Nightlife in Auckland may not live up to the reputation of other big cities around the world. However, if you know where to look in New Zealand’s largest city, you will easily find plenty of fun things to do in Auckland at night. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly early evening, a night out on the town with friends, or a late night on the wild side, Auckland has it all.
Table of contents
- 1 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Kayaking, Bicycling and Photography Tours
- 2 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Stargazing
- 3 Auckland Tours in the Evening or After Dark
- 4 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Nightclubs and Bars
- 5 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Active Entertainment
- 6 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Culinary Delights
- 7 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Comedy
- 8 Very Late Night Activities in Auckland – Adults Only
- 9 Where to Stay in Auckland
- 10 Share the Fun!
- 11 What will you do in Auckland tonight?
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Kayaking, Bicycling and Photography Tours
- Kayak to Rangitoto Island: A uniquely New Zealand opportunity to kayak with a guide to Auckland’s youngest volcano, hike to the crater rim, and together watch the sunset while enjoying fabulous 360-degree views including Auckland’s skyline and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. This experience isn’t for everyone as you need a moderate level of fitness and an adventurous spirit. However, if it sounds like your cup of tea, it will be one of your New Zealand highlights. The six-hour tour starts late afternoon and as darkness descends becomes one of the more exciting things to do in Auckland at night.
⇒ Click here for pricing on kayak tours to Rangitoto
- Watch the Sunset (on your own or on a photography tour): Watching the sunset over the city is one of the more romantic things to do in Auckland at night. While it can be enjoyed from most beaches or volcanic peaks, one of my favourite spots to watch the sunset is Mt Victoria in Devonport. From here the Auckland skyline comes alive. Getting there is easy if you have a car. If not, you can hop on the ferry. Either way, you will need to take the short walk up the hill. Or, take a night photography tour from the Auckland that will bring you to Mt. Victoria, as well as a few “secret” spots to capture some of the best views of Auckland at night.
⇒ Click here for pricing and details on the Night Photography Tour of Auckland
- Electric bicycle tour of Auckland city lights: If bicycling the hills of Auckland seems like too much work in the dark, don’t worry, this tour takes you on a guided tour on electric bicycles to see the amazing lights of Auckland. From the purple cycling path to vantage points for sparkling views, this is one of the more active nighttime activities in Auckland.
⇒ Click here for pricing and details on the City Lights Tour of Auckland by Night
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Stargazing
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium: The live show is different every night. Rather than sitting back and looking up at a pre-recorded planetarium show, you get to look up at a replica of the current night sky. First, it is as viewed from your seat, then as it would appear without the city lights (or clouds). Before you know it, you are transformed from Auckland’s current night sky to beyond the galaxy. And once the show is over, my favourite part begins. You can head outdoors and view stars, planets, and nebulae through their courtyard telescopes. This is a family-friendly event for ages 8+.
(Read Our Full Review Next: Stardome Observatory: An Evening Under the Auckland Stars)
Auckland Tours in the Evening or After Dark
Auckland is an easy city to get around on your own. However, if you don’t like to do it alone, or want something special, check out one of these tours (there are more details on each tour below).
| TOUR | HIGHLIGHTS | DURATION |
| Rangitoto Island Guided Sunset Kayaking Tour | Paddle across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour Guided walk to Rangitoto crater 360-degree view of Auckland’s skyline Daytime tour during winter |
6 hrs |
| Auckland Sunset and Night Photography Tour | Professional photography tour by minivan See Auckland highlights at night Auckland Bridge, Museum and historic colonial homes Watch the sunset from Mount Victoria |
3 hrs |
| The City Lights: a Unique Guided Tour of Auckland by Night | See Auckland on an electric bicycle View Britomart, CBD and Wynyard Quarter highlights |
1.75 hrs |
| Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise | 3-course dinner on a yacht at the marina Cruise Auckland harbour Help sail or just relax |
2.5 hrs |
| Auckland City Ghost Tour | A thrilling look at some of Auckland’s haunted hotspots Learn about the history of the area through murders, outbreaks and other events |
2 hrs |
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Nightclubs and Bars
Like most cities with universities, much of the nightlife in Auckland revolves around bars that cater to a younger crowd and they don’t get busy until late. To get in, you will need a passport or an official New Zealand ID card.
Popular Auckland bars in the CBD include:
- Habana Joe’s: The wooden interior, pool tables, dance floor, and plenty of seating give Habana Joe’s its relaxed atmosphere. A DJ livens things up on the weekends.
