What does an ideal night out in Auckland look like?

The Nocturnalists series shines a light on Auckland after dark. Restaurateurs and chefs, comedians and creatives, performers and punters – Nocturnalists are spirited members of Auckland’s nighttime scene. In this series, they reveal all this city has to offer after 5pm. We asked some about their ideal night out in Auckland city.

Photos by Sophie Miya-Smith.

There’s no foolproof formula to a perfect night out, but it never hurts to harvest the advice of people who do this for a living – or at least as a lifestyle. The best, most trustworthy recommendations rely on the personal experience of those in the know. So, in search of a perfect night out in the Auckland city centre, where should you start? 

For me, an ideal night requires a meandering itinerary. Navigating the city on foot means you experience the liminal spaces – footpaths, train stations, intersections – that are just as critical to nightlife as our many restaurants, bars and businesses. The advent of daylight saving means your “night” now starts before dark, so I’d begin with a sidewalk seat at The Frog on Karangahape Road to watch the witching hour while enjoying a beer and some of their very nice potatoes. Predictably there will be several people I know either there or passing by.

Next, I’d wander down to Gemmayze Street in St Kevin’s Arcade for dinner, ordering the full jeeb, their version of a set menu. Since I’m in St Kev’s, I’d pop down to Public Bar for a drink and hope my friends are working. There’s usually a good gig on at Whammy, or if I’m really lucky – this is an ideal night after all – there would be a show at Pitt Street Methodist Church. 

After that, I’d hop across Pitt Street to join the stylish throng at No.7, where they’ll make you a decaf coffee at any hour (or something stronger), then it’s down the hill to Four Shells in Victoria Park Market for an unwind over a bowl of kava. To put a lid on it all I’d grab some kai on the way home, either a shawarma – the biggest in Auckland – from Celine on Darby Street or Little Panda Takeaway on Lorne Street.

But what do the Nocturnalists think? We put the question to some of our alumni (and one new Nocturnalist you’ll be hearing from very shortly):

Chris Parker

Comedian Chris Parker has a few ideas. “I think Tāmaki-maxxing means doing more than one thing in a night.” Parker recommends a few city combos, but says the best night out starts with the still-novel City Rail Link. “I think despite Uncle Wayne’s best efforts to tell us that catching the train is normal, it’s not yet. So train into the Karanga-a-Hape Station.” From there, he’d hit up Den Ramen on Cross Street. “It’s open late too, so really good if you're hungry after 8…which is late for Aucklanders.” After that, jump on a train down to Waitematā Station for some Duck Island ice cream, which is a stone's throw from the Takutai Square-side exit. 

What next? “You could walk around the corner and hit up Nightcar for a cocktail, it’s so chic and they’ve gone so hard on the interiors that it’s never not a fun night.” Parker also recommends hitting up the recently revived First Thursdays on Karangahape Road before heading to Beresford Square on Pitt Street. “No.7 is the perfect casual wine bar and now the kitchen is heaving! The food is good there and it’s such an easy vibe.” After that, it could be time for a movie. “Let’s not forget Academy Cinema! And maybe noodles from Sue’s Dim Sim.”

Tracy Grant Lord

It’s a simple formula for celebrated set and costume designer Tracy Grant Lord. “My best and favourite nights out in the city are when attending live performance – intimate or epic, there is always something to be seen or heard inside any of the fabulous venues.” She adores The Civic and Auckland Town Hall. “ASB Waterfront Theatre is also really fabulous.”, she says.

Sophie Gilmour

Hospitality entrepreneur Sophie Gilmour reckons you should begin – and stay – downtown. “I’d probably start at Queens Rooftop for a drink because the view is just beautiful. I recently had a delicious Negroni there whilst watching the sun set and boats sail across the harbour, it was a beautiful thing!” After that she recommends heading to Alma or Kingi, which are both “beautiful” too. She also rates the nearby Cafe Hanoi highly. “I think their food is bloody delicious and always has been.” For after-dinner drinks, Caretaker is “a bit of fun” and so is Kemuri Hi-Fi. “I really like immersive, experiential hospitality places.”

For more in-the-know recs, check out the full Nocturnalists series here. 

Jono Thevenard

When it comes to a good night out, Pici chef and restaurateur Jono Thevenard is a creature of habit. “To be honest, one night that seems to happen a little too often – but still, no regrets – is a Karangahape Road crawl.” Often when he finishes work early he’ll stay up on K’ Road (where Pici is located) and visit all his favourite spots, like the “social whirlpool” of The Frog bar. “There’s always a great group of people sitting out front, and a chat turns into a wine, which turns into a Negroni or two,” Thevenard says. “Then it would be rude not to visit Christy and Nay over at Open Late for another one or two.” 

Then it’s time for food; he likes to drop by Apero for a truffle toastie or Tempero for some pão de queijo. “After a light meal to line the stomach, I’ll head to No. 7 for a basil and rhubarb sour and possibly a few more snacks, then probably go to Northern Line for a pint for good measure.” From there he’ll disappear underground to either Whammy Bar or Neck of the Woods, depending on what gig is on. “I’ll stay much longer than intended and eventually make it home just as the birds start chirping, still wearing my work clothes and thinking, ‘oh well – I did it again’.”

Poi Eruera 

Poi Eruera, operations manager at Odettes Eatery and Hugo’s Bistro, is famous for her style and service. When it comes to a good time in Auckland, she likes to keep things simple. “Sushi Train.” Eruera shares a few other recommendations too, like Lebanese Grocer, which she loves. “Whatever the special is, the fattoush with lamb added, hummus to take home. And pickles!” When catching up with girlfriends, “we love Grand Harbour”, the Chinese restaurant near the waterfront. The service is great, she says. “Especially one particular woman who is in charge of drinks hustling, she is fab and has a great memory.” 

She also reveals another tip: her friends have a shared eating out account that they make automatic payments into. “We never wanted to have it be money that made us say no,” she explains. This method means they can eat out every four to six weeks. “It feels like a treat because no one pays but everyone pays! I highly recommend this approach.”

Jack Young

Jack Young, an upcoming addition to the Nocturnalist cadre, is the owner of No.7, a cafe, bar and restaurant on Pitt Street. He’s also a creature of habit. He’d probably start at an art opening “somewhere on K Road” like Lett Thomas or Coastal Signs galleries, “before coming back to No.7 for a few beers”. From there, he’d make the most of the CRL. “Maybe jump on the train to Waitematā [station] and find a random bar to post up at before heading to a house party or gig. Potentially grabbing some noodles on the way home." The cheap and cheerful dish is a popular late-night option for many of our Nocturnalists, thanks to generous opening hours and the satiating quality of a well-made bowlful. Our group’s favoured spots include Sue's Dim Sum and Little Panda, both on Lorne Street.

This content was created in paid partnership with Auckland by Night. Ready to become a Nocturnalist? Head to Discover Auckland to find out what that the Auckland city centre has to offer after 5pm.