As tourism gradually starts to get back on its feet in 2021, New Zealand is likely to be a popular destination for Australians with itchy feet who are keen to recommence their travels. Auckland is consistently ranked the number one city to visit, and there is a wealth of family-friendly adventures just waiting to be discovered. 

However, this is a city that takes on a whole new character after the sun goes down. Here, we take a look at some of the best nightspots to visit for some grown up fun and entertainment. 

Sky City has it all 

For a one-stop nightspot, look no further than Sky City. The 328-metre Sky Tower is visible from all over the city, so you will have no difficulty finding the place. Taking a trip to the top after dark gives you amazing 360-degree views of the city, and there is no better place to sit with a cocktail and watch the sunset. 

Downstairs, you’ll find an entertainment complex with a choice of bars, hotels and special events. But at the centre of at all is the casino. There are more than 2,000 gaming machines plus 150 gaming tables, where you can play everything from roulette to poker to snake eyes. If you’re not an expert, there are literally dozens of online casino sites where you can practice your strategy first – CasinoWatch.co.nz has some useful tips to help you choose the right one.  

Explore the stars 

If 328 metres is not high enough for you, head over to Cornwall Park to the south of the city, where you will find the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium. If you thought astronomy was boring, get ready to be surprised. During the day, you will see the regular school tours and so on, but after dark is when the real fun starts. Special events include cheese and wine nights, and the incredible Pink Floyd music and lights show. There’s always something new in the pipeline, so keep an eye on their website to find out what’s happening when.  

Browse the markets 

Auckland’s night markets are the stuff of legends, and it was great news when they properly reopened in May. There are seven markets across Auckland, and they represent a fun night out for people of all ages. There’s a big emphasis on street food, so you certainly won’t go hungry, but there are also stalls specialising in fashion, antiques, music, toys and lots more. Live entertainment is also part of the vibe, from music to dance to magic shows.  

Fright nights at Spookers 

By day, Spookers is a family-friendly spook-themed adventure park with rides and attractions aimed at getting the youngsters screaming. On Friday and Saturday nights, however, it is adults only and the horror is ratcheted up a notch or ten. It really is a unique experience, and has won numerous awards. It’s well worth making the 30-minute drive out to Karaka, to the south of the city centre.