A Residence designed to make the everyday extraordinary.

More than just a hotel complex.

City Life is more than just a hotel complex – it's a neighbourhood, and any good neighbourhood comes with amenities for the locals. Auckland is a city of wonders and while it’s fun in the day, it only gets better by night. The sun goes down and the city awakens, lights glittering against the night sky. With plenty of late-night events, bars and eateries nestled all over the place, night-time in Auckland is awesome.  

Pool and Gymnasium

Salt waTer lap pool and gymnasium

CityLife Auckland has an indoor salt water lap pool and gynmasium. The pool is situated on the second floor next to the gymnasium and hours are from 6.00am until 10.00pm. Pool towels are available from concierge. 

Pool is unsupervised and the pool and gym can be access with your hotel keycard. Please see Concierge for directions to CityFitness Public Gym which is also available to hotel guests.

Zest Restaurant & Bar

award winning restaurant & bar

After a long day’s shopping or sightseeing, there’s nothing more satisfying than a drink or two or an indulgent dining experience. And if you happen to be staying at CityLife Auckland, then you need look no further than Zest Restaurant and Bar to sate your after hours appetite.

Zest Restaurant is an award-winning Auckland restaurant and bar, located in the heart of the Queen Street retail precinct. It’s regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Auckland. Its relaxed atmosphere and mouth-watering menu has made it popular with guests and locals alike. Only guests, however, can enjoy room service, and a full cooked or continental breakfast first thing in the morning.

What to do in Central Auckland

Via the URBAN LIST

It’s no secret that we love Central Auckland. With tonnes of eateries, bars, museums, stores and outdoor pursuits, Central Auckland is the kinda place that has it all.

Cruise On The Waitemata Harbour

The best way to appreciate Auckland’s stunning harbour is by boat. Gather your Auckland-lovin’ crew, charter a yacht and sail into the sunset. Or visit Waiheki Island by grabbing a ferry from Britomart.

Jump Off The Sky Tower

Brave the SkyJump or take a leisurely stroll around the platform, 192 metres above the ground. Either way, you’ll be feeling the adrenaline.

Appreciate All Things Art

At none other than Auckland Art Gallery. A visit to New Zealand’s largest art institution is one of the best things to do in Auckland and with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, you can check it out on the reg!

Weekend Mornings = Market Mornings

Wake up bright and early on Saturday or Sunday and head to La Cigale Markets at Britomart. With a handful of favourite stalls from La Cigale’s Parnell market, there’s plenty of goodies including acai bowls, pastries and the freshest of fresh product.

Tag Along On A Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are all the rage in cities across the globe and Auckland is no exception. Departing daily from Queens Wharf Village, Auckland Free Walking Tours ticks off some of the best places in Auckland Central, no matter what the weather. They work on a ‘koha’ or contribution system, so if you had a blast, flick them a couple of dollies.

Stroll Around The Domain Wintergardens

The Domain Wintergardens are all sorts of pretty. Dating back to the 1920s, these gorgeous glasshouses feature hundreds of colourful flowers which makes for the perfect Insta snap.

See A Show At The Civic

The Civic Theatre has occupied a corner on Queen Street and Wellesley Street since 1929, so it definitely gets a place in the Auckland must-do category. Check out the happenings here.

Create A Foodie Bucket List

There are dozens of epic restaurants, cafes and bars dotted across Central Auckland. If you’re looking for a place to start, head to Ponsonby, K' Road or Auckland CBD—you’ll be treated to some of the best eateries in Auckland.

Wander The Pink Cycleway

The pink cycleway, aka The Nelson Street Cycleway. This brightly-coloured path weaves from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street West and will make you feel like Dorothy following the hot pink road.

Take Your Drinks Sky High

Auckland’s waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy a few bevvies, especially in a rooftop bar. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Auckland Central—you won’t want to drink in a regular bar again!

Soak Up The Sunshine In The City

City centres are all about the hustle and the bustle and our city is no exception. Luckily, however, Auckland Central offers some stellar spots to enjoy the sunshine and take a break from the daily grind. Hit up Aotea Square or Takutai Square, two of the best places to relax in Auckland city.

Explore Two Of Central Auckland’s Most-Popular ‘Burbs

We’re takin’ Mt Eden and Kingsland. Home to Eden Park, funky bars and, well, Mt Eden itself, these inner-city suburbs have got it going on. Check out the best of Mt Eden here and the best bits of Kingsland here.

Brave The Harbour Bridge

You’ve got two options here, folks. You can either 1) bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge or 2) climb it. The choice is yours!  One thing’s for sure—it’s one of the best things to do in Auckland City.

Give SUPing A Go

That’s stand-up paddle boarding, BTW. Mission Bay is one of the best places to try it in Auckland.

Have A LOL Or Two

Need some laughs in your life? The Classic will do just the trick! Watch as local and international comedians do their funny thing or give it a shot yourself with their open mic nights.

Catch A Flick At Silo Park

During the warmer months, Silo Park becomes the ultimate evening out with street food, music and an epic outdoor cinema projected on a silo. It’s one of the best things to do in Auckland Central.

