Katy RosserAre you seeking a fun and inclusive night out with your friends in Auckland’s LGBTQ+ scene? Look no further than this guide to the nine best gay bars in the city.
From energetic dance floors to intimate social gatherings and captivating drag shows, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to have a great time and explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife in Auckland!
1. Family Bar and Club
Website: https://www.instagram.com/familybarnz/
Address: 274 Karangahape Road, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: 09 309 9394
Operating hours: 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Family Bar and Club welcomes people from all walks of life and creates a safe and supportive space for everyone. With drag shows on weekends, themed nights, and energetic music, it offers a fun and exciting atmosphere to party and socialize.
Its multiple dance floors allow you to choose between different music styles and have more space to groove. The talented drag queens are known for their incredible costumes, makeup, and entertaining acts, adding a unique element to the experience.
| Pro tip: Check their social media pages or website for upcoming events and shows to plan your visit around something that interests you. Don’t miss the drag queen performances, which are the highlight of the bar. |
2. Garnet Station
Website: http://garnetstation.com/
Address: 1 Garnet Rd, Westmere, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9-360 3397
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Garnet Station is known for being welcoming and inclusive to everyone, creating a safe and comfortable space for the LGBTQ+ community to gather and socialize. It functions as a cafe, restaurant, and bar and even houses a cozy theatre.
This diversity allows visitors to enjoy various activities under one roof, whether grabbing a coffee, catching a live performance, or simply socializing. The venue also houses Radio Rainbow, Auckland’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ radio station.
| Pro tip: Don’t limit yourself to just the bar scene. Explore the cafe for its ethically sourced coffee and delicious food, or catch a local performance in the cozy theatre for a unique experience. |
3. The Eagle Bar
Address: 197 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 377 7890
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
The Eagle Bar is a cozy, friendly, and chilled-out LGBTQ+ bar. It has a jukebox where you can pick your music and occasional drag nights with local drag queens.
The bar offers a wide selection of drinks at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for a night out. It hosts various weekly events, including karaoke nights, drag shows, and themed parties.
| Pro tip: Order one of their signature cocktails, as their bartenders are known for their creative and delicious drinks. Sing your heart out at karaoke night every Thursday from 10 PM onwards. |
4. Caluzzi Bar & Cabaret
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClNUAVQJD93/
Address: 461 Karangahape Rd, Auckland Central, 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: 09 357 0778
Operating hours: Thursdays to Saturdays, from 7:30 pm onwards
Caluzzi Bar & Cabaret is known for its legendary and hilarious drag queen shows featuring New Zealand’s most awarded drag artists. These interactive shows are a major draw for many, offering a fun experience.
It offers a unique combination of a cabaret show, delicious food, and drinks under one roof, making it a one-stop-shop for a night out. Established in 1996, it is the longest-running cabaret in New Zealand.
| Pro tip: Immerse yourself in the entire experience by enjoying the three-course dinner and the famous Caluzzi Cabaret Drag show. |
5. SPQR
Website: https://www.spqrnz.co.nz/
Address: 150 Ponsonby Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 360 1710
Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
SPQR is a well-regarded cafe, bar, and Italian restaurant known for its delicious food and drinks. The menu offers a diverse selection of pizzas, seafood, soul food, vegetarian options, and wine and cocktails.
In the heart of Ponsonby, a trendy neighborhood, SPQR offers a vibrant and stylish ambiance. It provides a welcoming space for people to gather throughout the day, whether for a casual lunch, drinks with friends, or a late-night bite.
| Pro tip: Ponsonby is a vibrant area with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take some time before or after your visit to SPQR to explore the neighborhood. |
6. Majenta Bar
Address: 85 Garnet Road, Westmere, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 360 3397
Operating hours: Wednesday – Friday from 2 pm, all day on weekends for breakfast and into the night
Majenta Bar offers a variety of beers on tap, wines, cocktails, and bar snacks alongside its famous wood-fired pizzas. The bar also hosts events throughout the month, including trivia nights, drag shows, and live music.
The owners, Verity and Lisa, have been community champions for over twenty years, and the bar is a safe and supportive space for everyone. It is located in a converted 1920s bungalow, which gives it a warm and inviting feel.
| Pro tip: Try one of their wood-fired pizzas if you’re looking for a meal. Don’t forget to attend their “Furry Fridays” shows. |
7. Bamboo Tiger
Address: 335 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: 09 309 9739
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday, from 5:00 PM to late
Stepping into Bamboo Tiger is like entering a portal to a bygone era. The décor is heavily influenced by 1930s Shanghai, offering a glamorous and stylish ambiance.
The bar features live jazz performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, creating a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere. They also boast an impressive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for those seeking a unique drinking experience.
| Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a seat, especially on nights with live music, as the bar can get crowded. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and enjoy a live jazz performance while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail. |
8. G.A.Y. Auckland
Website: http://www.gaybar.co.nz/
Address: 262 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 210 287 6649
Operating hours: 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM
G.A.Y. Auckland is a nightclub that is “the number one place to be” as it aims to cultivate a space for the “entire LGBTqia+ whanau” (whanau meaning extended family in Te Reo Māori).
They host drag performances, feature up-and-coming DJs, and cater to various musical tastes. Established in 1999, it boasts a long-standing presence in the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene, offering a sense of familiarity and community.
| Pro tip: Check their website or social media for upcoming events and featured DJs/performers to ensure it aligns with your interests. As a long-standing establishment, G.A.Y. is an excellent place to connect with the local LGBTQIA+ community. |
9. The Monte Cristo
Website: www.themontecristo.co.nz
Address: 105-107 Albert St, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 27 700 9833
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Monte Cristo offers three bars within the same venue, catering to different preferences. You can choose from a lively bar, a more relaxed space, or a dedicated dance floor.
They regularly host live music events featuring local bands. They boast an extensive menu for various budgets and dietary preferences and cater to stag/hen parties to ladies’ nights, ensuring there’s something on offer for different interests.
| Pro tip: Sample their extensive food and drink menu, which caters to different budgets and preferences. This allows you to enjoy a complete dining and entertainment experience. |
