New Zealand has a vibrant and varied nightlife, with a range of nightlife activities to suit everyone. Nightlife in New Zealand includes bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and gentlemen’s bars.

Auckland

Auckland is a city with a sprawling network of clubs and bars. Particularly wild on weekends, a chic, bohemian air hangs around the action in many of the city’s bars and clubs. Auckland is famous for its live music scene and the variety on offer is likely to appeal to most music lovers. Many bars in Auckland shut around midnight from Sunday through to Tuesday, with nightclubs tending to close at around 1 am. However, on weekends most bars stay open until 2 or 3 am and nightclubs keep their doors open until at least 4 am. With its lively bars and more relaxed café and restaurant scene, few leave the vibrant city of Auckland disappointed.

Tuesday nights are popularly known as Fire Nights in Frank Kitts Park in Wellington. The show which takes place mostly during summer is a major highlight of New Zealand nightlife. One of the most beloved places in Wellington, the park has several small spaces for different performances. People of Wellington love music and dance and this is one place to catch the best of nightlife in New Zealand.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Auckland, New Zealand, has a vibrant nightlife scene with various areas offering different experiences. Keep in mind that the popularity of specific venues and areas may change over time.

1. Britomart: The Britomart precinct is a popular and stylish place for nightlife in Auckland, with a selection of vibrant new bars and restaurants. Don’t miss Mexico and Ortolana with their beautiful décor and live music down the cobbled lane at Orleans. Catch up with friends over a beer or cocktail at Britomart Country Club, Tyler Street Garage and Northern Steamship Co. until the nightlife heats up at around 10 pm, then dance the night away at 1885.

2. Ponsonby: Head to Ponsonby Road for stylish bars and the best dressed in Auckland. Known as Auckland’s hippest strip, Ponsonby has a large range of restaurants and bars for a variety of different tastes. The area’s newest space, Ponsonby Central, is a stylish hub of modern eateries, bars and coffee spots. Dance until the early hours of the morning at Ponsonby Social Club and Revelry, check out live music at Grand Central and The Crib or relax with cocktails and the most fashionable people in town at SPQR and Longroom.

3. Viaduct Harbour: This vibrant area is great for eating out and partying, with a selection of more than 30 exciting bars and restaurants. Classic Auckland nightlife in the Viaduct kicks off around 5 pm on a Friday with after-work drinks and also makes for a lively Saturday night. Enjoy a fantastic meal overlooking the water at Euro, followed by a drink at a popular bar such as Soul or Goldfinch. You’re guaranteed to be dancing all night at Snapdragon and Spy Bar, or if pubs are more your thing head to Danny Doolans or O’Hagans Irish Pub for some live music and a pint.

4. Wynyard Quarter & North Wharf: The newest selection of bars and restaurants on Auckland’s waterfront, Wynyard Quarter is full of exciting eateries and modern places to grab a drink, as well as after-dark events for the public. After its urban transformation in 2011, this area is now full of impressive modern architecture but still embraces its historical maritime location. Head to North Wharf for great cuisine and a drink, and check out Silo Park during summer for night markets and an open-air cinema every Friday evening.

5. Auckland CBD: When it comes to exciting nightlife, the Auckland CBD is full of hidden treasures. Federal Street and Vulcan Lane both have a great selection of bars and restaurants and Sale Street is always popular for dining, drinking and dancing. Head down High Street and Fort Lane for a range of cool clubs and bars, and check out City Works Depot for local craft beers at the microbrewery and a bite to eat.

6. Skycity: At Skycity you’ll find an exciting complex of restaurants, bars and more. The casino is open 24 hours a day, complete with live entertainment and VIP areas. The restaurants range from buffets and ethnic food to Peter Gordon’s celebrated new restaurant The Sugar Club. Don’t miss the beautiful 360-degree views of Auckland lit up at night from the revolving restaurant Orbit at the top of the Sky Tower. The centre also holds nine bars, including the luxurious Twentyone and X.O.

