Auckland Nightlife

Those who’ve experienced the nightlife in Auckland will know that the city cultivates a sprawling network of clubs and bars: in fact, it’s not at all unusual to find partygoers travelling between multiple zones as they visit their favourite haunts after dark. Keen to see more of the city at the same time as you enjoy live beats and dancing? Then leave your Auckland rental car behind and head off on a night out ASAP – and perhaps put a few of the following places on your itinerary.

In the CBD, the Ding Dong Lounge on Wyndham Street is as fun as it sounds for a drink (or five), Orleans in Britomart has an unbeatable roster of live music acts, and Habana Joe’s on Darby Street is an ever-cosy spot to have a drink with a group of friends. And we can’t possibly stay mum about the bar on every craft-beer lover’s lips at the moment, the Brewer’s Co-Operative on Victoria Street – go there for a pint, and you’ll understand the hype.

With its proximity to the water, the Viaduct is a great spot at night and has the bars to boot. Danny Doolans guarantees its goers a good time, its Irish vibe and nightly parties (as well as its tap beers) are sure to get you singing and dancing. Also in or near the Viaduct, Bungalow 8 on Market Place does great cocktails, and Soul Bar & Bistro has an extensive drinks menu with some of the region’s best wines and craft beers.

Image: Auckland City, Auckland – Matt Crawford (newzealand.com)

Club-wise, Jet Reload, Ink Bar, and Spy Bar are all names to make a note of, comprising some of the most-visited clubs in Auckland. The newcomer to the bunch is Impala, a club which prides itself on its cutting-edge DJ equipment and VIP-booths – definitely worth a visit if you want to feel like a celeb for a night!

Another great spot to spend an evening in Auckland is Karangahape Road, better known locally as just K Road. This infamous street in Auckland is thronged with bars and late night cafes and is home to the most famous Auckland gay bar named Family. Other great spots include Caluzzi, a cabaret club famed for its drag queen performances, and Verona, which serves cocktails till late.  

Moving away from the CBD, Ponsonby hides a handful of cosy bars well worth a look in. Start with Chapel Bar & Bistro for a great selection of drinks and upmarket pub grub, before perhaps moving on to Bedford Soda & Liquor or Grand Central for some more cocktails. Don’t forget about suburbs like Kingsland and Mount Eden or Takapuna, either, each of which cultivates its own unique bar and nightlife.

Note: Omega Rental Cars strongly discourages driving under the influence of excess alcohol. Drink driving is a crime in New Zealand punishable on first offences by up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $4,500.00, and mandatory disqualification for at least 6 months. A large number of taxi companies operate in Auckland, and an Uber is never far away, so leave your Auckland hire car behind and drink responsibly.