- Bar 101: A bar whose mission is “to provide the best environment in Auckland for students to have fun and feel safe at prices they can afford.” Entry requires a student ID in addition to proof of age.
- The Roxy: Above the old Roxy Theatre, this multi-level dance club has a rooftop garden.
The rooftop garden bar in the early evening. By midnight, there was a large happy crowd filling the space. - Ding Dong Lounge: A punk rock bar with massive booths and DJ or live music.
- Rock Bar: The place to be if you want to sing karaoke.
- Danny Doolans: An Irish bar featuring craft beers on Viaduct Harbour.
- The Original: (Formerly Snapdragon) I love the outdoor upper deck overlooking Viaduct Harbour.
Pro Tip: Many bars charge a cover from 10 pm. If you start early, be sure to ask for a hand stamp for re-entry later.
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Active Entertainment
- SkyCity Casino: A classic casino that has all the bells and whistles of any world-class gambling establishment without the gaudy lights of Las Vegas. Open 24-hours per day for gambling, entertainment, or just catching up at one of the bars with friends. It is one of the perfect things to do in Auckland at night, on a rainy day, or anytime.
- SkyTower Viewing Platform: Take an elevator up to the top of the Sky Tower to enjoy views of Auckland from the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. The view at night is much different from the one during the day. If you time it right, you can go up at sunset and enjoy them both on one visit. Many people consider it an Auckland must do.
⇒ Purchase your Sky Tower tickets in advance
- Reverse Bungy: Adrenaline extreme junkies will find several adventure places in Auckland during the day, but at night your options are more limited. You can get shot up into the sky at Skyscreamer. It’s a reverse bungy experience that you will be talking about for years to come.
- Auckland City Ghost Tour: This two-hour walking tour of the city will get you acquainted with the dark side. Hear tales of tribal warfare, influenza outbreak, and hangings.
- Escape Rooms: If it’s a mystery you are after, check out Escape Masters. You will be locked in a room with your friends. Clues are everywhere. You need to solve the mystery to find the way out. (No need to ever panic, there is an emergency exit.)
(Read Next 13 Adrenaline Rush Activities in Auckland)
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Culinary Delights
Auckland is a city filled with interesting and unique dining options, four standouts:
- Giapo: Taking ice cream to an art form, Giapo’s handmade creations will tickle taste buds you didn’t know you had. (Of all the things to do in Auckland at night, enjoying ice cream from Giapo is the one we do most often. It is the ideal treat for anyone and the best of the family things to do in Auckland at night).
- Harbour cruise dinner: No question about it, if you come to Auckland, you should get out on the bay at least once. One of the nicest ways to spend an evening is to get out on a sailing yacht on the Waitemata Harbour while enjoying a three-course dinner. Watch the sunset from the deck, learn a bit of the history of some of your surroundings, and fully enjoy your evening.
⇒ Click here to schedule your Harbour Dinner Cruise
- Auckland Night Market. In various locations, the Auckland Night Markets are a mix of street food, crafts, supplies, and entertainment. There is a market almost every night in the summer. Often found in a parking garage, they rotate locations nightly.
- The White Lady food truck is your chance to join locals in a late night tradition while enjoying a tasty burger. Every night, and all weekend long, this food truck is out on the same corner on Commerce street. It is one of the few places open late night to eat, and there seems to always be a crowd, yet food preparation is pretty quick. It’s outdoors, and there are plastic crates to sit upon, but most people eat standing or take it to go.
(Read Next: 20 Unique Restaurants in Auckland New Zealand)
Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night: Comedy
If it is laughter you are after, the two funniest spots in the city are Classic Comedy Club or Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret:
- Classic Comedy Club presents a different show every night. While some may be family friendly, be sure to check as much of the comedy is adult themed. Also, seating is first to come, first served, so if you don’t want to risk getting heckled by the comedian, don’t sit at a table near the stage.
- Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret: The is a complete night out with dinner and a drag queen show that will keep you laughing for hours. Not suitable for children, the adult-themed humour is loaded with double entendre. The talented “ladies” are both the servers and entertainers, playing to a small crowd each night. Be sure to book in advance, as Caluzzi frequently fills up.
Us with the Caluzzi girls.
Very Late Night Activities in Auckland – Adults Only
If you are looking to take a late night walk on the wild side, head to K-Road (officially Karangahape Road). The bohemian neighbourhood stays alive well into the wee hours of the morning with bars, strip clubs, and brothels. K-Road is especially interesting on Halloween. Prostitution is legal in New Zealand.
