Where to get hot cross buns in the city centre

Arguably one of the best things about this time of year is indulging in perfectly baked, fragrant hot cross buns, especially when served with a generous slab of butter.

From traditional buns that never disappoint to delectable doughnut-style buns filled with custard or caramel mix, we've got the lowdown on all the best places to get your fix in the city centre. 

Daily Bread | Galway Street, Britomart

Daily Bread's triple-award-winning hot cross buns hits the shelves, and we highly recommend stocking up! These more-ish buns are heavy on spice with sweet rum-soaked fruit, candied citrus peel and finished with a sticky orange and cardamon glaze - best served toasted and slathered in butter. Looking for something with a twist? Try their decadent sour cherry and chocolate hot cross buns filled with 55% Callebaut chocolate and sour cherries. 

The Pantry | 99 Halsey Street 

Returning for a limited time, The Pantry's hot cross bun range features two modern classics crafted with technique, flavour and a touch of nostalgia. At the centre is the brioche hot cross bun doughnut—a plush, spiced creation infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coriander, tonka bean, black pepper, cardamom and cloves. Each doughnut is generously filled with silky vanilla or caramel custard, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional hot cross bun.

Also, making its anticipated return is the signature Hot Cross Bun Wreath. This fragrant, beautifully aromatic wreath is enriched with rum‑soaked raisins, currants, sultanas and citrus peel, then elevated with warm layers of cinnamon, cardamom, tonka bean, black pepper and clove. Finished with the traditional cross and brushed with a citrus‑spiced rum glaze, it’s crafted to be the hero of any Easter table.

Mibo | 155 Beaumont Street

Mibo's glorious hot cross buns are a morning must-have! Indulge in their perfect blend of spiced dough and plump raisins, paired flawlessly with a top-tier cup of coffee or matcha. The crust shines with a subtly sweet, iridescent glaze, making them perfect straight from the box or lightly toasted with a touch of butter. Your morning go-to just got even better!

Ima Cuisine | 53 Fort St

Considered amongst the best in Auckland, Ima's world-famous hot cross buns are handmade with freshly ground spices, sweetened with honey and topped with delicious custard. They now offer vegan hot cross bun options too!

Giapo | 12 Gore Street 

The legendary gluten free hot cross buns at Giapo returns for Easter—baked fresh every morning, packed with warm spices, and impossibly soft. Every year, they fly off the trays, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! So, don't miss your chance to get your hands on this pillowy perfection. 

Amano Bakery | 68 Tyler Street

Soft, fragrant, and baked fresh each morning, Amano’s classic buns are loaded with spice, fruit, and just the right touch of sweetness—ready from 7AM daily. Their chocolate version is a richer, more indulgent treat, packed with generous chunks of chocolate. Because they’re made in limited batches, you’ll only find them on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7AM.

DELI di BOSSI | 10 Commerce Street

With Easter just around the corner, Deli di Bossi’s cult favourite Hot Cross Buns are back, after selling out repeatedly last year. Baked fresh in‑house every morning, this year’s lineup features two irresistible flavours: the classic Limoncello Hot Cross Bun and the Almond Hot Cross Bun, a delicious fusion of an almond croissant and a traditional bun.

Miann Britomart | Arthur Nathan Lobby 37 Galway Street

Made fresh daily in small batches, Miann’s traditional hot cross buns are filled with citrus‑soaked dried fruits and finished with a brown sugar–apricot glaze. Their chocolate version is crafted using chocolate from their own chocolate factory in Auckland, made with single‑origin cacao for a deeper, more distinctive flavour.

Scratch Bakers | 5 Graham Street

Scratch Bakers is a haven for delicious, hand-crafted baked goods, so it comes with no surprise that their scrumptious hot cross buns hop out just as fast as they hop in! Fresh, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet! Savour either their classic or chocolate, take your pick. Best enjoyed warm and with a little butter!