30 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night

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, an exciting adventure, an Auckland night out on the town with friends, or a late night on the wild side, this list of night activities in Auckland has it all.

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Active things to do in Auckland at night – outdoors

If you are wondering what to do in Auckland at night to get the adrenaline pumping, you are in the right place. If you are into hiking, head up Mt Eden or One Tree Hill for sunset. Or, try one of these outdoor options:

• Kayak to Rangitoto Island: A uniquely New Zealand opportunity. After a safety briefing, kayak with a guide to Auckland’s youngest volcano. Then, hike to the crater rim and watch the sunset while enjoying impressive 360-degree views of 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. The six-hour tour that starts late afternoon as darkness descends is one of the more exciting things to do in Auckland at night. Check price and reviews.

• Electric bicycle tour of Auckland city lights: If bicycling the hills of Auckland seems like too much work, don’t worry, this guided tour is on electric bicycles. From the purple cycling path to vantage points for sparkling views, this is one of the eco-friendly night activities in Auckland. Check price and reviews.
• Night Segway Tour: Enjoy the lights of the city on a small-group Segway tour of iconic sights including the Harbour Bridge, Wynyard Quarter, Westhaven marina, and more. This 3-hour adventure is family-friendly. Check price and see if the night you want is available with a discount.

• Reverse Bungy: Extreme adrenaline 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.

Active things to do in Auckland at night – indoors

For those who want a mental challenge as well as a physical one, Auckland’s escape rooms, sensory maze, and virtual reality all stay open until at least 10 pm.

• Escape Rooms: If it’s a mystery you are after, check out Escapade NZ. You will be locked in a room with your friends. Clues are everywhere. You need to solve the mystery to find the way out. Last time we just rocked up and they were full. Booking ahead often saves up 50% and guarantees your spot.
• Sensory Maze: Use all your senses as you pass through this unique Odyssey Sensory Maze whilst wearing a pair of crazy goggles. Filled with illusions, lighting and sound effects, scents, and strange sensations, it’s a unique experience. Check price and discounted times.
• Multiplayer Virtual Reality: A chance to completely immerse yourself in virtual reality with friends or family. Check price and discounted times.

Things to do at night in Auckland – casino

• 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 things to do in Auckland at night or anytime.

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, many that cater to a younger crowd and 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

• Danny Doolans An Irish bar featuring craft beers on Viaduct Harbour.
• HeadQuarters or simply HQ, with an ideal location on the Viaduct, this is the place to go for dinner, drinks, or often for live music.
• Soul Bar ‘because every city needs a soul‘. Also on the Viaduct, this is a place to be seen, to relax and enjoy the sunset, or to discover new music, a mix of life and DJ.
• Glass Goose is a rooftop bar up a hidden staircase at the end of Federal Street near the Sky Tower. Contemporary yet casual, this is one bar you don’t want to miss.
• Habana Joe’s wooden interior, pool tables, dance floor, and plenty of seating give it a relaxed atmosphere. A DJ livens things up on the weekends.
• The Roxy is above the old Roxy Theatre. This multi-level dance club has a rooftop garden.
• Rock Bar is the place to be if you want to sing karaoke.

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.

Tasty things to do in Auckland at night – culinary delights

Auckland is filled with unique dining options. Four standouts are the handmade ice cream creations at Giapo, sunset from a harbour dinner cruise, Auckland night markets, or a hamburger food truck that’s a city icon. If you don’t see what you want here, check out these 20 Unique Auckland Restaurants.

• Giapo takes 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 the most often.

• Harbour dinner cruise allows you to get out on the bay, which is something you should definitely do at least once if you come to Auckland. 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 from a top restaurant; in this case, Degree. Watch the sunset from the deck, learn a bit of the history of your surroundings, and enjoy your evening. Bookings are essential and often discounted here.

• 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 very 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.

Fun things to do in Auckland at night – comedy

If it is laughter that 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 come, first served. If you want to risk getting heckled by the comedian, be there early to grab a table near the stage.

• Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret 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. Be sure to book in advance, as Caluzzi frequently fills up. Read our full review here.

Fun things to do in Auckland at night – sunset or stargazing

Whether you climb to the top of a volcano, go out into a park, or use a telescope, you’ll want to catch a glimpse of the southern cross after you watch a colourful Auckland sunset.

• Sunset and night photography tour: Watch and photograph the sunset from Mt Victoria in Devonport, before heading back over the bridge to explore the city lights with your guide, an expert photographer who knows all of the best photo spots. Check price and reviews.   

• Sky Tower 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. Check price and reviews.

• Stardome Observatory and Planetarium: The live show is different every night and features a reproduction of the current night sky. First, as seen with the naked eye, then as if the city lights (or clouds) disappeared. Travel virtually beyond Auckland’s sky into the galaxy. After the show, head outdoors and view stars, planets, and nebulae through the courtyard telescopes. This is a family-friendly event for ages 8+. Read our review of Stardome Observatory.

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. 

Some of the popular late-night K-Road destinations:

• Family Bar: A popular LGBTQI+ bar.
• 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 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 appeal 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. 

Personally, we prefer 4-star or higher with a bit of luxury and are usually willing to pay a bit more for it. However, we included a top-rated backpackers in the list for those who are looking for budget accommodations. Here is a shortlist of our recommended Auckland accommodations:

• Hotel DeBrett: This fun and funky option is my favourite Auckland Hotel. Centrally located with comfortable beds and friendly staff, it’s my top pick.
• SkyCity Grand Hotel: Classic luxury that is part of the SkyCity complex in a great location across the street from Sky Tower and the major casino. It sits alongside several top-rated restaurants, and located in the hotel is the East Day Spa, the top-rated spa in Oceania.
• Hotel Grand Windsor MGallery: Boutique style luxury and affordable (for Auckland) with a great location on Queen Street right in the heart of the city.
• Metro Adventurer Backpackers Top-rated Auckland backpackers that is centrally located and perfect for budget travellers.
• Or, save money and live like a local with an Airbnb.

(Read Next: 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand)

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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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