Where to Party in Auckland
One of life’s biggest questions is: where should I go to party in Auckland? And we are here to serve! There’s a whole host of nightclubs in Auckland, from the sophisticated cocktail bars to the shameless early-morning dancing clubs. We list a variety of places on the listicle below!
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, so we’ve made sure our list extends to the nightclubs available outside of the city centre and into the surrounding suburbs – basically, where ever the party is at. After all, there’s more to Auckland than Queen Street.
So head to the places listed below if you are looking to bust some serious moves. Otherwise, take a look at the extent of the Auckland party scene in our Guide to Auckland Nightlife. Plus, find a place to stay at the end of the night in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.
1. Danny Doolans
The Irish Bar on the Viaduct Harbour is always a guarantee at the end of the night for some drunken dancing to whatever live band is playing. Look out for the occasional comedy quiz nights too.
Location: Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central
2. Habana Joes
A backpacker bar means backpacker drink prices. Habana Joes should be on every backpacker’s itinerary on a night out in Auckland, whether it’s for cheap drinks at the beginning of the night or for drunken dancing at the end. It’s also a good place to grab some cheap eats too.
Location: Darby Street, Auckland Central
3. Lenin
The vodka bar on Princes Wharf has a distinct Russian theme, as well as plenty of seating for the civilised and a dance floor for the not-so-civilised!
Location: Quay Street, Viaduct Basin
4. Orleans
Need a bit of sophistication for your night out or a bit of diversity? Try Orleans for yummy cocktails mixed with live blues, soul, funk, jazz and regular DJs.
Location: 48 Customs St E, Britomart
5. The Kingslander
There’s always something going on at the Kingslander, whether it’s a sports game viewing, Latin nights, epic burgers, quiz nights and more!
Location: 470 New N Road, Kingsland
6. Ponsonby Social Club
In a suburb so hipster that one of its bars is called “Ponsonby Social Club”, Ponsonby Social Club is a must when having a night out in this cool little suburb of Auckland. Live music and DJs are here regularly so round up the gang and get yourself to Ponsonby!
Location: 152 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
7. Snapdragon
Snapdragon brings the glitz and glam to the Viaduct Harbour with its ideal setting overlooking the harbour and the people stumbling about in the streets below. By day, it’s a nice place to get a cocktail, by night, things liven up for some dancefloor action.
Location: Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour
8. Studio the Venue
Get your tickets to some international and local live shows at Studio The Venue on K Road. With a venue full of raging fans, you know you’re in for a good time and pumping atmosphere.
Location: 340 Karangahape Road, Newton
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Laura S.
This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.