular during warm weather.
With its handpump and bar service, any UK visitor is likely to find Vultures' Lane a familiar and friendly place to enjoy New Zealand beers from some of the best breweries.