Enjoy A Cold One

If you love a brew, Auckland Central is the place for you. There’s Brothers Beer in City Works Depot, 16 Tun, Vulture’s Lane and The Brewers Co-operative—just a few of the best craft beer bars in Central Auckland.

Fresh Fish And Fine Views

Us kiwis loves fish ‘n’ chips and we love beaches. Put the two together, add an epic view into the mix and you’ve got one heck of of an evening. For a classic picnic feast, pick up some F ‘n’ Cs (or fish tacos) at FishSmith before wandering down to Sentinel Beach, a small nook with first-class views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. 

Run, Aucklander, Run!

Get fit, meet some like-minded peeps and explore Auckland Central with a running club. Nike+ Run Club and adidas Runners Auckland will both get you running like Forest in no time.

Stop And Smell The Roses

At none other than Parnell Rose Gardens, of course. It’s a beautiful slice of the city and a visit there is one of the best things you can do in Central Auckland. Pro tip: head to Rosie for a scrumptious post-rose garden strolling feed.

Take A Dip

While you’re in Parnell, pay a visit to the Parnell Baths, the iconic salt-water pools sure to cool you down on even the hottest of days. Pssst: they’re only open during the warmer month.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Whether it’s in Newmarket, High Street or along K' Road, Auckland Central is home to some seriously amazing clothing stores. Our pick? The vintage goodies, particularly Tatty’s, Tangoand magichollow.

Eat Your Way Down Wynyard Quarter

Starting at Auckland Viaduct, start ticking off some of Auckland Central’s best restaurants. They all come with beautiful views!

Get Inked

Some of Auckland’s best tattoo studios can be found in the central parts of the city! They’re run by talented peeps who will make sure your skin is in safe hands. Tempted to get yourself a tat? Here are the best tattoo studios in Auckland Central.

And Get Dumped

A mere 5km from Auckland’s CBD and you’ll find yourself in Balmoral, a hotspot for dumplings, noodles and bubble tea in Auckland.

Treat Your Sweet Tooth

Auckland CBD has got it goin’ on when it comes to sweet treats. Experience the best ice cream of your life at Giapo, high-end desserts at Miann or late-night cheesecake at The Fed. Either one, you’ll know you’re getting one of the best desserts in Auckland Central.

Kayak To Rangitoto

This is one for the Auckland Central bucket list. Take a sunset tour to Rangitoto with Auckland Sea Kayaks and enjoy a prime view of the city twinkling between you and the sea.

Discover New Zealand’s Ties To The Sea

On the subject on the sea...New Zealand Maritime Museum is the place to find out about New Zealand (and Auckland’s) ties to the ocean and sailing. It also puts on some pretty rad exhibitions so keep an eye out for those.

Boogie To The Sweet Sound Of Live Music

Live music and Auckland Central go hand-in-hand. From basement bars and rowdy gigs to intimate concerts, you needn’t look further than the inner-city suburbs when it comes to live music in Auckland. Here are the best of the best here. 

Image Credit: La Cigale, SUP, Silo Park, Andrew Wilson, Jaiden Bhaga

Nightlife in Central Auckland

via the urban list

Auckland is a city of wonders and while it’s fun in the day, it only gets better by night. The sun goes down and the city awakens, lights glittering against the night sky. With plenty of late-night events, bars and eateries nestled all over the place, night-time in Auckland is one hell of an experience. We’re talking beautiful sunsets, tasty treats and delicious cocktails, night markets and even 24-hour golf. So go on, sacrifice some sleep and check out Auckland after dark.

Head To A West Coast Beach

The rugged West Coast is a stunner. Fine black sands, mighty surf and the roar of the ocean combine into a stunning view and unforgettable experience. The only thing better than a West Coast beach is a West Coast beach by night. Pack a picnic, cuddle up under a blankie, slip your arm around your loved one and watch as the sun drifts across the sky, lighting it up with rich hues of orange, pink and purple. This is the classic sunset picnic date at its best.

Drink All The Cocktails

One thing Auckland’s always good for is a cocktail. Daytime or night, there are plenty of bars and eateries offering deliciously boozy treats for you to load up on.  And while we’re up for a cocktail any time of the day, it’s really at night that the cocktail scene lights up. The sun goes down and all the characters come out to play, making for very interesting bar-talk. And when it comes shaking up a good drink, Auckland always delivers. Check out Auckland’s best cocktail bars, where you’re sure to get a stellar cocktail.

Play Night-time Golf

Normal golf is fun and all, but how about a 24-hour driving range where you can smack balls into the distance all night long? Test your swing, practice your shot and let off steam all in one. JK’s World of Golf provides all the equipment so all you need to do is show up and play. Bring your friends and see who hits harder or come alone and use the practice to surprise your friends next time you play mini-golf.