Some of the popular late-night K-Road destinations:
- Family Bar tends to attract the gay crowd.
- Eagle Bar attracts a mixed crowd.
- Thirsty Dog is a fun place to go for live music or shows.
- Whammy Bar classifies itself as a dive bar.
- Calendar Girls offers an artistic full strip-tease.
The entrance to Calendar Girls. - The White House is around the corner on Queen Street and offers a cabaret striptease. American themed, a portrait of former US president Bill Clinton hangs just beyond the entrance.
- Men of Steel on Hobson Street has a male strip show.
If none of these appeals to you, people watching on K-Road is always one of the more interesting things to do in Auckland at night. There is generally a strong police presence. You will want to be more vigilant and stay out of Myers Park after dark. As the night progresses, the sleazier nightlife in Auckland seems to gain popularity. There are places I wish I didn’t know existed, and I will neither visit nor write about them.
Where to Stay in Auckland
If you are partying late into the night, you will probably need a place to stay. Like every big city around the world, there are plenty of options. Here is a short list of recommended Auckland accommodations:
| HOTEL | FEATURES |
| Hotel DeBrett | Fun and funky, it’s my favourite Auckland Hotel Centrally located Comfortable beds and friendly staff Traditional rooms, lofts, and suites |
| SkyCity Grand Hotel | Classic luxury that is part of the SkyCity complex Across street from Sky Tower and major casino Top-rated restaurants inside and nearby Home to East Day Spa (currently top rated spa in Oceania) |
| Hotel Grand Windsor MGallery | Boutique style affordable (for Auckland) luxury Great location on Queen Street, in the heart of the city |
| Metro Adventurer Backpackers | Top rated Auckland backpackers Centrally located |
(Read Next: 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand)
If you enjoyed this list of fun things to do in Auckland at night, please share it on social media including Pinterest:
What will you do in Auckland tonight?
Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
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Rose
February 4, 2019 at 4:55 pmI have absolutely added New Zealand to my bucket list – with Auckland way at the top there. Thanks for opening up the city’s delights to me.
Donna Merrill
September 22, 2017 at 7:21 pmHi Rhonda,
Auckland looks like a great city to visit. I ma planning a family trip for the next year, And I am getting attracted to New Zealand, although I will decide according to what my family wants.
~ Donna
Rhonda Albom
September 23, 2017 at 4:03 pmI have been in love with New Zealand from the first moment I set foot here.
Saakshi Maheshwari
September 18, 2017 at 4:52 pmSuch detailed post! Thanks a ton for this, I am planning to visit Auckland this year, bookmarking this one! Night clubs sounded so much fun!
Rhonda Albom
September 18, 2017 at 6:25 pmI used to think there was nothing to do here at night. The more I discover, the more I want to shout about it all.
Cai Dominguez
September 15, 2017 at 1:39 amI can feel the good vibes of Auckland by simply reading and checking the photos. Sometimes, to get away from stress. I love to chill and drink at night. I’m sure I would love to do it here next time 🙂
Rhonda Albom
September 16, 2017 at 10:12 pmThere are plenty of places in Auckland for that and they can be open quite late.
Karla
September 14, 2017 at 9:32 pmThe icecream— it’s calling me to get one but then again they all look so good I wouldn’t know which one to choose.
Rhonda Albom
September 16, 2017 at 10:07 pmThey will give you samples of all the flavours. They are all excellent and there are no bad choices.
Eoin Dolly
September 14, 2017 at 9:14 pmI should be visiting this beautiful country in the next year or so, definitely looking forward to using some of these tips.
Rhonda Albom
September 16, 2017 at 10:06 pmThere’s lots to do in Auckland and around the country. Don’t miss the natural beauty.
Ozzy
September 13, 2017 at 5:54 pmI would love to spend a few minutes (or hours, days, weeks) with The Stardome Observatory and gaze out into the outer space and see the cosmos. Oh what an epic moment would that be!
Getting back to reality – never knew Auckland had such a vibrant nightlife. Would love to explore the night market and of course the bars for a few pints. The ice creams at Giapos looks equally tempting. Thanks for the wonderful post! Cheers !
Victoria
September 13, 2017 at 1:45 pmOmg I love dinner and drag show places! There is a place in Florida called hamburger Mary’s and it is amazing! I went for my 18th bday (and many times after) so much fun
Rhonda Albom
September 13, 2017 at 6:10 pmMy MIL lives in Florida. Maybe I will check it out on our next visit.
