About 26 Wyndham St
26 Wyndham Street is the address of Auckland’s Ding Dong Lounge and Dead Witch – a multi‐level dive bar and live music venue. Housed in a heritage “character” building (formerly the old Gas Company building (www.bayleys.co.nz )), it opened as Ding Dong Lounge in 2013 and has upheld the NYC-founded rock dive tradition (www.muzic.nz ) (www.aucklandmeal.com ). It bills itself as “Auckland’s premier rock haven” – a 100%-Rock pub where the alternative music scene thrives (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). The downstairs is a classic dive bar with cozy velvet booths (each equipped with its own video screen) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ), and the upstairs (“Dead Witch”) is an electrifying live-music space. Signature features include a neon-lit stage, heavy-hitting rock decor and a full menu of bar grub (notably Korean-style fried chicken) (www.aucklandmeal.com ). Licensed R18, 26 Wyndham St is unique among central Auckland venues as an adults-only rock club with multiple levels and a fiercely loyal local scene.
Events and Programming
Ding Dong Lounge & Dead Witch host a wide variety of events. On most nights you’ll find rock, punk and metal bands playing alongside club-style DJ nights. Recurring events include weekly jam nights (typically Thursday open-mic jams in Dead Witch) and comedy open-mic nights (Tuesdays upstairs) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). The venue also runs regular themed club nights – for example “Goth Night” (monthly darkwave/gothic rock/DJ night on two floors (www.undertheradar.co.nz )) and one-off parties. There’s an annual Ding Dong Band Competition (draws local rock talent), special album-launch gigs, and even time-to-time drag-variety events (like their “Temptations” drag show hosted by Miss Julia So (www.dingdongloungenz.com )). Tour afterparties are common here too – the venue has been an official or unofficial late-night stop for big rock acts (in the past hosting after-parties for bands like Good Charlotte, The Darkness, Metallica and more (www.dingdongloungenz.com )). In a given week you might see indie rock, alt-metal, grunge, ska or post-punk acts at Dead Witch, plus DJ sets spinning 80s/90s rock, and special community events. Most shows are general admission, and prices typically range from free or low-cost club nights to around $10–25 for headliners (www.dingdongloungenz.com ) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events at 26 Wyndham Street are usually sold online in advance via the venue’s website or ticketing platforms, with a limited number of door sales if available. Shows often sell out, so it’s wise to buy early. For example, a recent Hard Rock show had presale tickets at $5 early-bird or $10 general admission (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Some gigs are free or very cheap (especially weekday or opener nights), while larger gigs/top acts might have $15–$25 door charges. The venue offers a “Super Member” program – members get discounted prices and early access (www.dingdongloungenz.com ), which is useful for popular events. There is no traditional box office; purchases are made online or at the door. Tickets are all general admission (standing room and lounge seating). Upon entry, security will check your ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) to enforce the 18+ age rule (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Once you have tickets, arrive early on event night to avoid queues and to grab a good spot, as seating (booths or bar stools) is first-come.
Seating and Layout
The venue is mostly standing room with some booth seating. The ground floor Ding Dong Lounge features plush booth seats along the sides of the bar, each with its own TV playing rock music videos (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ), and a central dance floor. A projector screens seasonal visuals on the dancefloor behind the main stage (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Upstairs (Dead Witch) is a larger open area for concerts, primarily standing room in front of a stage. There are no reserved rows – all general admission. Best views come from near the stage or at the front of the dance area. If you prefer to sit, the booths downstairs are comfortable (as one reviewer noted, “the seats are comfortable and so sexy” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )) though they are unreserved. For a guaranteed spot and group seating, the venue offers booth bookings (for example, a booth package for 4 comes with food and priority seating) (www.aucklandmeal.com ). In short, expect an old-school rock-club layout: bar and booths around the edges, speakers overhead, and a lively standing crowd on the dancefloor. Avoid the very far back or sides if you want a clear view of performers.