7. K’ Road: For an alternative experience in Auckland, Karangahape Road – more commonly named K’ Road – offers an eclectic mix of bars and clubs and is known as a diverse and creative district. This area is big on events such as dance and DJ gigs and hip-hop concerts, together with contemporary art and music events, as well as several gay bars. Catch live concerts and DJs at Studio the Venue and Galatos Bar, dance all night at Family Bar or for something different, enjoy a drink while watching a colourful cabaret or drag artist show.

8. Kingsland: A mix of lively bars, restaurants and pubs with friendly ambience, Kingsland is widely known by locals as the best place to watch (and celebrate) a rugby game. The area has a selection of ethnic restaurants and is the perfect spot to grab a few beers with friends. Enjoy the social atmosphere and naturally brewed beers at Neighbourhood Brew Bar or catch a game on the big screen TVs at The Kingslander.

9. Parnell: The historic and picturesque village of Parnell is full of award-winning restaurants and upmarket bars and cafés. This is a great place to dine or relax with a casual drink among the stunning lit-up trees and cobblestone paths. Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner and wine in the beautiful courtyards of Non-Solo Pizza or Portofino, a superb meal at highly acclaimed Antoine’s or head to the Chocolate Boutique or Mövenpick for an indulgent dessert.

10. Queen Street Nightlife: As the street every backpacker gets to know while visiting Auckland, we’ll make this the focal point to find the following bars. These places are either on or just off Queen Street.
Hidden down Durham Lane is the centre’s oldest commercial building, now a rustic bar called The Bluestone Room. Also, across from Bluestone is one of the entrances to Spitting Feathers, an English bar with international beer and cider and good-value bar snacks. If you love late-night dancing and need room to pull some shapes, Bar 101 down Elliot Street should suffice. The large dance floor is ideal for events, such as the Ministry of Sound. Next door, you will find the most affordable prohibition-era experience in New Zealand at Habana Joe’s.

11. Things To Do At Night In Auckland: Auckland, the vibrant city nestled between two harbours, comes alive after the sun sets, offering an array of exciting activities for night owls and those seeking unique nighttime experiences. From bustling night markets to the tranquillity of stargazing, Auckland has something for everyone after dark. Let’s delve into the diverse and captivating activities that make Auckland’s nights truly special.

12. Watch The Sunset From Mt Eden: Mt Eden is Auckland’s highest natural vantage point, so naturally a great place to watch the sunset. From the bottom of Mt Eden, it only takes 5-10 minutes to walk to the summit where you’ll not only get panoramic views, you’ll also see a deep crater. Alternatively, you can drive to the summit or park at the car park on Puhi Huia Road and walk from there.

13. Kayak To Rangitoto Island: Evening kayak trips depart from St Heliers Bay to Auckland’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto Island. From there, it’s an hour’s climb to the summit of the volcanic island where you can then watch the sun setting over the city all the way to the Waitakere Ranges.

14. Harbour cruise dinner: One of the nicest ways to spend an evening is to get out on a sailing yacht on the Waitemata Harbour while enjoying a three-course dinner. Watch the sunset from the deck, learn a bit of the history of some of your surroundings, and fully enjoy your evening.

15. Have A Laugh: Need to add a little humour to your life? Then head to The Classic’s Late & Live comedy show. This iconic Queen St venue showcases New Zealand’s top comedians, as well as the up-and-coming newbies for your LOL pleasure. Stay for a drink after the show and make a night of it.

16. Do Night Canyoning: Canyoning is pretty darn adventurous during the day, but at night it’s something else! Canyoning involves jumping, abseiling, swimming, hiking, scrambling, sliding and any way that you can mission through a river canyon. 5-hour trips depart from Auckland city to Piha in the Waitakere Ranges, which become your natural playground for the evening.

17. Dance the night away: Hit the dance floor at one of Auckland’s many bars and clubs. There’s something for every taste, whether you’re looking for a chilled-out pub with a live band, DJs spinning the latest tracks, or somewhere a little bit fancy. If you’re in the city centre, check out popular spots in Ponsonby, Britomart, or K’ Road.

