Wellington

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Nightlife and Bars

Nightlife options including bars, pubs, and late-night venues offering live music and entertainment.

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Nightlife and Bars in Wellington, New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. Despite its relatively small size, the city offers a wide range of options for night owls, from cozy craft beer bars to lively nightclubs and live music venues. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Wellington’s nightlife.

1. Popular Nightlife Spots in Wellington

Courtenay Place

  • Overview: The heart of Wellington’s nightlife, Courtenay Place is packed with bars, pubs, and clubs catering to all tastes. It’s a lively area, especially on weekends.
  • Popular Venues:
    • The Establishment: A large bar with a dance floor, popular for its party atmosphere.
    • Danger Danger: A retro-themed bar with a fun, casual vibe and a mix of live music and DJs.
    • Dakota Bar: A country-themed bar with line dancing and a lively crowd.

Cuba Street

  • Overview: Known for its bohemian vibe, Cuba Street offers a more eclectic and artsy nightlife experience.
  • Popular Venues:
    • Laundry: A quirky bar with a retro aesthetic, known for its cocktails and live music.
    • Fidel’s CafΓ©: A laid-back spot for late-night drinks and snacks.
    • The Rogue & Vagabond: A craft beer bar with live music and a relaxed outdoor seating area.

Waterfront Area

  • Overview: For a more sophisticated night out, the waterfront area offers stunning views and upscale venues.
  • Popular Venues:
    • Foxglove Bar & Kitchen: A stylish bar with a rooftop garden and a great cocktail menu.
    • St John’s Bar & Eatery: A chic spot with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Craft Beer Bars

Wellington is often referred to as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. Some must-visit craft beer bars include:

  • Garage Project Taproom: Located in Aro Valley, this is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
  • Golding’s Free Dive: A cozy bar with a great selection of local beers.
  • The Malthouse: One of the oldest craft beer bars in Wellington, offering an extensive beer menu.

Nightclubs

For those looking to dance the night away:

  • San Fran: A live music venue that transforms into a nightclub with DJs on weekends.
  • Club 121: A popular underground club known for electronic music and a welcoming vibe.
  • Meow: A versatile venue offering live music, comedy, and DJ nights.

2. Types of Bars and Entertainment Options

  • Craft Beer Bars: Wellington is famous for its craft beer scene, with many bars offering locally brewed beers.
  • Cocktail Bars: Upscale venues like Hawthorn Lounge and Crumpet specialize in creative cocktails.
  • Live Music Venues: Venues like San Fran, Meow, and The Rogue & Vagabond regularly host live performances.
  • Themed Bars: Unique spots like Danger Danger (retro) and Dakota Bar (country-themed) add variety to the nightlife.
  • Karaoke Bars: Sing your heart out at places like The Grand on Courtenay Place.

3. Typical Costs

  • Drinks:
    • Beer: NZD 8–12 for a pint of craft beer.
    • Wine: NZD 10–15 per glass.
    • Cocktails: NZD 15–20, depending on the venue.
    • Non-alcoholic drinks: NZD 5–8.
  • Cover Charges:
    • Most bars and pubs do not charge an entry fee.
    • Nightclubs may charge a cover fee of NZD 10–20, especially on weekends or for special events.
  • Happy Hours:
    • Many bars offer happy hour deals, typically between 4 PM and 7 PM, with discounted drinks.

4. Cultural and Social Norms

  • Dress Code: Most bars and clubs in Wellington have a casual dress code, but some upscale venues may require smart-casual attire.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, but it’s appreciated for exceptional service.
  • ID Requirements: The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18. Always carry a valid photo ID (passport, New Zealand driver’s license, or Kiwi Access Card).
  • Drinking Culture: Wellingtonians enjoy a relaxed and social drinking culture. It’s common to start the evening at a bar before heading to a nightclub.
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside bars and clubs, but many venues have designated outdoor smoking areas.

5. Practical Considerations

Opening Hours

  • Bars: Typically open from 4 PM to midnight or later (some stay open until 2–3 AM on weekends).
  • Nightclubs: Usually open from 10 PM and close around 3–4 AM.
  • Live Music Venues: Event times vary, but most performances start around 8–9 PM.

Transportation

  • Walking: Wellington’s nightlife hubs (Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, and the waterfront) are within walking distance of each other.
  • Public Transport: Buses run until around 11 PM, but late-night services are limited.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Ola are widely available and safe for late-night travel.
  • Parking: Parking in the city center can be challenging, so it’s best to use public transport or rideshares.

Safety Tips

  • Wellington is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions:
    • Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone late at night.
    • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded venues.
    • Drink responsibly and know your limits.
    • Use licensed taxis or rideshares to get home safely.

6. Unique Recommendations

  • Wellington Night Market: Held on Friday and Saturday nights on Cuba Street, this market offers street food, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Quiz Nights: Many bars host weekly quiz nights, which are a fun way to socialize and experience local culture.
  • Pop-Up Events: Keep an eye out for pop-up bars and events, especially during festivals like Wellington on a Plate or the New Zealand International Film Festival.

7. Final Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Some popular venues can get crowded, so arrive early or make a reservation if possible.
  • Check Event Listings: Websites like Eventfinda and Facebook are great for finding live music, DJ sets, and other nightlife events.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water is free in New Zealand bars, so don’t hesitate to ask for a glass of water.

Wellington’s nightlife is as diverse as its people, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a live music lover, or someone who enjoys dancing until dawn, the city’s vibrant scene won’t disappoint. Enjoy your night out in the coolest little capital!