Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - 1 Night in Auckland, NZ in January 2005

I am planning a trip to Aussie/NZ for 1 month. Going all over (half time of tours half time with friend). Before the tour starts in Auckland, I am flying in the night before and wanted to know what there is to do for a single female out there. Is there a way that I can find out about Pub-Crawls, where I can just meet people and go out? Events/nightlife recommendations? Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks! :)

Parnell Road in Parnell is probably the place for a do-it-yourself pub crawl. 5 blocks of nothing but pubs and cafes in a nice neighbourhood. You can even stay at a bed/breakfast (Ascot Parnell, quaint house with some charm and quiet in what could be a noisy area). Otherwise Auckland isn't really the best place for this (at least to my tastes, better in Christchurch or Queenstown or most of Australia).

Otherwise Auckland isn't really the best place for this (at least to my tastes, better in Christchurch or Queenstown or most of Australia).
Any recommendations for Christchurch then? I'll be there for one night in December and staying at the Crowne Plaza (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/6c/1/en/hd/chcks).

I like Wunderbar and the Ministry. Between those 2 you have pretty much everything covered. But CHC is fun because it is a college town and has lots of places that drift in and out of fashion monthly. For the tourists there is always the casino (and quite a dive it is).

Parnell Road in Parnell is probably the place for a do-it-yourself pub crawl. 5 blocks of nothing but pubs and cafes in a nice neighbourhood.

More like 2 or 3 blocks. Maybe too much to drink ;)

Other options are Viaduct Harbour (convenient location if staying at Hilton or one of the downtown hotels except Sheraton) - plenty of bars and restaurants; and Ponsbonby Road (similar distance as Parnell but on the other side of central city).

I am planning a trip to Aussie/NZ for 1 month. Going all over (half time of tours half time with friend). Before the tour starts in Auckland, I am flying in the night before and wanted to know what there is to do for a single female out there. Is there a way that I can find out about Pub-Crawls, where I can just meet people and go out? Events/nightlife recommendations? Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks! :)


Going to be in Auckland myself for 1 night on 6th Feb. Happy to take any advice on bars. I'm the type of person that will talk to anyone but don't want to offend people by just barging into their group

6th Feb will be quiet. Not only is it a Sunday but is also a public holiday (Waitangi Day).

Thanks for the advice Kiwi Flyer. Is this a public holiday - will Monday be quiet too? Going to be driving to Paihai for a friends wedding, any suggestions of where to stop off for a night on the way?

Monday is a normal day. Not as busy out as later in the week but much more than Sunday.

Is it Paihia (Bay of Islands) where the wedding is? If so, please note Waitangi is right next to Paihia and is a centre of celebrations for Waitangi Day. So, accommodation may be tight if you haven't already booked. Also on Waitangi Day itself likely to be traffic congestion from officials (and maybe the odd protest) to & from the events (which start at dawn).

Paihia is a fairly easy drive from Auckland, but not a good idea to do this on the morning of the wedding (unless it is being held late pm). Plenty of places to stay around Bay of Islands. Otherwise Whangarei is a small city on the way to Bay of Islands to break up the trip - but not a lot to see or do there.

With Feb 6th being a holiday, many places would charge a surcharge or be closed for the day. Viaduct is always a good bet, especially on Sunday or a holiday.