Now and again, all we really want is a little boogie.
You're out on the town on a Saturday night. The city lights are glittering, the chats are flowing and all you want is to keep the good vibes going.
But where?
Never fear, dear boogie-er-to-be. We've got the run down on the city center's best late-night bars that will crank up the tunes and keep the party going til your feet hurt. Bars hosting theme nights, dance-floor-worthy DJ sessions and live music worth staying up late for. Ditch the same old, same old weekends and get out there and paint the town red with some of the late-night bars and clubs around the city that are pulling out all of the stops.
Small Venues, Big Tunes
The Tuning Fork
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Located in one wing of Spark Arena, The Tuning Fork has the best sound and lighting production for its size in the country, and a welcoming team ready to present the best gigs in the Southern Hemisphere. You can catch international and local acts and get a chance to engage in banter on and off stage. The wall of fame inside the bar has posters for all the performers who have played the relatively new venue.
And while their live music offering is well known, their late-night DJ sets that go well after midnight are another gem that they offer. Hosting themed nights around some of your favourite artists like Taylor Swift to Chappell Roan, be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates on what artist they're spotlighting for your next night out on the dancefloor.
Ding Dong Lounge
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
The Ding Dong Lounge is a city centre staple of the night life scene. Open til 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, down their stairwell, you can find booths hosting Rock DJs late into the night and for an earlier offering, head on upstairs to Dead Witch, their live music stage Wednesdays through to Saturdays. Hosting album releases, festivals and listening parties, the Ding Dong Lounge is your go-to for Auckland city centre's alternative music scene.
Kemuri Hi-Fi
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Kemuri Hi-Fi is a sultry underground bar inspired by Japanese jazz cafes, where whisky, vinyl, and high-end audio systems take centre stage. Open until after 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, head on down to see guest DJs (a regular feature on their weekend schedule) and be sure to check out their ticketed events too! This new, under the radar spot showcases a unique and extensive personal collection of vinyl and whisky and is the perfect spot for late-night vibes.
Don't Miss These Dancefloors
The Mothership
Fridays & Saturdays
Thrillseekers, this one's for you. The Mothership is one of the city centre's most popular live and dance music spaces. Boasting the heaviest club system in Auckland, The Mothership is known for its intimate atmosphere, top-quality sound system, and diverse lineup of local and international acts. Spinning everything from trance powerhouse beats to high-energy grooves and everything in-between.
They regularly host raves, 90s & early 00s parties, celebrate debut EPs and so much more, so keep an eye on their socials for your next big night out!
Face Club
Fridays & Saturdays
International DJs. Epic sound and lighting. Theme nights from Casino Royale to Electric Forest Paint Parties. Faces Night Club is all about bringing the party to life.
Located in the heart of Chancery Square, Face Night Club brings an unmatched clubbing experience to the city centre. If you feel like a splurge, their VIP entry includes drink offers, an exclusive dance floor and even beer pong championships! Whether you're vying for their best-dressed prize or just want a guaranteed jam-packed dancefloor, this is the place to be.
Sapphire Nightclub
Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
A true stalwart of the Auckland club scene, Sapphire nightclub is known for their more-ish cocktail list and ability to get the party started! Bust out some moves on the dance floor, grab a delicious cocktail, or party in the exclusive area... however you spend your time at Sapphire you'll be in for a great night spent out in the heart of the city, with DJs spinning hip-hop, Afro, pop and RnB tunes from dusk til dawn, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Il Brutto
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
The heartbeat of Auckland City centre's DJ scene, this fresh, vibrant, club where the love for electronic music, art and culture converges, is all about embracing the rhythm of the city's energy.
With visiting DJs rocking the foundations with house music, hard techno and progressive beats and headliners who've played international festivals in Asia, Europe and Australia, Il Brutto is a spot guaranteed to have you on the dance floor all night long!
Late-Night Viaduct Views
Danny Doolans
Daily
Located at the heart of the Viaduct Basin, Danny Doolans is your quintessential Irish Bar - with a late-night twist.
Danny's hosts live music in-house 7 nights a week and is one of the best spots in the city for a late-night groove no matter the day of the week! Their rocking in-house musicians always deliver on vibes and this dancefloor can sometimes be hard to find space on. Open until 4am on the weekends and 2am the rest of the week, this spot is guaranteed to have you dancing all night long.
Headquarters
Daily
In a picture-perfect spot in the Viaduct, HQ is your late-night all-rounder on the waterfront. Open until 3am daily, whether you're looking for games, live music or a buzzy crowd, HeadQuarters is a spot that offers up everything you need for late-night gallivanting.
Lula Inn
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Lula Inn is a Viaduct staple in the late-night scene. Lively music pours from their iconic Live Jukebox band - a must for all city centre visitors. Their vibrant night-time offering sees audiences singing and dancing along to the talented local artists and DJ's who take to the Lula stage every Thursday. Friday and Saturday.
Ready for a Rooftop Boogie?
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
If you're looking for a fun place to relax and unwind with some cold beers and a breathtaking view of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour then you have to check out Dr. Rudi's Rooftop Beer Brewing Co.
Dr. Rudi's also has live entertainment with DJs spinning tracks Thursday - Saturday till late. Their high-energy DJ sets combined with their vibey rooftop space makes it one of THE places to be on the weekend.
Saint Alice
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Offering up spectacular views of the harbour and delicious eats, Saint Alice is light and bright, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it too easy for afternoon drinks to slip into late-night dancing.
With guest DJs tearing up the decks til late, a cocktail menu to die for and regular events like summer festivals and theme nights, Saint Alice is the perfect spot to take your crew from day to night.
Queens Rooftop
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Perched atop One Queen Street, Queens Rooftop and Wineshop boasts stunning 270-degree views, a killer drinks menu, live DJ sets and so much more. Venture into the unassuming Queens Wineshop where a discreet elevator hidden behind wine racks will whisk you 21 stories up, where breathtaking views over Waitematā Harbour await.
If you're looking for a sophisticated but buzzy late night out, this is the place to be.
