Where to rock out in Auckland - the best venues for live local music in New Zealand

"Nectar is my most recent discovery and one I’m thrilled to have made. It’s certainly a hidden gem – nestled on the floor above the notorious Kingslander pub on New North Rd, it’s basically invisible from the street. But once you get upstairs you’ll find it’s an impressively large space. The dancefloor can hold a significant crowd (and it was packed with jumping, grinding rock fans the night I was there). The outdoor area is gorgeous, and even on a freezing winter night it’s a great place to hang out as they have several cozy couches you can snuggle on and an ample fireplace which creates a lovely, romantic vibe. The friendly and professional bar staff agreed to make my friends and I a surprise cocktail – a move which often backfires, but this one actually turned out to be a really tasty concoction! So I do recommend making the most of their expertise. All-in-all an awesome experience, the bands shone but so did the venue. If you’re looking to take a date out to dinner and then some live music, check Nectar’s gig schedule – it could be exactly what you’re after, especially with the vast array of awesome restaurants nearby. You’ll thank me when you’re cozying up together by Nectar’s fireplace later that night!"

"The Kings Arms is one of Auckland’s oldest, most-loved live music venues, and with good reason. They host a huge variety of artists; both local and international. I saw The Dresden Dolls play here a few years ago, the quality of sound was simply outstanding, and even though I was near the back there was still a great intimate feel to the show – like the band was always within arms reach of the audience. It’s also a thrill to see my own friends play regularly on the same stage, as the K.A. is hugely supportive of hosting young, local talent and competitions like Battle of the Bands. The outdoor area is definitely a big drawcard for this venue, it’s huge – bigger than the interior itself – and populated with plenty of tables so you can distance yourself from the live show entirely if you’d rather just chat to other patrons. Some of the bar staff can be a little gruff, but they get the job done and are very adept at lip-reading when the music is booming. Check their gig schedule but many weekend nights here will provide an authentic, gritty, rock experience for a very reasonable door charge (often $5-$10 for local bands)."

"Whether you’re a punk, rock or metal fan - or you’re just tired of Auckland’s more generic clubbing scene - Ding Dong is awesome place to unleash your inner vixen and rock out to some awesome beats. Drawing a like-minded crowd of rock music fans it’s an easy place to make instant friends. The staff are welcoming, chatty, and extremely down-to-earth. Unlike many bartenders, they won’t recoil in horror if you ask them what’s cheap and strong. They have an awesome photographer prowling many of their Saturday night gigs so you can re-live your memories on Facebook later (or at least fill in the blank patches!). And for those who are feeling particularly adventurous, there’s even a cheeky pole installed to show off dance moves you’ll probably regret the next day."