Jo Castro
September 12, 2017 at 1:51 pmLoved your photographs 🙂 And what a lot to do in Auckland at night. I’ve only visited for a day, but would love to go back and see more – especially at night!
Rhonda Albom
September 13, 2017 at 5:59 pmToo many people use Auckland as a transit stop when really there are loads of things to do here.
mark wyld
September 12, 2017 at 7:59 amEvery city seems to have an iconic late night food truck. Would love to try the burgers at the white lady. As for the kids, they would definitely be interested in the stardome
Rhonda Albom
September 13, 2017 at 5:57 pmThe food truck is open all weekend, so if you have the kids you could try a burger on the weekends without staying up late.
knycx.journeying
September 12, 2017 at 2:38 amA cool theme and that nice to know Auckland is so vibrant and lively at night! The Stardome Observatory experience is just fascinating and I saw many stars
at the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory in Lake Tekapo. Thanks for the post and it’s great! @ knycx.journeying
Rhonda Albom
September 13, 2017 at 5:55 pmI haven’t been to Lake Tekapo in a while, but we did go to Carter Observatory in Wellington on our last visit.
Anna @ shenANNAgans
September 11, 2017 at 12:46 pmI’m loving this post. Often while traveling we only have limited time in each city and knowing where to go is the best thing. I can see there is wide variety of things to do, but I’ve got my eye on Giapos icecreams – stunning little morsels of happiness right there.
Rhonda Albom
September 11, 2017 at 11:44 pmYou said it. I wrote this and then had to get to Giapo for a cone.
Janine
September 11, 2017 at 5:44 amI need one of those ice cream cones! They’re amazing! Also, I like the looks of all those rooftop bar areas!
Rhonda Albom
September 11, 2017 at 11:41 pmPersonally, I will take the ice cream over the bar every time.
Katherine
September 11, 2017 at 3:35 amOh my! Those ice creams, if I am ever in Auckland I need to try some of these. What’s your favourite? The White Lady food truck would be the perfect place to soak up the alcohol with a great burger and meet friendly locals 🙂
Rhonda Albom
September 11, 2017 at 11:39 pmMy favourite is Giapo Bueno, although yesterday I tried a hokey pokey and it is equally as perfect.
Kim Marie
September 10, 2017 at 9:30 pmOh those hand made creations just made me lick the screen
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 10:04 pmLOL – what did it taste like?
Megan Jerrard
September 10, 2017 at 8:51 pmI would love to take in a live show at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium – I’m obsessed with the stars at the moment! Book me on a private tour to look through the Zeiss telescope for sure! Love the diversity of nightlife in Auckland, seems like there’s something for everyone, and I love that there are more than just your typical bar experiences.
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 10:03 pmWe almost went to the Stardome last night, but the weather was so awful we didn’t want to drive to Auckland city. It is pretty cool, especially if you get some good weather.
Laura Lynch
September 10, 2017 at 8:48 pmThere are definitely plenty of options on this list to keep you busy for a week or so vacation in Auckland. I don’t really like the clubbing scene anymore, but the night market sounds like a lot of fun. And of course the ice cream is a must.
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 10:02 pmI am not into the club scene either, but I did check them all out before writing this. However, the Escape Masters are a blast, and the ice cream is the best that there is.
Tami
September 10, 2017 at 9:24 amI like to spend my evenings unwinding after a long day of exploring and sightseeing. But Giatos’ ice cream looks and sounds amazing. I’d be totally up for a visit there!
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 10:05 pmI went there today for an ice cream. It is still the best there is.
Long Nguyen
September 10, 2017 at 3:53 amAfter reading about the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium and the Ice cream, I found all other stuff are no longer interested and fun. I definately will take my son there to see the stars, planets by the telescopes. Ice cream is a matter of course later.
Am I a so much family person ?
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 9:25 amHow old are your children? The live show is recommended for ages 8 and up, but there are other shows that they have that are aimed for kids.
Carol Colborn
September 10, 2017 at 3:47 amWe were just in Auckland a month ago but we didn’t go out at night because it was too cold!
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 9:23 amA month ago was the heart of winter. I just add a few layers and I am fine.
Travelling Dany
September 10, 2017 at 1:36 amWe’d both love to see a live show at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium! And your food pictures made me hungry, I’ve never seen the kind of gelato they make at Giapo, almost too beautiful to eat it!
