Whisky and More: New Zealand’s Best Online Liquor Store

The alcohol industry is a big one here in New Zealand. According to Statistics New Zealand, in 2021 there were 499 million litres of alcohol sloshing around for domestic consumption. To break that down, that’s 292 million litres of beer, 107 million litres of wine, and 100 million litres of spirits.

And while New Zealand is awash with liquor stores, with two years of pandemic under our belts, we’ve had plenty of time to shift our liquor buying habits online.

Our online shopping habits soared over the past few years, from clothing to electronics, to food and liquor. As a result, consumers no longer have to settle for whatever store is down the road. So with that in mind, which online liquor store is going to give you the best deal, service, range and more?

To find out, Canstar Blue canvassed the opinions of Kiwis to decide which online liquor stores offer the best levels of customer satisfaction.

Whisky and More: New Zealand’s favourite online liquor store

We asked 475 Kiwis who had purchased a product from an online liquor store in the last six months to evaluate their experiences across the following categories:

• Overall Satisfaction
• Customer Service
• Value for Money
• Price Compared to Other Retailers
• Layout of Website
• Range of Products on Offer

And coming out on top is Whisky and More, the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2022 award for Most Satisfied Customers | Online Liquor Stores.

Whisky and More scores excellently in this year’s survey with a clean sweep, earning 5 Stars in every category measured. Not only that, but no other provider earns 5 Stars in any of the categories measured, highlighting just how impressed Kiwis are with the online liquor store.

New Zealand’s favourite online liquor stores

Here are New Zealand’s favourite online liquor stores, based on our survey results:

1. Whisky and More
2. Liquorland
3. Big Barrel
4. Super Liquor
5. Liquor King
6. Bottle-O

Also rated highly in this year’s award are Liquorland, Big Barrel and Super Liquor, each earning 4 Stars for Overall Satisfaction. Liquor King and Bottle-O both earn 3 Stars for Overall Satisfaction.

Top providers: online liquor stores

Whisky and More

Operating since 2010, Whisky and More’s aspiration is simple: to be the most direct and low-cost whisky operation, furnishing a quality and thirsty following with the best deals in the country.

This is achieved through sourcing products direct from suppliers overseas, to secure excellent deals for Kiwi consumers. And when this isn’t possible, Whisky and More works hard to source products locally at a market-leading price point. Delivering is direct to your door for $4.99 (up to 12 bottles North and South Island) or free if the order is over $200.

As a result, Whisky and More, unsurprisingly, score excellent 5-Star results for Value for Money and Price Compared to Other Retailers. Its range of international whiskies, wine, beer and spirits, plus glassware, gifts, books and more earns the retailer 5 Stars for its Range of Products on Offer. While an old-west inspired website provides a fitting, and easy to navigate experience.

Finally, quick delivery (over 90% of North Island deliveries arrive the next working day) ensures Whisky and More earns 5 Stars in every category measured and is the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2022 award for Most Satisfied Customers | Online Liquor Stores.

Liquorland

Liquorland is one of the most recognisable liquor stores in New Zealand, with well over 100 stores nationwide. And its online offering utilities that expansive network, with a huge range of products at great prices.

As a franchised Kiwi-owned business, Liquorland has regular fantastic promotions, a friendly, welcoming environment, and a passionate, knowledgeable team on hand to help with buying decisions. Another big plus for customers is the opportunity to get Fly Buys points or to earn Airpoints Dollars.  And as Liquorland is a participant in the Fly Buys rewards program, customers can also redeem points for liquor rewards.

It is worth noting that Liquorland does not offer delivery. Rather, you can shop your local Liquorland’s supply, from the comfort of your home, then click and collect at a time that suits you.

In this year’s survey, Liquorland scores an excellent clean sweep of 4-Star results.

Big Barrel

Big Barrel is 100% NZ family owned and operated, and has grown from a single store in Napier to 43 stores nationwide. Its online offering provides two options: shop your local Big Barrel (online) and click and collect, or shop from Big Barrel’s full range, direct from its warehouse, and have it delivered to your door.

Either way, you have a great range of products on offer. And if there’s something you’re looking for but can’t find, simply get in touch. Big Barrel will do its best to get it in stock for you!

In this year’s survey, Big Barrel scores an excellent 4 Stars in every category measured.

Super Liquor

Super Liquor has existed in some form or another since the 1970s, so you know there is decades of experience behind the brand. With over 160 stores nationwide, Super Liquor offers a huge range of products, ready for you to pick up at your convenience, or have delivered to your door. Delivery prices range from $8-$22, depending on locality and courier.

In this year’s survey, Super Liquor earns excellent 4-Star results for Overall Satisfaction, Customer Service, Layout of Website, and Range of Products on Offer. It earns 3 Stars for Value for Money and Price Compared to Other Retailers.

Liquor King

Liquor King operates stores across the country, offering a wide range of spirits, beers, ciders, wines and more. In this year’s survey, it earns 3 Stars across every category measured. It’s worth noting that Liquor King no longer has an online website, as the chain is in the process of being sold by current owner, Lion NZ.

Bottle-O

Bottle-O is an independently owned New Zealand liquor store brand. It offers a wide range of products, and its regular catalogues are full of great savings. Plus, you can earn AA Smartfuel discounts at participating Bottle-O stores.

In this year’s survey, Bottle-O earns 3 Stars in all categories measured.

For our full Online Liquor Store awards click here

About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.