Getting There and Parking
26 Wyndham St sits in downtown Auckland (CBD), one block uptown from Queen Street. The exact address is Ding Dong Lounge, 26 Wyndham Street, Auckland Central 1010 (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). It’s a 5–10 minute walk north of Britomart Station and the end of the Downtown Ferry Terminal (so trains and ferries are nearby). Many city buses run along Queen or Albert streets (routes like 30, 72X, 76, 195/295 etc (moovitapp.com )) with stops just a block away. There is a large Wilson parking garage on Wyndham Street itself (www.parkopedia.co.nz ), as well as street pay-and-display parking on nearby blocks (zone parking). Additional public carparks (e.g. on Federal or Nelson streets) are a 5-min walk. Rideshare/Uber drivers often drop off right on Wyndham St or beside Durham Lane just behind the venue. The area has been revitalised by new hotels (IHG’s Voco and Holiday Inn Express opened just up the street (www.bayleys.co.nz )), making it easy to walk here from many downtown lodging options. Overall, 26 Wyndham is well-served by transit – commute via bus, train (Britomart), or ferry without issue (moovitapp.com ) (www.bayleys.co.nz ).
Inside the Venue
Upon entry on event nights, expect a casual dive-bar vibe. Doors typically open about an hour before showtime (e.g. 7pm for an 8pm show (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). Staff will check tickets and ID (no under-18s are admitted). The main floor (Ding Dong Lounge) has a bar serving beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, plus a food counter. Daily drink specials and happy hours (often 7–8pm and midnight–1am) keep drinks affordable (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). The kitchen stays open late with its full menu: menu items include Honey Soy and Sweet Chili Korean fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese bites, onion and jalapeño rings, curly fries, etc. (www.dingdongloungenz.com ) (vegetarian/vegan options are also available). Two anecdotes from guests: one review praised the “gorgeous bar” and “comfortable seats” and noted that songs are accompanied by videos on a projector (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ) – indeed, music videos often play throughout the night on the dance floor. Security is friendly but vigilant – another local review said the security makes you “feel as safe as safe can be” and that the crowd is full of “amazing people” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). As a safeguard, the venue has a strict zero-tolerance harassment policy – if anyone feels unsafe, staff are quick to assist (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Amenities are straightforward: there’s a restroom on each main level, and while seats and booths are plentiful, there is no formal coat check (guests typically leave coats with their group). Wi-Fi may be minimal (it’s mostly a purist rock hangout), so plan on using mobile data if needed. Overall you can expect loud live music, bar stools and booths, big stage lighting rigs, and the thumping pulse of amplified rock from upstairs to down.
Nearby Amenities
26 Wyndham Street is surrounded by many restaurants, bars and hotels. For pre- or post-show dining, the Britomart and Federal Street areas are just a few blocks away and packed with options (casual eateries like Depot, Federal Delicatessen, Ortolana, Cassia, etc.). On the same block across Wyndham, the Ramada Suites (formerly a Wyndham hotel) sits on the corner. Other nearby hotels include the Crowne Plaza Britomart, Sofitel Auckland (on Customs St), IHG’s recently opened Voco and Holiday Inn Express on Wyndham/Albert St (www.bayleys.co.nz ), and smaller boutique lodgings. Late-night, the Britomart precinct has brewpubs, wine bars and brewery taprooms (for example, Brothers Beer or Hopscotch) if you want another drink. Outside the venue, street parking can be tight so visitors often choose a nearby parking building or an Uber ride. The area is well-lit and safe; after a show it’s a short walk to many downtown transit stops – buses still run late, and Britomart’s last train departs around midnight. In short, Wyndham Street is in the heart of Auckland’s nightlife district, with plenty of dining, hotels and pubs within a short stroll of Ding Dong Lounge.
What Makes This Venue Special
Ding Dong Lounge at 26 Wyndham St stands out for its authentic old-school rock-bar character combined with a modern inclusive ethos. Unlike many city pubs, it’s a true alternative/metal venue with dedicated equipment for heavy bands, decades of local underground heritage, and even a K-pop twist via its Korean fried chicken menu. It’s literally part of a tiny international club of “Ding Dong Lounge” venues – the Auckland location’s opening in 2013 continued the chain’s legacy after New York and Melbourne closed (www.muzic.nz ) (www.aucklandmeal.com ) – making it special to fans of that lineage. Locally, it has a cult status in Tāmaki Makaurau’s rock scene. Long-time patrons will tell you it’s “the place to be” for rock fans: one early review gushes that the bar is “filled to the brim with amazing people,” calls the seats “comfortable,” and hails it as “THE place in Auckland” for their music (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). The venue is also famous for its drink deals (one fan review noted “awesome drink deals” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )) and the fact that every song comes with a music video playing on screen (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Unlike any mainstream nightclub, 26 Wyndham St’s blend of mosh-worthy stages, video projections, dive-bar couches and 18+ metal-night culture gives it a unique vibe that keeps both audience and artists coming back.
