Nightlife

You’ve made it—the weekend’s here and she’s a vibe.

Auckland is pulling out all the stops this month. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

While Aucklanders may be the brunt of jokes for those south of the Bombay Hills, we think living in the City of Sails is pretty damn rad.

We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

Whatever the occasion or vibe, Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s buzzing restaurant scene has it all. Whether you’re after a sophisticated date destination, a culinary journey around the world, or simply on the hunt for some hearty comfort food, Urban List has you covered with a list of the best restaurants in Hamilton.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Takapuna is one of our favourite suburbs in all of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink.

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai.

2024 is almost done and dusted. Only one question remains—where will you be when the new year dawns?

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.

Wineries are a field that Waiheke have got down pat and it’d be criminal to leave without visiting one. Here’s a list of the best Waiheke wineries. 

Get ready to hit the town.

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Nothing has us feeling more festive than a completely over-the-top display of Christmas lights—this is definitely a case of the more the merrier! Lucky for us Aucklanders, a decent dose of holiday twinkle is never far away.

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

Whether you love getting amongst the arts or prefer to eat your way around town, Ōtautahi’s got something for you. Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2024.

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

‘Monday-itis’ can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage.

You bring the booze and they’ll take care of the food at any one of these fine Auckland establishments. Read on to discover the best BYO restaurants in Auckland and get ready to eat, drink and be merry!

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

The independent arts festival kicks off from 2-22 September, celebrating the weird and wonderful of Auckland’s art scene, and everything in between.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Summer, winter, autumn or spring, Queenstown is a beauty to behold.

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Here are 52 things to do in Auckland this winter that will (almost) distract you from missing summer.

Don’t get us wrong, we love a night in with Netflix but it just doesn’t compare to seeing movies on the silver screen, a bucket of popcorn in hand.

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

There is something ultra-relaxing about markets. Maybe it’s the fact that you can slowly peruse the stalls without needing to rush through, the friendly faces proudly displaying their homemade goods or the live music and four-legged friends that usually go hand in hand with the whole affair. 

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

The ultimate long weekend of all long weekends is coming up.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

Here are all the events not to miss at this year's Auckland Pride Festival. 

From hidden speakeasies to bright and breezy spots with gorgeous courtyards to boot these are the best bars in Ponsonby.

There's nothing quite as good as a long weekend, and this one is no exception. With the weather warming up, there's no need to head out of the City of Sails to feel like you're on holiday. With stunning beaches and plenty to do, some of our favourite bars, restaurants and cafes are remaining open, so there's no need to miss out.

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

From unconventional bars in buses to speakeasies and craft breweries, Christchurch nightlife is anything but dull.

We’ve rounded up the best of the best costume shops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and online so you can dive straight into bringing your fantasy (or worst nightmare) to life and take out that costume competition. 

Quirky urban cool, natural wonders, arty happenings and more than a few places to quench your thirst, Dunedin is full of contrasts and curiosities.

Takapuna Winter Lights will be lighting up the shore over four nights this July as part of the Elemental AKL festival and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

Want to experience a ‘true’ winter this year? Luckily you don’t have to venture far to experience the gleeful joy of gliding on ice.

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

Whether you’re craving a taste of luxury, a little quirkiness or a cozy home away from home, we’ve got you covered with our list of best hotels in (and around) Ponsonby. 

Singapore is one seriously indulgent place. The buzzing cosmopolitan city is a melting pot of culture, excellent food and even better bars. Whether you’re a frequent Singapore visitor or are tackling this epic spot for the first time, we’ve curated the perfect booze guide just for you.

Turns out, we’re rubbish at keeping secrets. But when Auckland’s newest hidden bar is as remarkable as this, it’s a secret worth shouting about. 

Exciting news fam, Ponsonby's coveted Lucky 8 is getting a hot younger sibling and it's going slap-bang in the middle of a wholly revamped Elliott Stables, set to dazzle the senses and plunge you into an epic world complete with late-night eats, DJs and vibes for days. 

Whether you’re looking for a classy establishment for date night or a lively spot to dance the night away, here’s our guide to the best bars in Queenstown.

Ah, the margarita—one of Mexico's finest exports. There really is nothing better on a sultry summer's evening (or, at any time of year really) than a glass of this thirst-quenching, tequila and lime-laced tonic (especially when enjoyed by the beach, as is often the Mexican custom).

After having opened in the midst of various lockdowns, multi-award-winning distillery Broken Heart Spirits has launched Queenstown’s first-ever boutique gin garden.

Some secrets are best shared. 

Can we just start by saying what an incredible year of eating (and drinking) it's been? 

We're spilling our secrets on all the best tours you need to get amongst to make the most of your time in Auckland. 