Enjoy A Late Night Feed In Auckland

Forget all that “no eating after 6pm” nonsense. With a phenomenal food scene and all the best night-eats, why would you want to miss out? We all get late-night cravings and sometimes it even seems that food tastes better after hours. Thankfully, Auckland is brimming with night-time eateries keen to feed you. SKYCITY’s Andy’s Burger serves up a tasty burger in the comfort of booth seats. If you’ve been hitting the Auckland clubs, The White Lady is perfect for a sober-me-up meal. And if you’ve been partying until the wee hours, New Flavour’s dumplings will satisfy any hunger right up until 4am. If burgers and dumplings aren’t your thing, check out the other late-night eateries you should be visiting.

Head To The Auckland Night Markets

If you’re looking for a vibrant, happening place to spend your evening, then check out the Auckland Night Markets. The market travels around the city, taking place in a different carpark every night of the week. Food is perhaps the biggest attraction with delicious offerings that range from dumplings and lamb skewers to French pastry. However, you’ll also find a selection of clothes, toys, arts and crafts among the various stalls. And it’s all accompanied by live music and entertainment.

Enjoy Live Music

Nothing beats the sound of live music. Seeing the love put by the musician into the execution of every note, feeling the atmosphere of the crowd… Every show’s a one-of-a-kind experience. And while we do get musicians of international fame stopping off in Auckland every now then, nothing matches catching a gig down at the local pub. For a place serving riffs any night of the week, check out Danny Doolans—an Irish pub that goes off, nighty. Or, check out our list to find out where else you could be catching live music in Auckland.

Have A Laugh At The Classic

If you're looking for something to do in Auckland at night, they say laughter’s the best medicine so if you need a little retreat from life’s problems, check out the Classic Comedy Bar. The iconic Queen Street venue showcases New Zealand’s top and up-and-coming comedians. There are even open-mic nights in case you wanted to try the stage out for yourself. Here, you’ll spend the night drinking and laughing, and no, you won’t be disappointed.

Go Stargazing At A Beautiful Spot

Auckland’s full of beauty and sometimes, for a night well spent, all you need to do is look up. Lay across any Auckland beach and soak in the night skies. If you really want to see some beauty, though, leave behind the light pollution and head to an out-of-city location. Shakespeare National Park is perfect but there are also plenty of other great places to stargaze in Auckland.

Soak In The Auckland Views At The SkyTower

One can truly appreciate the beauty of Auckland at night from up high—and what better way to do so than at one of the restaurants or cafes in the SkyTower? For the most opulent of treats, head to the 53rd floor where the team at The Sugar Club will serve up delicious dishes, under the guidance of Peter Gordon. Further down, Orbit 360 offers great food while rotating around the SkyTower, so north, west, east or south—you see it all. There’s also the Sky Café, which serves up wine and ice cream or cheese and you can walk around and soak up the spectacular night views. Auckland is a gem.

Devour Late Night Sweet Treats

We’re all familiar with the phenomenon of a midnight craving—waking up with your tummy rumbling and rummaging through the fridge in search of something to satisfy your hunger. Well, the good news is you can get your sugar fix at a myriad of Auckland venues. Our favourites? Check out The Fed for their ‘late shift’ menu which includes a scrumptious New York cheesecake or pop on down to Giapo, serving up out-of-this-world gelato right into the night. And your sweet tooth aches most nights, you can always work your way down our list of places where you can satisfy your late-night cravings.

Go Clubbing

Clubbing is a good idea in any major city, and Auckland’s no different. Whether you’re into your hardcore drum and bass or can often be seen tearing up the floor to ‘guilty pleasures’, one thing’s for sure—Auckland has got it going on. If you live for the weekend and love nothing more than chugging back Jager-bombs while dancing round the DJ booth then Auckland’s clubbing scene is something you should definitely check out. Hit up Family Bar, Impala or Roxyfor a great dance, or check out one of the other great places to go clubbing in Auckland.

Drink All The Vodka At A Russian Bar

Whether it's chugging back vodka, jumping into ice-cold water or playing Russian roulette, the Russians sure know how to party. So, if you’re ready to party like a Russki, head along to the Vodka Room. There, you’ll find over 100 varieties of vodka, delicious Russian-European meals and even private rooms, some of which are dedicated to karaoke. The Vodka Room is taking Auckland night life to a whole new level and you better get a taste of it, quick.

Enjoy Cabaret

Promising a good dinner and a roaring show, Caluzzi is the heart of Auckland cabaret. With a blur of dance numbers, belt-along ballads and enthusiastic participation from the crowd, you’re in for a night to remember. Their secret weapon? Miss Taro Patch—arguably the best MC in town.

Play Paintball In The Dark

For those of you with a competitive streak, night-time paintball is the ultimate evening activity. Asylum Paintball challenges you to prove your stealth, aim and courage by trumping in a night-time game. Run across their indoor—outdoor arena, practicing tactical moves and getting some exercise while you’re at it. In the evening the arena is illuminated by light, making it a stunning place for ruthless competition. It's one of the best things to do in Auckland at night. 

Image Credit: Andrew Wilson, Jaiden Bhaga, Lauren Matilda Matthews

Living it up in Central Auckland