Night Life Guide in Auckland
There aren’t many true “expat hangouts” in Auckland to enjoy night life. However, these bars and restaurants employ expat staff, expat musicians, serve expat food and drinks and are popular with expat crowds.
Irish
McCarthy’s Irish Bar
Parnell. Always very crowded, has great food, great beer and great music.
The Muddy Farmer – http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/the-muddy-farmer-auckland-central
Auckland CBD. Based on the ground floor of an hotel, so loses some points for ambiance, but gains them all back for closing down an entire street in the Auckland CBD every St Patrick’s day.
The Claddagh – http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/venue/auckland-central-the-claddagh
Newmarket. Feels like home from home, plus great music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Clare Inn – http://www.theclareinn.com
Mt Eden. Great location for a drink before or after a rugby match.
Danny Doolans – http://www.dannydoolans.co.nz/
Auckland Viaduct, CBD. Live music 7 nights a week. Great bangers and mash!
English
Cock & Bull English Pub & Brewery – http://www.cockandbull.co.nz
Various locations including Newmarket, Ellerslie and Botany. Bit on the commercial side and resembles the Harvester chain in the UK, but the food is alright.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen – http://www.menumania.co.nz/restaurants/mad-dogs-englishmen-link-drive
Wairau Park, North Shore. Great pub, great food, great beer.
The Kings Arms Tavern – http://kingsarms.co.nz/
Kingsland. Whilst not being billed as an English pub, this is the closest semblance of one in Auckland if you’re into live music, a game of pool and a beer garden. It’s great!
Resources
Meetup.com is a great resource for finding various different groups depending upon what you’re into. There are groups for java developers, music lovers, book lovers, and more; if you can’t find it on there, create your own group.
Additionally, for updates on Auckland’s latest nighttime-goings on, check out the following.
The New Zealand Herald – http://nzherald.co.nz
Comprehensive listings of all the latest happenings, particularly in the Thursday and Saturday Time Out section.
Auckland Events – What’s On — http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/whatson/events/auckland
Great website that lists all sorts of different events and activities by region and event type.
View Auckland– http://www.viewauckland.co.nz/whats_on.asp
Online guide to upcoming live music, theatre, comedy, dance events and more across Auckland.
Auckland Pubs — http://www.aucklandpubs.com
A guide to all of the more than 400 nightclubs, bars and pubs in Auckland, listed by region.
Auckland Night Life Meetup Group — http://www.meetup.com/The-Auckland-Night-Life-Meetup-Group/
Social group of fun-seekers who discuss and attend Auckland events. (For expat-related Meetup groups, please see the “Networking” section.)
