Must-see nightlife in Auckland

  • The Brit

    City Centre & Britomart

    A modern reimagining of a traditional British pub, this (self-described) 'pub and eatery' enjoys a convenient location near Auckland's Ferry Building…

  • Deck at Ostro

    City Centre & Britomart

    Ostro's bar may not gaze over the harbour like the highfalutin restaurant it's attached to, but the view over the fairy-lit rear lane from its large 2nd…

  • Chamberlain

    City Centre & Britomart

    Formerly Tyler Street Garage, one of Britomart's best venues is now a good city pub and craft beer venue. Friendly bartenders pour the best of New Zealand…

  • Neighbourhood

    Kingsland & Mt Eden

    With picture windows overlooking Eden Park and a front terrace that’s pick-up central after dark, this upmarket pub is the place to be either side of…

  • Eagle

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    A cosy place for a quiet drink early in the evening, getting more raucous as the night progresses. Get in quick to put your picks on the video jukebox if…

  • Orleans

    City Centre & Britomart

    This South Pacific gumbo spin on a southern US jazz bar has wicked cocktails, and live jazz and blues from Wednesday to Saturday. Bar snacks include po…

  • Everybody's

    City Centre & Britomart

    Part of a transformation of a long-defunct cinema, Everybody's sprawls over two levels, with couches and banquettes on the mezzanine, and a plant-filled…

  • Family

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Trashy, brash and extremely young, Family gets crammed on weekends, with drag hosts and dancing into the wee hours, both at the back of the ground-level…

  • Glass Goose

    City Centre & Britomart

    Accessed from a lane off Federal St (just past Gloria Jean's), the main attraction of this bistro bar is the covered terrace – a rare outdoor drinking…

  • Staircase

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Inclusive and welcoming bar with occasional quiz nights and drag shows, and a well-frequented dance floor. Wider age range than other venues. Check…

  • Ink

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    A long-running underground club for serious dance aficionados, sometimes hosting big-name DJs. On Friday nights the soundtrack is classic house, disco and…

  • Gypsy Tea Room

    Auckland

    This little neighbourhood cocktail/wine bar has dishevelled charm in bucketloads. Rest assured, no one comes here for tea.

  • Mea Culpa

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    If you can't find a cocktail to your taste in this small but perfectly formed bar, it's nobody's fault but your own.

  • Cassette Nine

    City Centre & Britomart

    Hipsters gravitate to this eccentric bar-club for music ranging from live indie to international DJ sets.

  • Thirsty Dog

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    This pub has a good beer selection and stacks of live music, along with comedy and poetry slams.

  • Centurian

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Gay men’s sauna.