Visitor Tips and Information
Age & ID: 26 Wyndham St is strictly 18+ (R18 license) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Bring a valid photo ID (NZ driver’s licence, passport or proof of age card) to every event. No minors are allowed under any circumstances.
Arrival: Plan to arrive early. Doors usually open about an hour before shows (commonly 7pm for an 8pm show (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). Early arrival means easier seating (booths fill up) and quicker drink service. If you’re coming for a major event, expect some queue at the entrance, but crowd control is well-run.
What to Bring: Dress casually or in your favorite concert attire – jeans and band tee are perfectly fine. The floor can get crowded, so wear comfortable shoes. It’s wise to bring earplugs for loud nights. Leave large backpacks or valuables at home; security may search bags. Photography is allowed for personal use (no flash during bands), but professional filming or recording is generally not. Smoking (tobacco) is only permitted in the designated outdoor area. Do not bring outside food or drink – get the full experience of their own menu.
Accessibility: The staff emphasize an inclusive, harassment-free environment (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Though the venue is committed to welcoming everyone, keep in mind it’s an older building with stairs between levels. If you have mobility issues, consider calling ahead. Wheelchair access may be limited to the ground floor bar area, but the management will assist if you notify them in advance.
Safety & Conduct: The venue has a strict zero-tolerance policy on fighting, harassment or hate speech (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Everyone is expected to respect others. Security guards are on hand and will intervene if needed – many attendees note that the guards are friendly and professional (one review says security made them “feel as safe as safe can be” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz )). Trust your instincts: if you or someone in your party feels uncomfortable, find a staff member immediately.
Food & Drinks: Ding Dong Lounge stays open for food all night. Popular items (Korean chicken, burgers, sides) can sometimes sell out, so early orders are best. Happy hours (house beers and selected drinks at a discount) generally run from 7–8pm and 12–1am (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). If you really want a guaranteed table and lots of food, the $40 booth package is a good deal (www.aucklandmeal.com ). Note that drinks are not free; bar tabs can be paid by cash or card (most NZ venues take card, but it’s good to have a few small bills just in case).
Common Mistakes:
Thinking you can just walk in without checking: Always confirm event time and buy your ticket in advance for big shows. Wearing inappropriate attire: While there’s no enforced “dress code,” you’ll fit in best in casual or alternative attire. Don’t wear expensive jewelry when headbanging! Ignoring public transport: If a show ends late, note public transport schedules; it’s often faster to grab a taxi or rideshare from Wyndham Street than to wait for late-night buses or trains. Underestimating the noise: It’s a rock club – shows can be very loud. Best Tips: Hook up with the venue’s email list or socials for advance news on tickets (their posts promise new events regularly). Follow the Ding Dong Lounge “Super Member” program for ticket discounts. When walking to the venue, stay on Wyndham Street or adjacent Durham Lane for well-lit paths. Finally, make it a night: nearby main streets are safe for a late walk to a parked car or getting a ride home.
What is the capacity of the venue at 26 Wyndham Street?
26 Wyndham St is a small multi-level club. It can accommodate a couple of hundred people when fully open (roughly 150–250). Most events are general admission standing-room, so it feels full at a few hundred. Booths and tables take up some space, leaving the rest as the dance floor.
What do the terms Ding Dong Lounge and Dead Witch mean?
Ding Dong Lounge is the name of the ground-floor rock bar and pub area at 26 Wyndham St. Dead Witch is the upstairs live-music room in the same building. In other words, Ding Dong Lounge refers to the whole venue (especially the bar area) and Dead Witch is the upper-level stage space (as noted on event listings: “Dead Witch – the upper level of Ding Dong Lounge” (www.evepla.com )).
How do I buy tickets for a show at 26 Wyndham St?
Tickets are sold online through the venue’s official channels (refer to Ding Dong Lounge’s website or approved ticketing pages). There is no central box office, so purchase in advance in digital form. For some shows limited tickets may be available at the door if not sold out. It’s best to get tickets early, as membership discounts sometimes apply and popular gigs can sell out fast (www.dingdongloungenz.com ) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ).
