Impala
Impala occupies a two-level space on Fort Lane in the Britomart precinct, one of Auckland's few venues that functions as a proper nightclub rather than a bar with a dance floor. The ground floor runs as a cocktail bar during early evening before transitioning into a club setup after 10 PM. Upstairs has the main dance floor, a separate bar, and a rooftop terrace that opens in summer. Capacity sits around 350 across both levels. The venue books rotating DJs who lean toward house, techno, and hip-hop depending on the night, with occasional themed events and guest appearances from Australian and international acts. The fitout is dark and industrial with exposed concrete, strategic lighting, and a sound system that was installed specifically for electronic music. Door policy gets selective on weekends after 11 PM.
What to Expect
Walk down Fort Lane past the restaurants and you'll see the understated entrance. Early evening it feels like a sleek cocktail bar. After 10 PM the lights drop, the volume rises, and the upstairs dance floor fills with a well-dressed crowd who came specifically to dance. Production quality is high for Auckland.
Polished but not pretentious. The early-evening cocktail crowd gives way to a more energetic, dance-focused scene after 10 PM. The vibe sits between a Melbourne laneway bar and a proper club.
House, techno, hip-hop, and R&B on rotation depending on the night and DJ booking
Smart casual enforced on weekends. Clean shoes, no sportswear, no jandals. Collared shirts aren't required but the crowd dresses up. Weeknights are more relaxed.
Groups looking for Auckland's closest thing to a proper nightclub experience. Couples who want cocktails early and dancing later.
Cards accepted everywhere. Cash works but most people tap. No minimum spend at the bar.
Price Range
Beer NZD 13-16, cocktails NZD 22-28, cover NZD 20-30 on weekends
Beer ~USD 8-10/~EUR 7-9, cocktails ~USD 13-17/~EUR 12-16
Hours
Wed-Thu 5 PM to 1 AM, Fri-Sat 5 PM to 4 AM
Insider Tip
Arrive before 10 PM on weekends to skip the door queue and avoid cover. The rooftop terrace is the best spot for a breather between dance floor sessions. Wednesday nights are the least crowded with no cover charge.
Full Review
Fort Lane has become Britomart's nightlife backbone, and Impala sits at its centre. The ground-floor bar is a good place to start the evening with a cocktail while the space still allows conversation. The bartenders know their way around a menu that mixes classics with house creations. A Negroni here costs NZD 24, which is standard for this part of Auckland.
Upstairs is where the club happens. The dance floor isn't massive, maybe 150 people at capacity, but the sound system punches above the room's size. Lighting rigs and projections create the atmosphere that most Auckland bars lack. On a good Friday night with a solid DJ, the energy here rivals anything in the Viaduct or K Road. On a quiet Wednesday, it's a different experience entirely; more lounge than club.
The rooftop terrace is Impala's secret weapon in summer. It provides fresh air and harbour views without leaving the venue. During winter it closes, which makes the upstairs space feel tighter. Door staff get selective after 11 PM on weekends, particularly with large groups of men. Mixed groups and couples get in without issue.
Compared to Auckland's other late-night options, Impala offers the most complete club experience in the Britomart area. It doesn't compete with the raw underground energy of Cassette Nine, but it doesn't try to. This is a polished night out for people who want good music, good drinks, and a dance floor that works.
The Neighborhood
Impala sits mid-way along Fort Lane, surrounded by restaurants and smaller bars. The lane connects Tyler Street to Fort Street, putting you within a two-minute walk of Britomart station. Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen is around the corner on Gore Street. Bedford Soda is a few doors down.
Getting There
Exit Britomart station onto Queen Street, turn right onto Customs Street, then left onto Fort Lane. The entrance is on the right side of the lane. Total walk from the station is under 3 minutes. Uber dropoff on Customs Street East works best.
Other Venues in Britomart-Viaduct
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
Craft beer bar and kitchen on Gore Street in Britomart serving house-brewed beers in an industrial-chic space with exposed brick and steel.
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Upscale cocktail lounge in the Britomart precinct known for inventive drinks, dim lighting, and a refined atmosphere.
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Rooftop bar and bowling alley overlooking the Viaduct Basin. House-brewed beers, pizzas, and panoramic harbour views from the seventh floor.
Danny Doolans
Large Irish-themed bar on the Viaduct waterfront with live music seven nights a week, multiple levels, and a busy weekend crowd.
1885
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the Britomart heritage precinct. Small, atmospheric, and focused on classic cocktails with a New Zealand twist.