18. Experience the zoo at night: Auckland Zoo puts on regular nighttime animal encounters that the entire family can enjoy. In summer, you might catch a Zoo Lates session, which gets its visitors up close to many resident animals like seals, native birds, and exotic species like elephants, flamingoes, capybaras and tortoises. The zoo also hosts regular Safari Nights throughout the year, which include a barbecue dinner as well as a torchlight tour of the animal reserve.

19. Boggle Your Brain In An Escape Room: Yes, Auckland has its fair share of escape rooms! These puzzle experiences challenge you to escape a room as fast as possible with nothing but a few obscure clues to follow. Tackle it in teams, set your difficulty level, and try to escape before escape room venues close usually around 10 pm.

20. Gaze At The Stars: There are plenty of beaches to soak in the night skies, but you can also make a night of it and head to Shakespeare National Park to camp and soak in the beauty of the stars. If you’d rather be warm and cosy, then you can’t go past a visit to Auckland’s very own observatory, Stardome. The experts will take you on a breathtaking, mind-boggling journey of our universe.

21. Auckland Night Market: Markets are kind of a big deal in New Zealand. Usually, it’s an early morning mission to enjoy fresh produce and street food, but in Auckland, there’s an option for the night owl. There are five Auckland Night Markets to choose from usually lasting until 11 pm or 12 am.

22. See The City Lights From The Sky Tower: Sure, it’s great to see the city of Auckland from 220m in the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building’s observation deck during the day. However, nighttime gives a whole new perspective of the city with vibrant city lights.

23. Play Nighttime Golf: Auckland is home to New Zealand’s only 24-hour driving range. You can test that swing, let off some steam, or just get really good at golf in the wee hours.

24. Shoot Your Mates In Night Paintball: Night paintball is a thing, getting hit by paint pellets hurts no less in the dark though. If you have a large group, then get together and shoot each other for three hours straight.

25. Go Camping: Escape the city hustle and bustle by experiencing a classic Kiwi camping trip. There are many fantastic campsites in the Auckland region. Among our favourites are Motutapu Island, Sullivan’s Bay Campground on the Matakana Coast, and Te Haruhi Bay Campground on the Hibiscus Coast.

26. Play Paintball: Calling all adrenaline junkies! Nighttime paintball is a thing and you could be playing at Asylum Paintball. You’ll need stealth, aim and courage to get you through, so get munching on those carrots for some extra sight power.

27. Sky City Casino: A classic casino that has all the bells and whistles of any world-class gambling establishment without the gaudy lights of Las Vegas. Open 24 hours per day for gambling, entertainment, or just catching up at one of the bars with friends. It is one of the perfect things to do in Auckland at night, on a rainy day, or anytime.

28. Escape Rooms: If it’s a mystery you are after, check out Escape Masters. You will be locked in a room with your friends. Clues are everywhere. You need to solve the mystery to find the way out.

29. Auckland City Ghost Tour: This two-hour walking tour of the city will get you acquainted with the dark side. Hear tales of tribal warfare, influenza outbreaks, and hangings.

Wellington’s nightlife is best known for its trail of stylish cocktail bars, tucked away in the city’s corners. The entertainment district of Courtenay Place is also pumping with dance clubs and Irish pubs, while those looking for live music from local indie bands should head to Cuba Street.

The colourful and bohemian Cuba Street is a place not to be missed in Wellington. You’ll be onto a winner pretty much anywhere you stop. Right in the heart of Cuba Mall and down a quiet corridor, you’ll find the iconic Matterhorn. With more awards than you can shake a cocktail at, the Matterhorn is a well-known joint in these parts and beyond.

