What Kiwi guy doesn’t enjoy a night out with his buddies? New Zealand’s nightlife began even before the islands became a British colony in 1840. Today, it’s no longer a man’s domain, but there is still plenty of entertainment on offer. Kiwi guys have always had opportunities to enjoy an awesome night out — from the golden days of corner pubs, gentlemen’s clubs, and strip joints, to modern all-in-one venues — and their options just keep getting better. When it comes to Nightlife for the Modern NZ Man, the choices are as diverse as ever, offering everything from craft beer bars and live music to late-night eateries and high-energy clubs.
So where did New Zealand’s nightlife start, and where is it headed? Let’s take a deep dive.
Heritage Nightlife Traditions for Kiwi Men
In the latter decades of the 20th century, Kiwi men had many options for spending a night out. The pub scene has been a staple of nightlife in New Zealand since the Duke of Marlborough opened in Russell in 1827 as a venue for whalers and other seamen to visit when in port. Lion Brewery created the Lion Tavern model in 1971 — a series of pubs and steakhouses combined — selling tap beers from the brewery.
In the 1980s, nightclubs became popular hangouts, and professional operators Peter Urlich and Mark Phillips led the way with a range of clubs across the country.
For the more discerning Kiwi man, there was a range of gentlemen’s clubs. These were exclusive venues for wealthy men only; membership was awarded by vote. These were the places for the rich and famous of New Zealand to meet, smoke cigars, drink premium spirits, and network.
Despite these clubs’ modern reputations, they were not a place to find high class. Instead, men seeking the company of women would head to famous strip clubs like The Pink Pussycat, Strip-o-Rama, Follies, and the Tom Cat Club.
Cigar lounges were also hugely popular during the last century. They either comprised a room at a gentleman’s club or were connected to a high-end hotel or private club. Imagine mahogany walls, rich leather seats, dim lighting, and top-shelf whiskey — a traditional partner for cigars.
For the less wealthy men, a billiard club would’ve been the venue of choice. The wood-paneled rooms emanated sophistication, but unlike the gentlemen’s clubs, they were open to all. Networking, business deals, and social engagement all happened there.
Then Sky City Casino opened in Auckland in 1996 and set the scene for the new style of New Zealand nightlife.
Nightlife for the Modern NZ Man
The current pub scene revolves around craft-beer venues; these boutique pubs serve beverages brewed on site. Wine and cocktail bars have also appeared, offering a classier alternative to the “local.” Food at pubs has come a long way from beer nuts and buffalo wings, with some establishments offering gourmet meals worthy of a Michelin star.
High-tech music venues, featuring advanced sound systems, immersive light shows, curated music tracks, and holographic performances, have replaced the traditional nightclubs of the previous century.
Modern gentlemen’s clubs have changed. They’ve opened up the doors to women and no longer offer exclusive membership. And yes, their reputation as a place to meet escorts is correct in this century.
The Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003 pushed cigar lounges into smaller, more controlled venues at purpose-built sites away from bars and hotels.
Today’s billiard clubs are a more modern take; they’re focused more on gameplay, with digital scorekeeping, as well as food and beverage options.
The rise of esports has seen the introduction of dedicated esports bars, where the focus is on gaming as much as it is on eating and drinking. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games have also been introduced, upping the entertainment stakes.
There are currently five casinos operating across NZ; three are under the Sky City banner, with a fourth already granted a license. Unlike the US, where online gambling markets are gradually opening state by state, New Zealand has stricter regulations. That means Kiwi men looking for more variety often turn to online casinos that offer the best bonuses, where they can find promotions and game options not available locally.
Hybrid Nightlife: How the Traditional and Modern Merge
Pubs in New Zealand have become one-stop shops for the modern Kiwi man. He can eat, drink, socialize, play Keno (a lottery-style game) or a game or two of billiards, bet on esports, and pop on a VR headset.
Nightclubs are now immersive experiences and often have retro-nights, during which classic disco of the 80s and pop of the 90s are celebrated by the new generation.
Gentlemen’s clubs and strip clubs have merged. They’re no longer the domain of the rich and famous; they’re open to everyone. They’re still mostly visited by men and are the home of many bachelor parties.
Modern-day cigar lounges offer whiskey pairings and billiard tables, and are often decorated with images from the past, reminding new patrons of where their origins lie.
Sky City Casino Auckland remains in its original location and is now a full-service venue with high-stakes tables, premium restaurants, and even the option to bungy jump from the top of the tower.
The Future of Nightlife for the Modern NZ Man
Staying in could be the future of going out. With advances in technology, Kiwi men can enjoy their home cinemas, play games at online casinos, bet on esports, and compete against their friends on a range of action, adventure, and sports games. VR and AR can take you on adventures without having to leave your couch.
Men-only venues are on their way out, evolving into inclusive spaces that welcome all genders. These venues are designed to be more diverse and supportive and to encourage authentic connections over one-night opportunities.
Venues are also becoming more eco-friendly, the hospitality industry is more focused on sustainability practices, and casinos are heading down the ethical gambling road.
The next generation of Kiwi men can also look forward to their nightlife activities being more curated for them. Data-driven algorithms already drive social media feeds; that same technology can be used to anticipate what, where, when, and even who the modern New Zealand guy wants when he’s headed out for the night.
The future of a good night out is no longer in your hands; technology knows what you want, and it’s determined to make it happen for you.
