Auckland Nightlife
A cultural melting pot, Auckland has a particularly lively and diverse entertainment scene, although prices are not cheap compared to other capital cities worldwide. Many of the smarter Auckland nightlife venues are on the waterfront, in particular around Viaduct Harbour; new harbourside developments at Wynyard Quarter and Queens Wharf are also hotspots. If you like your nightlife loud and with no-frills, Queen Street and Karangahape Road (K Road) are the places to go, though it can get rough late at night.
Tickets can be booked through Ticketek (tel: 0800 842 538; http://premier.ticketek.co.nz), or Under The Radar (http://www.undertheradar.co.nz).
To find out what’s on, read the Thursday TimeOut section of the New Zealand Herald, the free monthly listings magazine Live, or the regional edition of the free monthly newspaper Tourist Times.
Bars in Auckland
Bluestone Room
This character-filled pub is housed in Auckland's oldest commercial building, guaranteeing that you'll sip your pint in impressive historical surroundings. Choose from a wide range of craft ales, supplemented by a decent food menu, including a giant steak, egg and chips, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels.
Address: , 9 Durham Lane, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 302 0930.
Website: http://www.thebluestoneroom.co.nz
Brothers Beer
With a 4,800-litre capacity brewery on site and fridges and shelves packed with the best craft beers from New Zealand and around the world, Brothers is Auckland's home for lovers of good beer. This venue also hosts regular events - live music, tap takeovers and special releases.
Address: , Shed 3D, 90 Wellesley St W, Auckland, 1010Telephone: +64 9 366 6100
Website: http://cityworksdepot.co.nz/
The Horse & Trap
Something of a local institution in residential Mount Eden, this friendly pub stocks great Monteith's craft beers, as well as good honest grub, including beer-battered fish and chips.
Address: Mount Eden, Enfield St, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 630 3055.
Website: http://www.horseandtrap.co.nz
Clubs in Auckland
Classic Comedy & Bar
Sample some kiwi humour in this slick comedy venue, the only professional club of its kind in the country and featuring some of its sharpest wits. Set in bustling Queen Street in the city centre, the Classic also dishes up light snacks at its bar. On Wednesdays, 10 or more comics take to the stage; if you think you're funnier, try the open mic night on Raw Mondays when you could have a chance to prove it.
Address: , 321 Queen Street, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 373 4321
Website: http://www.comedy.co.nz/#_=_
Goldfinch
This plush cocktail lounge and club, a slick addition to Auckland’s late-night scene, is located in the trendy Viaduct district. Enjoy funky music from the low-slung couches or grab a table out front and sip a long, cool cocktail.
Address: , 204 Quay Street, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 357 6147.
Platform
This buzzing new dance club is downstairs at the popular student Bar 101, on nightlife hub Darby Street. Come for pumped-up bass dj sounds, with regular fancy-dress parties and live bands.
Address: , Darby Street, Auckland,Telephone:
Website: http://www.facebook.com/platformthevenue
Live music in Auckland
Grand Central
One of Auckland's longest-standing music venues, Grand Central is still going strong with a daily line-up of DJs and bands playing a wide mix of classic rock, soul and retro funk. Or just relax in the bar or on the chilled outdoor deck.
Address: Ponsonby, 126 Ponsonby Road, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 360 1260.
Website: http://www.grandcentral.net.nz
Powerstation
One of New Zealand's top iconic live music venues for 30+ years, Powerstation has hosted top artists in the music business such as Marilyn Manson, Snoop Dogg and Rudimental. The venue is General Admission - meaning mostly standing audience and has very limited seating.
Address: Eden Terrace, 33 Mt Eden Road, Auckland,Telephone:
Website: https://www.powerstation.net.nz/
Silo Park
Spread around the feet of disused silo towers in Wynyard Quarter, this eclectic entertainment hub offers live concerts every Saturday night, as well as open-air films screened on the wall of one of the huge monolithic blocks. Bring a picnic to eat on the grass, or graze at the stalls at the weekend Silo Market.
Address: Wynyard Quarter, Corner of Jellicoe and Beaumont Streets, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 336 8820.
Website: http://www.silopark.co.nz
Sky City Theatre
A plethora of modern rock, dance, drama and cabaret performances take place at the Sky City Theatre, part of the glitzy Vegas-style Sky City entertainment complex. This also incorporates a casino, hotels, restaurants and the iconic Sky Tower.
Address: , 78 Victoria Street, Auckland,Telephone: +64 9 363 6000.
Website: http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz
