The capital of the country, no true Antipodean Adventure is complete without a trip to Wellington. This scenic town, sitting aside one of the most picturesque harbours to be found anywhere, brings one of the most strikingly varied party scenes to be found here in New Zealand. We’re talking everything from your grandad’s pub to some of the freshest new digs in the hemisphere. Long the home of the rule-bending, custom-flouting party posse, Wellington’s trend-bucking history means it can bring it any way you want it.
And in this case, what you’re after is a night in the club. For this Wellington Bucks party, you and the lads are on a hunt for the tightest fitouts, the brightest lights. The tastiest beverages, the best sound system, the hottest tracks, and an even hotter crowd to share it with. You want to get suited up for one of the biggest nights yet – as befits a Bucks party, here in this scenic town.
So where are you headed? Options abound, scattered through the downtown core, but here are some of Wicked Stag’s favourite haunts for an absolute banger of an evening.
Red Square Bar
Ready to dance hard through the night? You are headed to Red Square, there to sample some of the best action in town. What sets this Wellington nightclub apart isn’t size, action, or even the DJs – they just tend to do a lot of the little things right. Dark leather booths, to sip a drink and people-watch. A light show spectacular, that won’t have you tripping over people’s feet. And an ice-topped bar to receive your drinks. Put your palm on it, and leave your mark, before heading back to the dance floor.
26 Blair St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Laundry
Hosting everything from Latin Nights to some of the world’s best DJs in the booth, Laundry is a clubber’s club. Throughout the week you can expect variety to be the name of the game in their offerings, but once the weekend rolls around, it is dancing time – and what a time it is. Located on Cuba Street, in the thick of the action, this is some of the tightest stuff in town – particularly if you are after electronica, as so many late-night revellers are. Get to it.
240 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
The Establishment
The massive institution which is Establishment has been thrilling party animals for a long time, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Within its four walls are two bars, a tequila bar, and a restaurant, each of which have their own sound system to keep the vibe alive and varied. Events will dominate the midweek section, but come weekend, it is dancing time. This runs right through to 4am, one of the fewest Wellington nightclubs in town to stay open until then.
Blair St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Danger Danger
It is officially retro time. Located on Courtenay Place, you would be remiss if you didn’t give the vaunted Danger Danger a once-over for a drink and a loud, potentially-off-key singalong. Rocking all of your favourite hits from the 80s and 90s, silly hour just got a whole lot sillier.
132 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Valhalla
This cool alternative bar lies just around the corner from the main strip. Valhalla isn’t your typical bar – it features a full-on Viking theme – and it provides a great spot to chill out, and catch your breath, while enjoying some live music and DJs. It’s also right within striking distance of the best late night eats to be had nearby, too, in case you were jonesing at some late hour.
154 Vivian St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Dakota Bar
Ok, so Dakota isn’t exactly what you might consider a ‘club’ in the purest sense, but it comes with its own unique brand of comedy. In what form, you ask? Have you ever ridden a mechanical bull? This full-on cowboy-themed establishment brings some hilarity to many an evening, and as a plus, their music selection is absolutely on point for those late-night singing sessions that we all love. Highly recommended.
74 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Hawthorne Lounge
How’s about a speakeasy? In this prohibition-era club, you will be treated to some old-world charm and some of the very finest cocktails that you can find anywhere. Truly, this place is where it’s at for the cocktail connoisseur. Try the old fashioned, if you are a bourbon guy, they do it outstandingly well. And as a plus, you can actually hear yourselves to share a chat.
82 Tory St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Scotty and Mal’s
With a killer cocktail lounge upstairs contrasting sharply with the events space downstairs, Scotty and Mal’s – or S&M’s – brings variety, and it does it well. Attracting some of the best DJ talent to come down to NZ, you can choose your poison and your vibe, and get your groove on until 3am. Check the events schedule online – they often are throwing some eclectic jams throughout the week, although it’s pure business by the time that Friday rolls around.
176 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
As with all club experiences, it pays to know your limits, as there is absolutely no fun in waiting in line only to be turned around because one member of the crew has decided to over-imbibe. Make sure that you stay hydrated on the dance floor – it pays dividends, both on the night and the next day, to mix a drink of water with each alcoholic beverage that you enjoy. Plus, it keeps your focus on your surrounds – because who would want to forget a night as legendary as this one?
Wellington knows how to throw a party that will suit an occasion like a Bucks party. Get suited and booted lads – tonight, we are doing it properly. Contact your party planner and ask about your venue of choice, and Wicked Stag can get your names on the guest list. They can even tailor a custom Wellington Stag party package for your.