A good book can be even more enjoyable in a good cafe. Here are some of our favourite places to absorb a book, sip on tea and munch on scones.

Auckland Art Gallery cafe

Overlooking Albert Park, the window-side seats of this Mojo cafe make perfect reading spots. Open until 5pm daily, we recommend going late-ish. 1 Kitchener St, central city.

Late Night Art is returning to the central city next Wed 12 Oct and we’ll be joining in the fun until 9pm. Indulge in streetARTdego, a creative-food-meets-artist-extravaganza in and around the Gallery that pairs top food vendors with renowned artists. Inside, enjoy a live performance from @pacificheightsnz, after-hours entry to our Walters Prize exhibition, food by @judgebaonz and drinks from the ArtDego Pop-Up Bar. #streetARTdego #artweekakl

A post shared by Auckland Art Gallery (@aucklandartgallery) on Oct 6, 2016 at 7:43pm PDT

Revel

Outside, soak up some mid-afternoon rays and the informal chatter of this quirky uptown district. Inside, comfy chairs and warming hot chocolates, vegan nachos or beer will keep you sustained. 146 Karangahape Rd.

All here for the lols

A post shared by Revel Cafe K Road (@revelcafe_kroad) on Oct 12, 2017 at 12:34am PDT

Mondays

Down a steep driveway, in amongst the foliage, you will feel far away from bustling New North Road. Bonus – there’s usually cool dogs to pat and snuggly blankets for reading breaks. 503B New North Rd, Kingsland.

A post shared by Mondays Eatery (@mondayswholefoods) on Oct 22, 2017 at 1:57pm PDT

Eighthirty High Street

The ceilings are high and lunchtimes echoey in this 1920s heritage building, but come the early afternoon there is quiet, and good coffee, and the sun still streams through the huge casement windows. The corner table is a perfect place to lean against the wall with the company of a good book. 35 High St, central city.

A post shared by Eighthirty Coffee Roasters (@eighthirty) on Jul 31, 2016 at 5:53pm PDT

Homestead

The manicured grounds surrounding the Pah Homestead arts centre are ideal for reading. Grab a topped crumpet from Sam Mannering’s clever menu to eat in, and a coffee to takeaway – sip away while you read on the grass. 72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough.

A post shared by HOMESTEAD (@homestead.company) on Oct 9, 2017 at 1:33pm PDT

Rabbit Cafe

Rabbit rejects any sort of art design-y aesthetic, opting for shabby-chic sofas and stools instead. This completely vegetarian cafe does a wicked alternative-milk hot chocolate and is quietest mid-week. 30 St Benedicts St, Eden Terrace.

Words: Kate Richards
Photos: Getty Images, Instagram & Facebook

This article originally appeared in Paperboy magazine.