The city’s entertainment and theatre district is centred around Courtenay Place and Blair and Allen Streets. Start with The Library, a lounge bar where rumour has it cocktail vouchers can be found hidden within the leaves of books. Ancestral offers a stylish atmosphere and impressive drinks menu, Malthouse is a must for craft beer fans, and the New York loft-style Apartment and Bangalore Polo Club are also popular spots New Zealand’s leading sports entertainment venue, Four Kings, has more than 70 plasma and LCD screens.

Electric Avenue on Courtenay Place is everyone’s guilty pleasure. Often blasting all your favourite hits from the ’80s and ’90s, you’ll find you can’t resist singing along after a couple of drinks. While you’re on Courtenay Place, give the public a go for more dancing opportunities. Finally on Courtenay Place, don’t miss the Mini Bar on your night out run for a few shots. Red Square on Blair Street can always be relied on for non-stop dancing into the early hours of the morning. Grab a reasonably-priced cocktail and dance to live DJs playing jazzy house and techno in this Chinese-themed Good Luck bar in a basement on Cuba Street.

When the sun’s out, grab a bean bag at St John’s Bar or an outdoor table at Mac’s Brew Bar. Enjoy 180-degree harbour views at Foxglove and venture through the wardrobe and into the hidden world of Foxtail. Cuckoo Cocktail Emporium is another waterfront favourite, and it’s not just the drinks on offer the vintage art and furniture are all for sale too.

There is always something going on at The Fringe Bar on Allen Street. Watch some raw comedy from local and international stand-ups, as well as nights dedicated to burlesque, karaoke and even some live music now and then. Book your tickets online or pay at the door. Enjoy some top New Zealand comedy at VK’s Comedy & Blues Bar on Dixon Street. There’s also movie nights, live blues music and, of course, a bar.

Christchurch City is alive with color, atmosphere, and world-class attractions. Christchurch enjoys a vibrant and varied nightlife, with a range of nightlife activities and with great atmosphere. Whether you like to party, or just enjoy a casual drink, there is something to suit everyone. Christchurch nightlife may include live music, casinos, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and gentlemen’s bars.

Darkroom is one place to go to savor the best of nightlife in New Zealand. Located on St. Asaph Street, the bar boasts of the seekers who go there searching for Jazz, live music, and Indie. A visit here on the first Monday of the month means you get to enjoy the magic night with hypnotists, magicians, and comedians around. Entry is free on the rest of the days but the magic nights are chargeable at NZ$10.

1. Things To Do At Night In Christchurch: Christchurch, a city that thrives under the sunlight, transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland after dusk. The night brings out the vibrant spirit of the city, offering a plethora of activities for locals and visitors alike.

2. Watch A Show: Christchurch is often dubbed as the most artsy city in New Zealand. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that catching a show at one of the theatres is a must! The Isaac Theatre Royal has been a symbol in Christchurch since 1863 showing ballet, musicals, comedy, and much more.

3. Hit The Christchurch Night Scene: As the largest city in the South Island, it’s definitely one of the most vibrant at night. If you love dancing long into the night, drinking with travel buddies, or meeting the locals then the Christchurch nightlife is for you. St Asaph Street has the most party bars, while Poplar Lane is a good place for casual drinks.

4. Dinner On The Christchurch Tram: The tramway in Christchurch is so typically, well, “Christchurch”. You can even experience the Christchurch Tram at night at the Tramway Restaurant. Do some city sightseeing while tucking into a fancy meal and a glass of wine.

5. Watch A Movie In Style: In Christchurch, going to the cinema isn’t just about watching a movie. It’s a whole experience. Relax in the bug comfortable seats of the Deluxe Cinema at The Tannery with a local craft beer in hand and a cheese platter. Alternatively, there’s Alice in Videoland, a boutique cinema located in the Old High Street Post Office, which promises yesterday’s ambiance in the golden era of film with today’s technology.

6. Treat Yourself To The Christchurch Eats: Going to a restaurant isn’t exactly the idea of the century when looking for things to do at night. However, Christchurch is packed with restaurants and flavors from all over the world! If you’re only going to eat out once on the South Island, then it might as well be in Christchurch.