Are there designated seats or reserved sections?
No, seating is generally unreserved. The venue is mostly standing room. There are a handful of booths with tables along the edges of Ding Dong Lounge, but those are on a first-come basis (you can reserve an entire booth in advance as a package). Otherwise all spots are general admission – if you arrive early you can claim a bar stool or small table. Worst seats are usually the far back or corners, so arriving early is best if you want a good view.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes. This venue is licensed R18 (adults only) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). You must show valid photo ID (NZ driver license, passport or proof-of-age card) to enter. No one under 18 is allowed, even with a ticket. If you forget ID you will be turned away at the door.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code. Most people wear casual or “rock” attire (jeans, band T-shirts, boots). This is a dive bar atmosphere, so come comfortable. Avoid anything too formal (suits, dresses) – you’ll fit in better dressed for a club gig. Importantly, do dress for dancing and crowd surfing if you plan to participate – comfy shoes are recommended.
Is smoking allowed?
No smoking is permitted inside (New Zealand law). There is a designated outdoor area by the entrance for smoking. You must step outside to have a cigarette.
Are outside drinks or food allowed?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed. The venue has a full bar and its own food menu (Korean-style fried chicken, burgers, wraps, fries, etc.) that are intended to be used by guests. You can order food any time during the show while the kitchen is open (it stays open late). Outside water bottles are usually fine, but alcoholic or prepared food must be purchased inside.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are available on each level of the venue. Guests on the main floor can use the restrooms near the lounge area. In Dead Witch (the upstairs section), there is a restroom at the back. Facilities are basic but include at least one accessible toilet. (Staff can point you to them if you have trouble finding the facilities.)
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
The venue is fully R18 and generally inclusive, but it is housed in an older heritage building. The ground floor has ramped entry, but some internal areas (stage, booths upstairs) may have steps. Access to the upstairs Dead Witch stage is via stairs. If you require assistance or need wheelchair access, it’s best to contact the venue directly before arrival. The ground floor bar and dance area should be accessible, however.
What transportation is easiest?
Public transport is very convenient. 26 Wyndham St is a short walk from Britomart train and bus station (about 5–7 minutes north) and near many city bus stops (buses on Queen or Albert Street, lines like 30, 195, 72X pass nearby (moovitapp.com )). Downtown ferries also dock just a few blocks away. If driving, the nearest carpark is the Wilson lot on Wyndham Street (www.parkopedia.co.nz ), or nearby Wilson Parkades. Ride-sharing drop-off points are directly on Wyndham Street. It’s easy to get back late at night by taxi or rideshare – central city cabs queue nearby.
What time should I get there?
Doors usually open about one hour before the advertised start time (for example, a 8pm show often has doors at 7pm) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Plan to arrive before peak hours (7–8pm) to avoid lines and to secure seating if you want it. Many fans recommend being in the first group in, especially for popular gigs, so you can claim a booth or front-row spot. Also note the kitchen closes a bit earlier, so order food soon after arriving if needed.
Is there food available all night?
Yes. The venue serves a full food menu late into the night, including its famous Korean-style fried chicken and sides (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Pizza, burgers and snacks are available during operating hours. During events, you can order food at any time before the kitchen closes (usually after 10pm or 11pm). There are also vegetarian and vegan options. It’s wise to order early in the night (hit as soon as you get there), because the kitchen can get busy or items sell out toward closing time (www.dingdongloungenz.com ).
Are there drink specials or happy hours?
Yes, Ding Dong Lounge often has happy-hour deals. Typically they run a house-beer-and-shots special from early in the evening (around 7–8pm) and sometimes a late-night happy hour around midnight or later (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). These deals can include discounted pints and combined drink offers. Weekly and seasonal drink specials may also be on the drink menu. A TripAdvisor reviewer even singled out the “awesome drink deals” that the venue runs (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ).
What happens if I or someone in my group misbehaves?
The venue enforces a strict code of conduct. All guests must follow the zero-tolerance policy on bullying, harassment or violence (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). Security staff will intervene immediately. If someone in your party crosses the line (e.g. harassment, violent behavior), they will be removed and refused re-entry. The staff and security are known to be professional and make everyone feel safe (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ) (www.dingdongloungenz.com ). In short, any disorderly conduct will lead to ejection from the venue.