Tell anyone you’re heading to Hawke’s Bay for the weekend and they’ll be insanely jealous. Kiwis from all over the country know just how good the Bay is. With its world-class wineries, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, and delicious dining options, there’s never a bad time to visit Hawke’s Bay. So, whether you’re a local looking to switch it up with a new dining spot or a visitor to this fine region, we’ve done the legwork and know our way around all the best establishments in the Bay. Here are the best restaurants in Hawke’s Bay. 

Auckland crew listen up! In some hugely exciting news, it’s been revealed that Ponsonby is (finally) getting a cinema complex all of its own for the first time in more than 50 years, and it’ll be of the luxury boutique variety that we absolutely stan.

Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble. The most frightful night of the year approaches—it’s time to get spooky with these actually good Halloween costume ideas. 

If you consider yourself a foodie, chances are you’ve heard of Logan Brown. The Cuba Street institution is one of Wellington’s OG fine dining spots and has been impressing diners for the last couple of decades.

Aotearoa is having a pop-public holiday in memorial of Queen Elizabeth II next week, Monday 26 September to be exact. Here are all some of the best places to feast in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Love doesn't have to cost the world—no really, it doesn't, as this list of 50 date ideas for under $50 shows. From stargazing to strawberry farms, museums to mini golf, and ice skating to ice cream crawls, there are plenty of cute, fun and outright romantic ideas for you and your beloved to get amongst. 

Whoever said romance was dead has obviously never visited Christchurch. From delightful pastries and gelato to share to gorgeous accommodation options and everything in between, we’ve done the research and found the most romantic things to do in Christchurch.

Ever wanted to hear Calvin Harris' One Kiss in C Minor with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra? Yeah, us neither, come to think of it. But it does sound like one awesome mash-up.

After taking Auckland by storm, entertainment masters Funlab have announced they’re opening an Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq AND a Holey Moley right in the heart of Christchurch. Yes and yes. 

There’s something about dancing we 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.

These wallet-friendly restaurants will leave you full, satisfied, and with money in the bank—winning.

Rain or shine, bowling is one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon. 

Sitting at the base of Bob’s Peak Mountain and the iconic Skyline Gondola, Queenstown’s rad new dining and entertainment precinct, Upper Village awaits. 

Hot on the heels of Te Marama Puoro O Aotearoa NZ Music Month we caught up with eight of Aotearoa's most exciting up-and-coming DJs to hear about life on the scene.

From stylish cocktail lounges hidden inside architectural gems to modern laneway drinkeries and secret garden bars, we’ve rounded up some of the finest local establishments to sip your way through.

Whether you’re planning the ultimate staff do, a creative girls' night out, or your little one’s birthday bash, bowling is a time-tested way to get a party started.

Whether you’re staying down the road in Queenstown, or in the heart of this magical town, here are seven Arrowtown restaurants you seriously need to dine at, trust us.

While your Spotify may be overflowing with a cracking collection of music, nothing beats the sweet, sweet sound of live music.

While the endless summer sun might be losing its heat, why not welcome in autumn while keeping the fiesta vibes strong with bottomless jugs of sangria?

Let us hear you say love. Whether it’s your first or your one hundredth date, a little thought goes a long way especially amidst the pandemonium we find ourselves in today. Luckily, there are plenty of awesome alternative date ideas in Auckland to woo your SO(s) with that aren't dinner and a movie. 

Artweek is just around the corner and 2020 marks a massive ten years for the week-long festival. Once again, it's time to celebrate all the dynamic, abstract and awe-inspiring pieces right here in the City of Sails. We’ve narrowed down our top picks for some of the best events this year's programme has to offer, so come along to appreciate all the wonderful art that has flourished while the city has been in lockdown. 

Take a trip along the yellow brick road and prepare to be amazed by an all Kiwi cast as they transport you to Emerald City and back. 

Auckland’s Smoke & Spice Festival will be bigger and better than ever with plenty of barbecues, booze, live music, demos and events on the agenda but this time spread over two days.

From late night eats to gorgeous gondola rides and delicious cocktails to live gigs, Queenstown is an epic city around the clock. Here are the best things to do in Queenstown at night.

Hot new gin and craft beer joint Bozo Gin & Rum Bar has just opened on Auckland’s buzzing Karangahape Road and you’re going to want to get amongst it, stat.

Queenstown has a new pop-up on its culinary menu and we’re crossing our fingers (and toes) that this cosy restaurant will extend its stay well past the winter season. Hear that QT? That’s a hint!

Tantalize your taste buds at Auckland's hottest new bar and bistro. 

Is there any better way to embrace the colder days than with shed loads of cheese? We think not. This winter, we’re in luck, as Le Chef brings us the perfect solution on Bastille Day - France’s national day.

Whether you’re planning a big birthday or a special shindig, only the best will do. Because we’re about nothing but the best, we’ve got you covered!

Winter is coming, and that means ski party season is too. So, dust off your boots and grab your warmest jackets, because things are about to get seriously cool.