There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater. Fortunately, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s got a bunch of atmospheric nightclubs where people can take to the d'floor and let loose, no matter what sort of night they're after. I've scoped out some of the best so you can get straight down to breaking it down, unleash your inner Dancing Queen and flaunt it to your heart’s content.
Here are some of my fave Auckland nightclubs right now.
P.S. If you're after live music venues rather than nightclubs, check out this list instead.
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CBD
Cassette 9
9 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Cassette 9 | Breaking-Sound
If you’re in the mood to paint the town red, put on your party shoes and pay attention. Open until 4am most mornings, if you’re feeling a bit naughty and want to stay out on a school night, Cassette 9 is the place to be. Renowned for their shareable (or not) teapot cocktails, quirky decor and top-of-the-range tunes—over the years they’ve hosted epic local and international talent, from DJs and bands to comedy and cabaret shows—get those excuses ready as to why you’re not going to work tomorrow. The Auckland club scene wouldn't be complete without this one.
Bar 101
18 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD
You’ll see the lights and hear the 'doof doof' long before you enter Auckland's premier student nightclub, Bar 101. It’s a multi-storey, high-octane club straight out of a movie. With ridiculously cheap drink specials and no shortage of flaming shots, this is the best nightclub in Auckland if your dance style involves pointing at the sky and jumping.
Sapphire Nightclub
1 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Sapphire Nightclub | Supplied
For free-flowing hip-hop Sapphire Nightclub’s got you. Bask in the glow of their state-of-the-art visual lighting set up, book your crew a VIP booth and prepare for a wild night. Entry is free on ‘Wavy’ Wednesdays and then there’s their ‘Freaky’ Fridays and ‘Surely’ Saturdays to get amongst.
Il Brutto
27 Victoria Street East, Auckland CBD
Electronic beats blend with fashion, art and culture in the most intoxicating way at this newbie to the Auckland nightlife scene. Working up a sweat on the dancefloor is all but compulsory in such an electric environment, so grab a drink then prepare to dance like no-one's watching (and if they are, ask 'em to join). Il Brutto, you truly are one of the best dance clubs Auckland has to offer.
Karangahape Road
EAST ST. HALL
5 East Street (Just Off Karangahape Road), Auckland Central
Image credit: EAST ST. HALL | Supplied
Housed in a space that was formerly a Samoan church’s community hall, EAST ST. HALL is both a rad place to catch up over a slice of pizza and a herbaceous cocktail and have a lowkey boogie, or get your Sunday sessions sway on. A bar, modern canteen and club, I’d be remiss not to include it. With everything from disco and electronic to punk, rock and live jazz, you get it all at EAST ST. HALL.
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Neck Of The Woods
155B Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Effortlessly cool, not only do the folks at Neck Of The Woods know how to throw a damn fine party, but they’re also committed to supporting local musicians and artists. Their ‘Safe & Sound’ policy ensures every night out at Neck Of The Woods is a party for all, actively discouraging racist, transphobic, homophobic, sexist, ableist, fatphobic and ageist abuse, as well as sexual harassment. It’s a refreshing perspective for a club and I'm here for it.
Whammy Bar
183 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
It’s fair to say you never really know what you’re heading into when you pop down the stairs to Whammy aka one of the best clubs Auckland has to date… It could be a goth screamo band featuring the former Mr Potato Head, all the vegan ice cream you can eat or a board game jam. Whatever it is, it’ll be legendary, and you’ll be cutting shapes like there’s no tomorrow.
Family Bar And Club
270 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
If you’re here for cranked music, cage dancing, drag queens, smoke strobes and more disco balls than you can shake a stick at, Family Bar is for you. The Karangahape Road icon has been around for almost two decades and is proud to be 100% New Zealand gay owned and operated. It’s easily one of the best nightclubs in Auckland.
Eagle Bar
259 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Setting the bar (pun intended) for Auckland nightlife is this lively spot, where it's a case of come early for drinks and banter, or come later to party. Eagle Bar is considered by many to be the new Family Bar (which it actually sits across the road from) and ticks all of the fun-night-out boxes—think beaut cocktails at bangin' prices, epic themed karaoke, and a cosy, all-inclusive atmosphere, making it hands-down one of the best gay clubs Auckland-wide.
Ponsonby And Suburbs
Ponsonby Social Club
152 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
With its twinkling courtyard drawing partygoers in like moths and the dark DJ booth out back as well as a bar boasting epic drinks, Ponsonby Social Club is certainly the place to be. Get there early as this place tends to get pretty chocka. Pop next door to the Ante Social cocktail bar to fill yourself with some liquid courage then get ready to take on the d'floor.
Archie Bros Cirque Electriq
309 Broadway, Westfield Newmarket, Newmarket, Auckland
By day Archie’s is wholesome family fun but when the clock strikes 8pm all underagers are cleared out and the arcade goes into full circus nightclub mode. Think—the best dance numbers, dodgem cars, silly delicious cocktails and all the prizes your heart could desire. Auckland party venues don't come more epic than this.
Viaduct And Waterfront
The Lula Inn
149 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Lula’s cocktails and live music is the best combination. Jam to all your favourites with Jukebox LIVE every Thursday, treat your ears to Mischief on Friday nights, or dip into the high-energy modern swing vibes of Big Ticket or the retro disco-funk-rock feels of Coco-Rocky on Saturdays. Whatever your style, Live at Lula’s will have you shaking your tail feather.
Club Pop-Ups
FILTH
Various Locations
FILTH is a special kinda club night that celebrates the queer/trans/non-binary POC/WOC experience through a sexy kaleidoscope of sound. In their words, "dancehall, reggaeton, bashment, hiphop sounds for the gyaldem and those that wanna get down to the filthiest riddims with zero tolerance for hate, bigotry and violence." You'll find FILTH popping up or in residence at bars/clubs across the city (including some that have been mentioned here), the details for which you can scope on their socials.
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Main image credit: Cassette 9 | Breaking-Sound
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