7. Watch A Maori Performance: Be captivated by Maori song, dance, and the famous Haka at the Willowbank dinner and Maori concert. Learn more about New Zealand’s first settlers and their fascinating Polynesian culture before tucking into a four-course meal cooked in the traditional style of the Hangi.

8. Take An Art Gallery Late Night Tour: If you didn’t get the chance to check out the Christchurch Art Gallery during the day, then don’t worry! You also get the chance to visit the Art Gallery at night on a free guided Late Night Tour starting at 7.30 pm. The tours are usually put on every Wednesday night.

9. Laugh Hard At The Court Theatre: For an affordable night of interactive and improvised comedy, look no further than the Court Theatre! Catch a late-night show every Friday and Saturday from 10.15 pm with “Scared Scriptless”. Anything could happen.

10. Solve The Murder At The Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: If you’re traveling with a large group then get prepared for a hilarious night at the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. Solve the murder in a Victorian-era theme park, where costume is encouraged, ghosts and ghouls are present, and a tram ride is thrown in there too.

The nightlife in the city is equally dynamic; from quaint cowboy joints to Australasia‘s largest ice bar, here’s our definitive list of the best bars in town. Queenstown’s bars and clubs often have live music with talented cover bands, or visiting DJs for those wanting to carry on into the night. There are also a number of destination bars, with extensive cocktail and wine lists. Many pubs, bars, and clubs have happy hours and drink specials, no matter what day of the week.
Rhinos Ski Shack is hidden in a basement on Cow Lane, Rhinos is the place to be for apres skiing. The ski shack is open all year round, with food, drinks, games, and hip-hop music late into the night. Vinyl Underground is the hidden gem of Queenstown’s nightlife, Vinyl Underground is off the main streets and an awesome place to end your night. The club features local live music, DJs, and open mic nights. Drink cocktails, play pool, and dance until 4 am. Winnies is a gourmet pizza spot by day and a hub for crazy dance moves by night. It is a bigger venue so there tends to be space to pull some dangerous shapes. It’s open late-night so is definitely a good go-to for the end of a big night out. Searle Lane is another bigger venue compared to the usual small bars in Queenstown. Searle Lane plays hits for everyone to live entertainment. Don’t miss some of their super cheap pizzas on Thursdays. Go bungee jumping at night in Coronet Peak though only in winter.

1. Things To Do At Night In Queenstown: Queenstown, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. However, as the sun sets, Queenstown transforms into a different kind of paradise, offering a vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes. Let’s delve into the myriad of activities that await those seeking to make the most of their nights in Queenstown.

2. Party In Queenstown: Queenstown is dubbed as the “Party Capital” of the South Island and for good reason. Every street has a bar or club suiting all party types, whether it’s a casual drink with your travel buddies or somewhere to dance until the early hours.

3. Evening Cruise And Farm Tour: Get an insight into the traditional Kiwi lifestyle on a tour to Walter Peak, a high-country farm isolated on the other side of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. Board the TSS Earnslaw that has been ferrying the waters of Lake Wakatipu since 1912. At Walter Peak, you’ll be treated to a Kiwi barbecue, as well as a sheep farm show before departing back to Queenstown.

4. Beer & Wine Twilight Tour: Start your night out the right way with an evening tour of two of Gibbston Valley’s wineries for a tasting followed by a drink in Arrowtown.

5. Unwind In Some Hot Pools: It can be pretty tiring doing all the adrenaline and adventure activities in Queenstown! A great place to escape for the night is the Onsen Hot Pool, which is open until 11 pm. Ease your body in your own private pool looking out to some stunning alpine scenery on the Shotover Canyon.

6. Bungy Jump At Night: During the winter months, take the leap from The Ledge Bungy on Bob’s Peak. You’ll get a unique perspective of the Queenstown lights while free-falling 47m.