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 9:22 amThe Planetarium show is so different than others I have seen, and getting out to see the telescopes at the end is such a treat. As for Giapo, it tastes even better than it looks.
Sreekar
September 9, 2017 at 11:31 pmThanks Rhonda. Could not get more comprehensive. Will surely need this when we get there in Nov. Bookmarking this now:)
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 12:37 amWonderful. I hope you give a few of thes a try.
Ana Ro
September 9, 2017 at 9:55 pmThat ice-cream looks just gorgeous! I think I could easily spend the whole night eating it 🙂 Just my kind of entertainment.
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 12:37 amYou can only savour it for so long before it starts to melt.
California Globetrotter
September 9, 2017 at 8:50 pmOMG those Giapo ice creams look to die for! Literally! I’d be all over those!
Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2017 at 12:35 amLOL – I am heading there tomorrow for another treat.
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:10 amMost of it is.
Anda
September 8, 2017 at 5:54 pmAukland looks like a very lively city, with lots of entertainment. The Caluzzi girls look kind of scary though… at least the one resting her arms on your shoulder (lol!) We have a very interesting Observatory and Planetarium here in Los Angeles too. Did you visit it when you were here last time?
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:21 amThe Caluzzi girls were are hilarious. We know about your planetarium, but still, haven’t managed to get there.
Eric || The Bucket List Project
September 8, 2017 at 10:54 amThis looks like the perfect nightlife itinerary for a trip to Auckland! However, I think Giapo’s Handmade Creations had me at your picture. I may just park myself there and never leave. The chocolate lover in me is already obsessed and drooling.
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:18 amLOL, it’s not too far from the burgers, should you need a protein break.
Sharon
September 8, 2017 at 4:39 amThe artistic ice cream sold me! I didn’t think of Auckland as this colorful and lively. Yes, I would like to go!
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:17 amLOL – I didn’t think of Auckland as being that exciting either, but it s.
Kelleyn Rothaermel
September 7, 2017 at 8:14 amThose ice creams look amazing!
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:16 amI can tell you first hand, it is.
Marie Moody aka "XmasDolly"!
September 7, 2017 at 7:24 amWell, I guess I’m with Bill, but I’m dying to make one of those cones. As far as the drag queens too funny , but I’m seen them on TV and that’s fine there, but I don’t think in person.
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:16 amGiapo is fantastic, and Caluzzi is hilarious.
Bill
September 6, 2017 at 6:41 pmAt my age most of that is too busy for me, I’ll settle for a hamburger & ice cream because I don’t gamble of drink either. certainly a lotto do but those drag queens are scary
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:14 amIce cream and burgers are great choices. And as for the drag queens, they are too funny to be scary.
Mags
September 6, 2017 at 4:21 pmI’ve only been to Auckland once, and it was a school trip when I was 17. Looks like I missed out on a lot of nightlife!
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:12 amAt 17, there isn’t a whole lot you can do at night.
stevebethere
September 6, 2017 at 9:12 amWhat fun photos love the tour and I like that you different types of bars/clubs too, I used to work in a pub with drag shows years ago was such fun.
Have a pubcrawltastic day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:09 amThe drag show at Caluzi is hilarious.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
September 6, 2017 at 5:29 amThe first few items I would definitely try!
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:08 amI have tried just about all of them, the top ones are more up my alley too.
Patrick Weseman
September 6, 2017 at 2:59 amYes there is. It looks like a really happening and fun place to be at night.
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:06 amIt is, Auckland has far more to do than I had realized.
Sandee
September 6, 2017 at 2:39 amI got stuck with the ice cream. That’s where I want to go.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:04 amAnd if you come to New Zealand, that is where we will go first.
Carol
September 6, 2017 at 12:34 amThe ice cream cones are works of art – almost too beautiful to eat – almost. Thanks for the tour!
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:03 amTrue, but they melt if you don’t eat them.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
September 5, 2017 at 9:03 pmHi Rhonda – I have to say … I’d probably go fairly often to find one of those ice-creams they look delicious. Wonderful to see the range of night life available … lots of ideas to keep one busy – the hamburger bus looks fun … while the Caluzzi girls I’m sure provide loads of laughs … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:03 amThe ice creams are even better than they look.
Lady Fi
September 5, 2017 at 7:26 pmGreat tips and shots.
Rhonda Albom
September 9, 2017 at 12:01 amThanks Fi.