The City of Auckland has earned its reputation as one of the best places to live in. It is most notable for its wonderful day hikes, gorgeous beaches, and other natural wonders. But when the sun sets, it doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. The city is equally fun at night as it is during the day. In fact, as the night sky begins to light up, so does the city. To say the least, it boasts of a bustling nightlife scene and there are plenty of things to do in Auckland at night.
Don’t believe me? I thought I’d share some of the best things that you can do in Auckland at night so you can see for yourself.
Explore the Auckland Night Market
Whether you’re new to Auckland or not, there’s one thing that you’ll be quick to find out: New Zealanders love their food! And there is no better proof of it than when you visit the Auckland Night Market. This venue is teeming with a vast display of various food options. The night market is filled with dozens of food stalls to choose from with each one offering various cuisines. In a sense, it is also a cultural experience as you get to sample food from all over the world.
Make sure you come to the Night Market hungry because you won’t be able to resist the aroma of the freshly cooked food wafting in the air. To keep the atmosphere lively, there is also live musical performances so you can enjoy them while you are munching on your food.
Marvel at the Auckland Stardome
If you thought Auckland is beautiful, wait until you see its night sky views. There is no better place to do that than at the Auckland Stardome. The Stardome Observatory is located at One Tree Hill. It is the favourite place to go for avid stargazers.
The planetarium has seasonal shows and exhibitions, which provide both education and entertainment for its guests. This is an especially wonderful place to bring your kids, if you are out of ideas on where to take them for a night adventure.
Explore Auckland’s Best Cocktail Bars
If bar hopping sounds like your kind of activity, then you won’t be disappointed with Auckland’s selection. There are plenty of cocktail bars worth adding to your go-to list. Here is a reason to sacrifice some of that sleep because you’ll want to stay up all night long with the delicious serving of Auckland’s best cocktail bars.
Talulah is your best bet if you’re looking for a tropical punch. Then there’s Coley & Punch if you are looking to sample the best cocktails made with whiskey sourced from all over the world. And if you want a cocktail bar that is worth going to for its view, there’s De Brett’s Housebar. Located in Auckland CBD, this cocktail bar boasts of a lavish art deco aesthetic that is complemented by an equally lavish cocktail menu.
Ponsonby Road is probably the best place to continue your cocktail journey after the CBD. Essentially still in the city but located just to the west. A hip strip with a lot of bars, cafes and other cool little spots.
For a look at the Best Clubs in Auckland, click HERE
Visit the Skytower
No trip to Auckland would be complete if you did not scale up the famed Skytower. If you’ve visited the tower during the day to enjoy the magnificent views, wait until you see the view at night. It is the perfect lookout point because you can get a 360-degree view of the city of Auckland.
If you want to take the experience to the next level, you can book a meal at Orbit – a restaurant that is located at the top of the tower. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance due to the popularity of this fine dining spot.
Laugh Your Heart Out at The Classic
Do you love visiting comedy bars? You’re in luck because Auckland has a great one – Classic Comedy Bar. This is one of the spots in Auckland for a night of laughter. Escape life’s worries for a little bit and enjoy a good laugh with some of Auckland’s up-and-coming comedians. There are also open mic nights for those who want to share their comedic talents. If your idea of a great night involves laughing and lots of drinks, then you won’t be disappointed. Throughout the week the shows are cheaper due to less experienced acts, while on the weekends bigger names take the stage.
Take a look at who’s performing and ticket prices on the website www.comedy.co.nz
Hit the Night Clubs
Auckland knows how to have fun, and you can tell by looking at its night club scene. Clubbing is one of the favourite activities among locals. Whether you are looking to ‘tear up’ the dance floor with your own moves or you want to just be seen, there are plenty of great clubs to check out in Auckland.
Impala, Family Bar (a famous Gay Bar), and Roxy are just a few of the names that are often recommended for those looking for the best night clubs in Auckland. Hang out in Ponsonby Central or on Karangahape Road to see where the night takes you.
Check Out a Boutique Cinema
If you prefer something that is a bit more laid back, then you can switch your dancing shoes for popcorns for a classic movie experience. Ditch the traditional movie house and check out one of Auckland’s boutique cinemas. There’s Silky Otter and Monterey Cinemas for those wanting a more intimate atmosphere to watch a movie in. You can check out Capitol Cinema if you want a mix of current releases and old films, Academy Cinemas for a more indie / festival selection, and if you’re in need of a European vibe, walk around lovely Devonport and be sure to pop into The Vic Theatre.
Night Canyoning at Piha
If you are an adventure seeker, going on a guided tour of night canyoning at Piha is an experience that will change your life. Starting at dusk, you get to watch the sunset at Piha before abseiling under a waterfall. You will get to witness caves filled with glow worms and hidden pools. A traditional night canyoning tour will take approximately 5 hours and there are experienced guides to ensure your safety.
Enjoy the City Lights
As mentioned earlier, the city lights of Auckland is already breathtaking on its own. There is no need to spend extra money to enjoy the city’s night skyline. You can enjoy sightseeing in the city even during the night. There are several great spots you can check out if you want to marvel at the city lights or to capture epic nighttime photography.
These spots include Northcote Point City and Bridge and the Westhaven Marina, to name a few.
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
There is no better way to spend the night than going on a cruise at the Auckland Harbour. It’s a must for a city known as the City of Sails. You will get to spend time in the water, enjoying the picturesque view of the harbour while being treated to a delicious meal. Soak up the sights and have a relaxing evening. The cruise also includes commentary about the harbour so you can learn more about its culture and history.
Whether you’re a night owl or not, you will have plenty of reasons to go out at night and stay out late with these amazing options that Auckland offers. If you have more ideas on the best things to do in Auckland at night, feel free to share them. I would love to hear about and check them out!