7. Night Ski At Coronet Peak: Another winter-only night activity in Queenstown, Coronet Peak hosts night ski sessions on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Follow the trails lit up by floodlights and enjoy the apres ski atmosphere in the Coronet Peak cafe.

8. Get Some Grub: Queenstown has heaps of restaurants with both Kiwi and international flavors to try. Try an oversized burger at Fergburger or Devil Burger, or how about a deep-fried Kiwifruit at Erik’s Fish & Chips? Take your takeaway to Perky’s Floating Bar on the Queenstown Wharf, which is a B-Y-O food bar.

9. Go Karting: Get in a go-kart and hit the Game Over track! Game Over in Frankton teams as an evening and rainy day activity in this indoor entertainment center. Enjoy go-karting, laser tag, and heaps of arcade games. Game Over is open until 7 pm.

10. Do Some Stargazing: On a clear night, the stars seen from Queenstown are astonishing. Skyline Queenstown offers stargazing tours to make use of their high-powered telescope atop the Skyline Gondola. Alternatively, hit the road away from the lights of town and watch as the skies get clearer for stargazing. In winter, Queenstown is also an often-seeing display of the Southern Lights.

11. Test Your Nerve At Fear Factory: Get a different sort of adrenaline rush in Queenstown at the Fear Factory. This late-night haunted house activity challenges you to make it through the hallways of horror all the way to the end. Many have chickened out. This venue is open until 11 pm.

12. Enter The Sensory Maze: Make your way through room after room of illusions, quirky physical obstacles and challenges, lighting effects, scents, sound effects, and just plain weirdness. Odyssey Sensory Maze is open until 10 pm.

13. Kiwi Haka: See a stunning Maori Cultural Show at Skyline Queenstown. There are 4 shows each night which include traditional song and dance, a poi display, and an up close and personal live haka. You could even combine the live haka show with a meal at the Skyline Restaurant and of course, a return gondola ride up there.

Rotorua enjoys a vibrant and varied nightlife, with a range of nightlife activities and with great atmosphere. Whether you like to party, or just enjoy a casual drink, there is something to suit everyone. Rotorua nightlife may include live music, casinos, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and gentlemen’s bars.

1. Things To Do At Night In Rotorua: Rotorua, a picturesque city nestled on New Zealand’s North Island, is not just a destination for daytime adventures. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with a myriad of exciting activities and experiences. Discover the enchanting “Things To Do At Night In Rotorua” and make the most of your evenings in this magical destination.

2. Redwoods Tree Walk: Feel the spirit of Rotorua’s iconic Redwood Forest from a bird’s eye view as you traverse over 500m of walkways amongst the 110-year-old Redwood trees. The Redwoods Tree walk is enjoyed by many locals and visitors during the day, then at night, this ecological walk is brought to life by beautifully designed lighting. With a height ranging from 6m to 12m, this unique experience is a great way to explore nature at night.

3. Catch A Rotorua Sunset: There are many beautiful places to watch the sunset in Rotorua. Lake Rotorua itself or the surrounding lakes of Lake Okareka, Lake Rotomahana, and Lake Tarawera cast vibrant reflections as the sun is setting. The sunset is even intensified by the steamy geothermal goodness at Kuirau Park, a free geothermal park in Rotorua’s city center.

4. Tamaki Maori Village: You will be welcomed like a visitor, and depart as a friend. Tamaki Maori Village is a unique experience that gives you a peek into the indigenous Maori culture. Located in a native tawa forest, this fascinating village is rated the best cultural experience in New Zealand. The Evening Experience includes learning the world-famous haka (Māori war dance) performance, witnessing traditional warrior training, local arts & crafts, and a taste of kai food.

5. Zipline Through The Forest: The New Zealand forest is still alive at night! Join Rotorua Canopy Tours for their evening tour with ziplines, swing bridges, and platforms high in the forest. Get all the action of the forest while the sun sets and see how the forest changes as the sounds change from bird songs to the awakening of New Zealand’s nocturnal wildlife. Evening tours are available during summer.

