Bear Guide to North Island, New Zealand

18th February 2026 Luka Musicki

There are a lot of things that you can do and see while you are visiting the North Island, New Zealand.

I would like to thank the following people for their assistance: Grant Bowyer and Alan Granville for their help with the North Island, and for their suggestions based on their experience. And Leif Wauter for the South Island. Grant (Engineer) was able to do Auckland more, Alan (travel journalist) was able to do Wellington more, and Leif (previous editor of Express gay magazine) was able to do Christchurch more.

We’re passionate about supporting and promoting queer businesses in your local areas. Whether you live there or are just visiting, check out our guide to queer-owned or queer-friendly businesses in and around New Zealand, for both the North and South Islands.

Check them out, head to their websites, and follow their social media. To get listed here, contact us at bwmguides@grayjonesmedia.com.

Bear Kindred Group:

Bear New Zealand

Bear New Zealand is a fun and inclusive social group based in Auckland, New Zealand, that holds regular meet-ups and organises one-week-long events for Bear NZ. They are dedicated to creating an inclusive community for bears and their friends of all shapes and sizes. They have the Bears NZ Week every year in late January or early February. This year (2026), it is from 4th to 8th February 2026. Learn more here.

Website: https://www.bearnewzealand.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329731140696

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearnewzealand

X/Twitter: https://x.com/bearnewzealand

Tourism:

New Zealand Tourism

Website: Welcome to New Zealand | Official site for Tourism New Zealand

Bear Runs:

Urge Events

Urge Events in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a popular nightclub which targets the bears and does pop-up dance parties around the country. They host premier, inclusive dance parties for LGBTQIA+ men, celebrating all body types and identities with a focus on community, pride, and queer culture. Known for high-energy nights, these events support local queer causes, charities and sports. They run the best local bear parties and events in Auckland, including Underbear and sports kit night, which are not to be missed. Always a welcoming crowd, great music, and a friendly cuddle room.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urgebar

Website: urgeevents.co.nz

Sauna/Sex Clubs:

>Late Shift – legendary sex club near city centre. Located: Sub Level 1/25 Dundonald Street.

>Centurian Sauna – popular sauna which is temporarily closed but is opening in a new location soon.

>The Basement – shop with area in the back for ‘initmate encounters’. Located on: 12 Canada Street.

>Wingate – away from the city centre but popular at weekends. Attracts an older crowd and admirers. Located on: 76 Wingate Street, Avondale.

Leather and Pups:

Gear Up Auckland

A group for people (and pups!) into leather and gear who meet once a month at the Eagle Bar, K-Road.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6230107032356509/

Sightseeing in Auckland:

Big Gay Out

It is the country’s biggest outdoor festival for LGBTQIA+. Traditionally held mid-Febriuary every year.

Website: https://biggayout.co.nz

Ponsonby Rd for dining and upmarket shopping:

>International Food Court – a Ponsonby institution, and a great for meet up for dinner before heading out.

Cafe 39 – an amazing ally and supporter of the bears, and a stylish cocktail bar too! They also do leather nights as well! They are not gay as such but are a big ally. Located on 39 Ponsonby Road.

Prego – unpretentious, relaxed Italian restaurant with upmarket food and presentation.

Karangahape Rd (K’rd) for nightlife (think Smith St in Melbourne or Kings Cross)

>Eagle Bar – your local gay bar, with an eclectic mix of patrons. The Eagle is popular (and not to be confused with the more leather Eagels worldwide, this is a samll neighbourhood bar that does a monthly leather night). Located on 259 Karangahape Road, Auckand Central.

G.A.Y – Underground/Basement gay bar – very mixed gay crowd. Located on: 262 Karangaphe Road.

Verona – bohemian cafe and bar

Cocos Cantina and Carmen Jones – Busy Italian and Spanish restaurants, side by side

Uncle Mans – Authentic Malaysian

The White Lady – White Lady burgers are an Auckland institution and the second-best thing you can put in your mouth at 3am.

>Family Bar – big drag-focused bar. Located on: 270 Karangaphe Road, Auckland Central.

Downtown Auckland:

Starting in Downtown and working further out:

Viaduct harbour, sky tower, Auckland Domain with the museum and Wintergarden.

Mission Bay, Michael Joseph Savage memorial park, Achilles Point lookout. Auckland Zoo

North shore: Devonport and North Head (drive over the bridge or take the ferry from Queens Wharf downtown)

Day trip to Tiritiri Matangi bird sanctuary, or Rangitoto (ferry from downtown)