Nightlife in New Zealand

New Zealand has many nightlife spots where you can dance, dine, listen to live music, or enjoy the city lights. In Auckland, you can start your evening at Sapphire Nightclub, known for its craft beers, cocktails, and hip-hop music in a lively downtown setting. For something more relaxed, Pineapple on Parnell offers a hidden bar experience with velvet seats, candlelight, and live jazz a favourite stop for travellers exploring the city through New Zealand tour packages. You can also head to the modern tavern of The Broken Lantern to try craft beer, cocktails, and delicious food like baked brie.

If you love live music and an intimate setting, visit The Darkroom in Christchurch, a popular venue for local bands, comedy, and theatre. For those who want to experience Auckland from above, Sky Tower at SkyCity lets you dine, sip cocktails, or even try an adventure like SkyWalk or SkyJump with sweeping city views a great highlight among the many things to do in New Zealand. Party lovers can dance all night at Impala or KONG, both known for their DJs, neon lights, and energetic crowds. For something creative and casual, visit Cassette Nine to enjoy DJ nights, comedy, and drag shows.

If you prefer outdoor fun, explore the Auckland Night Markets for global street food or cruise the harbour with Cruise New Zealand Luxury Charters. So, plan your evenings well and experience these top 10 New Zealand nightlife spots to see how this island country comes alive after dark.

Best Night Clubs in New Zealand

Here’s a quick list of New Zealand’s most popular nightclubs

1. Sapphire Nightclub

Sapphire Nightclub is one of the best nightlife places in New Zealand, which is located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. It features a freehouse bar that offers a rotating selection of craft beers from top local breweries. You can enjoy signature cocktails like the Sapphire Fizz or espresso martini, along with fine wines and whiskeys. 

The spacious dance floor keeps the crowd moving to the latest hip-hop tracks, while neon lighting adds to the energetic setting. With friendly staff, quality drinks, and energetic crowds, Sapphire Nightclub is the perfect spot to experience New Zealand’s best nightlife in full swing.

2. Darkroom

The Darkroom, located on St Asaph Street in Christchurch, lets you enjoy New Zealand’s best nightlife. Opened after the 2011 earthquake, it has become a key venue for live music, theatre, and comedy, supporting emerging and independent artists. This bar serves an extensive range of spirits, over 40 locally brewed bottled craft beers, and premium whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, and Japan.

You can enjoy beers on tap such as Three Boys Best Bitter and Yeastie Boys Hud-a-wa’ Strong with snacks like toasties, cornchips, and pizzas complementing them. The Darkroom's interior is dimly lit with candles and lamps, furnished with old couches and wooden benches, which create an intimate setting.

3. Pineapple on Parnell

Pineapple on Parnell is a unique spot that is tucked away behind an unmarked door at 207 Parnell Road in Auckland. This hidden cocktail bar is known for its elegant setting, featuring dark green walls, gold mirrors, velvet seats, and candlelight. 

You can enjoy live jazz music while sipping finely crafted cocktails, premium wines, and top-shelf spirits, which skilled bartenders prepare. The intimate space and refined service create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Perfect for a date night or a quiet evening with friends, Pineapple on Parnell captures the sophisticated side of New Zealand nightlife at its best.

4. The Broken Lantern

The Broken Lantern is one of the top spots in New Zealand nightlife, which offers a modern tavern setting combining exceptional food, craft beer, and cocktails. As a Beer enthusiast, you can try a wide range of local brews like Hallertau Brewery’s Low Carb Lager, Pilsner, Pale Ale, and Maximus IPA. Sip on signature cocktails like the No Problema, made with Espolon Blanco Tequila, along with the Tropical Margarita, made with blended tequila and Caribbean spice.

You can try comforting dishes like cheeseburger spring rolls, pork belly bites and the ploughman’s platter filled with cheese, cured meats, and pickles. Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like charred cauliflower with almond crema, asparagus cacio e pepe, and baked brie with caramelised onions.

5. Sky Tower at SkyCity

Standing tall at 328 metres, the Sky Tower at SkyCity is an iconic landmark and one of the best places to visit in new zealand for anyone exploring New Zealand nightlife. From its three observation decks, you can enjoy 360° wide views of Tāmaki Makaurau, spotting volcanic cones, harbours, and key landmarks up to 80 kilometres away. For dining, the Orbit 360° revolving restaurant offers elegant meals with ever-changing views.

The Lookout Café and SkyBar provide the perfect setting for coffee, cocktails, or champagne in the clouds. Adventure seekers can take the SkyWalk along the outer ring 192 metres above ground or try the SkyJump for an adrenaline rush. The Sky Tower Gift Shop features All Blacks merchandise and local souvenirs, while seasonal family activities keep the venue lively year-round. 

6. Cruise New Zealand Luxury Charters

When it comes to New Zealand nightlife and luxury experiences, Cruise New Zealand Luxury Charters offers something truly special aboard the superyacht Rua Moana. This stunning yacht lets you explore Auckland’s beautiful waters in style, be it for a private party, wedding, or relaxing evening cruise.

You can enjoy fine wines, fresh seafood, and personalized service while cruising across the glowing skyline of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. With onboard music, elegant lounges, and water activities like swimming or beach sports, every moment feels exclusive and relaxing.

7. Impala

Impala is one of the best New Zealand nightlife spots, which is located on Shortland Street in the city centre. Set inside the old Southern Insurance Building, this nightclub combines a classic setting with a lively party scene. It has a raised DJ booth between two lounge areas, powerful music, and bright lights that fill the space.

Every night offers something new, with popular DJs and live acts keeping the crowd entertained. You can book VIP booths for a private experience or enjoy cocktails, craft beers, and wines at the bar. Open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. all week, Impala is a great place to dance, meet people, and click fun pictures near the neon backdrop.

8. KONG

One of the best New Zealand nightlife venues has to be KONG, which is located in the Britomart area of the city centre. This nightclub has a modern black interior with bright neon lights and a huge dance floor that fills up every weekend. The powerful sound system and DJ booth keep the energy high all night.

You can enjoy hip-hop, R&B, and dance music played by top DJs and guest performers. Hit the bar that serves a range of cocktails, wines, and spirits, which is perfect for any mood. VIP booths and bottle-service tables are available for groups who want a private space. Open mainly on Fridays and Saturdays, KONG is a great place to dance, enjoy good music, and experience Auckland’s exciting nightlife scene.

9. Cassette Nine

Cassette Nine is one of the best New Zealand nightlife spots, which is located right in the city centre. This lively bar and nightclub is known for its fun atmosphere, creative events, and welcoming crowd. It hosts everything from DJ nights and live bands to comedy, drag shows, and art performances, making every visit exciting and different.

You can sip on craft beers, wines, and unique cocktails, especially their famous teapots that are a local favourite. The décor is quirky, the staff are friendly, and the music keeps everyone dancing till late. Open from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., Cassette Nine is a great place to meet new people, enjoy great music, and experience the best of Auckland’s nightlife.

10. Auckland Night Markets

Auckland Night Markets offer you New Zealand's best nightlife​ by bringing together food, fun, and culture in one lively space at Aotea Square. Open every day from midday till late, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a casual evening with friends, family, or colleagues.

You can taste cuisines from around the world, from Spanish churros at Toro Churro and French crepes at Frenchy’s, to Japanese favourites from Colotako and fresh dumplings from Dumpling Lover. Try Chinese Delicious Takeaway, handmade Dim Sum, or Hungarian Elephant Ear fried bread, and end your night with refreshing Bubble Tea.