6. Night Mini Golf: Mini Golf Rotorua at night is a whole new ball game. This 18-hole mini golf is set in a tranquil New Zealand garden complete with waterfalls, beautiful birds, and roaming rabbits that enjoy being petted. But the best part comes at night when this slice of paradise transforms into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Visit this course for a romantic date or fun night out with friends and let the good times roll.

7. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools: A visit to Rotorua simply isn’t complete until you’ve enjoyed our geothermal wonders. Get off the beaten track with a 30-minute drive to the small farming community of Waikite Valley, where you’ll find the locally built Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. The 6 hot pools and private spas are filled with delightful mineral waters from the largest source of 100% pure geothermal water in New Zealand – Te Manaroa Spring. The view is just as good as the waters so we recommend you time your swim to catch the sunset over the stunning valley, then enjoy the rest of your evening spa under the stars.

8. Go Stargazing: The Rotorua suburb of Ngongotaha is said to be the best place for stargazing on the North Island, so head there on a clear night to see the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky. Alternatively, Skyline Rotorua offers stargazing tours with high-powered telescopes to see the likes of the Southern Cross, nebulas, planets, the Milky Way, and other galaxies.

9. Grab A Bite: All of your adventures are bound to leave you feeling a little peckish. There are plenty of great food options in Rotorua, but here are some of the local secrets on delicious and affordable places to eat: Guaranteed for good food and good vibes visit Abracadabra Café & Bar, a favorite for their Mexican & Morrocan food as well as $6 Taco Tuesdays. Sink your teeth into a stack of $1 Wicked Wing Wednesday at Craft Beer & Kitchen. Or taste the variety of ethnic and traditional Maori cuisine at Rotorua’s Night Market held every Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm on Tutanekai Street.

10. Rotorua Night Market: Pining for a bubbling Rajasthani paneer curry? No problem. Are taste buds awaiting some traditional Croatian truffle pasta? Sorted. Want to munch on croissants and macaroons until sundown? No problem. Rotorua Night Market might just be the perfect grazing ground for budding foodies in this North Island city. Always popping up on the intersection of Haupapa and Hinemoa Streets, it’s got more cuisines to sample than you can shake a cushiony Neapolitan pizza at. Meanwhile, local bands provide the backing track, and local folk provide the company. It’s all good.

11. Relax In A Mud Spa: More geothermal experiences can be found at Hells Gate, which takes the geothermal hot pools to a whole new level with its mud baths. Hells Gate is open for some Rotorua mud bathing with all kinds of healing properties until 8.30 pm.

12. Amazing Glow Worms With Real Rotorua: Glow worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join Real Rotorua’s experienced guides on a trip into the native bush at dusk to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night, and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars.

13. Dunedin: Dunedin’s nightspots are up there with the best. Mou Very and Inch Bar are the smallest and quirkiest; Copa, Carousel, and Toast are generally popular; while Pequeno, Albar, and Tonic are favored by the professional set.

Hunker down at Scarfie haunts the Starters Bar, ReFuel, or Malbas. Try the Speight’s Ale House, the Craic, or the Duke of Wellington for a true pint. Members of the younger demographic dance into the wee small hours at 10 Bar, Urban Factory, and Monkey Bar.

Dunedin Casino offers a premier experience unrivaled in the entire city for casino entertainment, refreshments, and dining. The Casino runs through to Cafe D’oro and the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross which offers guests a truly high-class experience during their trip to Dunedin.

14. Napier: By night, Napier comes alive with an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and live entertainment venues. Many of these venues are within walking distance of The Dome, or you can take a quick trip down to Ahuriri, with its humming nightlife.

For a refined entertainment experience, The Napier Municipal Theatre is a beautifully preserved Art Deco venue with a busy schedule of international and local performances. Likewise, the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings and several other independent venues around the region feature live performances and theatre all year round. Also, just a short stroll from The Dome, The Century Cinema at the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery (MTG) screens quality international, independent, and arthouse films.