About Impala
Impala was a premier underground nightclub and live-music venue in Auckland’s CBD, located at 7 Shortland Street in the historic Southern Insurance Building (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.odt.co.nz ). Opened in June 2016 by Daniel Farley and Reuben Rivers-Smith (Red Rum Touring) (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), it was built inside the former basement club called Code, with an extensive top-to-bottom renovation. The layout was redesigned by Think+Shift and featured eye-catching artwork by NZ artist Ken Griffen, along with plush lounge areas and neon accents (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (concreteplayground.com ). Impala was designed “programmed for DJs,” with a raised central DJ booth flanked by two lounge areas and a “no-compromise” Martin professional sound system installed by Wavefront (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). The bar was a true free-house, offering a rotating selection of craft beers, wine and cocktails (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (concreteplayground.com ). Overall, Impala offered a world-class nightclub experience in Auckland – by one account “the sound, look, and feel of a world-class venue” in the city centre (heartofthecity.co.nz ) – and it quickly became a local fan favorite, earning multiple Georgies awards for Best Nightlife Venue (www.rova.nz ). (Note: Impala closed permanently in early 2022 due to COVID-19 impacts (www.rova.nz ). It was later replaced by a new club, The Mothership, at the same address (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).)
Events and Programming
When open, Impala hosted a wide range of dance-music events. Its calendar was typically filled with late-night DJ shows on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (doors often opened around 9–10pm) (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Promoters booked top international and local acts in electronic, house, bass and drum-&-bass genres. For example, the annual awards blog Rova notes Impala brought in dance superstars from Alison Wonderland to Skrillex and Purple Disco Machine (www.rova.nz ), while MyGuide highlights NZ favourites like Wilkinson alongside Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus and What So Not (www.myguideauckland.com ). Event listings confirm a history of major bookings: Drum-&-bass legends Pendulum and Dimension both played Impala afterparties in 2021, and Aussie DJs like PhaseOne, A.Skillz and Billy Kenny are among past headliners (www.ticketfairy.com ). Impala was known for heavy bass and DnB nights in particular, often promoted through clubs and radio (e.g. George FM) in Auckland. Smaller local DJs (including co-founder Daniel Farley himself under his alias) would also spin on regular club nights alongside international guests. In short, the venue’s programming focused on energetic EDM and club music, making it a hub for dance-party audiences.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Impala events were typically sold through electronic ticketing vendors and local promoters. For major shows (international or festival after-parties), tickets often went on sale weeks in advance and sometimes sold out quickly. Fans usually kept an eye on Red Rum Touring’s announcements or dance-music listings to grab pre-sale or official tickets. Smaller club nights sometimes offered door sales at cover charge; for example, the official launch night charged just $10 at the door (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Since Impala was an independent nightclub, there was no single box-office on site – purchases were made online via social media links or by paying at the door on event nights. There were no published VIP packages or seating tiers; the club’s free-flow design meant most tickets granted general admission (standing-room) access in the main room. In general, event tickets at Impala fell in a mid-range price band for Auckland clubs: roughly $10–$20 for standard nights and higher (often $20+) for big-name shows.
Seating and Layout
Impala’s interior was primarily an open dance floor with atmospheric lounge zones around the edges. The centerpiece was the raised DJ booth – a platform above the crowd that gave great sightlines and showcased the DJs between two low lounge areas (www.myguideauckland.com ). Along the sides were long cushioned benches and small cocktail tables tucked into darker corners, creating a mix of standing and seated space. A service bar ran along one sidewall, and when the thick black curtains were closed at night the club could even be reconfigured into a cocktail-lounge mode with tables and stools (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). There were no fixed theatre-style seats or “bad” sections: the sound system was tuned to fill every corner, and acoustics were consistently praised for clarity at all positions. The loudest bass and subwoofers are at front near the speakers, so some partygoers prefer to hang back in the middle or near the bar to avoid extreme volume. Others gravitate close to the DJ booth for the full club experience. In short, the best spot depends on your preference – front-and-center for immersive sound and view, or a guarded corner lounge spot to chill. (During the day the curtains can open to reveal more seating, but as a 9000-square-meter vaulted space (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), Impala had an overall capacity of about 243 people with room to dance.)
Getting There and Parking
The venue’s address is 7 Shortland Street (on the corner of High St), right in the Auckland city centre. By public transport, the nearest train stop is Britomart on Queen Street (about a 5-minute walk south-east) or Karangahape Road station to the west. Many city bus routes run along Queen, Shortland and Karangahape streets with stops within two or three blocks of the club (the 22, 25, 70, and other routes on Wellesley/Queen St pass nearby). Rideshare drivers and taxis typically drop off at the intersection of High Street and Shortland Street – there’s a brief lay-by area there and minimal traffic late at night.
Street parking in the CBD is very limited, so most visitors use nearby public parking. The closest car park is the Victoria Street City Parking building (corner of Victoria St and Pitt St), just a block north of Shortland. This multi-level lot charges about NZ$2.50 per hour (evenings/weekend rate), capped at roughly $10.50 for a night (heartofthecity.co.nz ). Other nearby options include the AIRPORT carpark on High and other council lots. Note that many services and shops on High St/Shortland St have time limits or special permits, and meter parking is scarce at night. As in most of central Auckland, taking public transit or rideshare is often more convenient after dark.
Inside the Venue
On entering, guests would have had their ID and tickets checked at the brisk security door (Impala was strictly R18, requiring a photo driver’s licence or passport for entry (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). The club’s interior ambience was sultry and high-energy: dark walls lit by colored LEDs and neon strips, with pulsing strobes synced to the music. The vibe was lively and vibey; patrons described it as having a “vibrant nightlife” and “electric atmosphere”. (Reportedly, reviewers praised its “excellent acoustics” and energetic DnB nights.) Staff and bouncers were generally friendly and attentive – one source notes clean, well-maintained facilities and accommodating service.
Food was limited to bar snacks (e.g. nuts or chips), as Impala did not have a full kitchen. The focus was on the full-service freehouse bar (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Drink-wise, there was a wide range of suds and spirits: local craft beers on tap, a selection of wines and standard spirits, plus creative cocktails from the bartenders. Indeed, the venue was known for its bar offerings and timely service (concreteplayground.com ). A line forms near the bar on busy nights, but staff kept wait times short. Restrooms were available on site (one men’s and one women’s toilet bank), and complimentary tap water was often provided or available upon request. Impala also offered free Wi-Fi inside (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), so phones could still get an internet connection amid the crowds. There was no coat check counter – patrons generally keep small bags with them or leave bulky coats at home before heading downtown.
Nearby Amenities
The Shortland Street/Hamilton intersection area has a few convenience options right next to the club. For example, a local convenience store (“Localito”) on Shortland St stocks snacks, drinks and grocery basics (heartofthecity.co.nz ). A Taco Bell fast–food outlet also opened on Shortland Street in recent years (heartofthecity.co.nz ), in case you want a quick bite before or after a show. Beyond that immediate block, the neighborhood is packed with places to eat and drink. Just a short walk away on High Street and Karangahape Road you will find cafés and restaurants of all kinds. Popular spots include Federal Delicatessen on Federal Street, or dozens of eateries in the Britomart and Wynyard Quarter precinct (e.g. the wide array of Asian and modern-kāi places on Customs Street). If you’re looking for more casual bars, the Hip group’s bars on High St or the busy San Francisco Bathhouse on Khitai (K Road/High St) are within a 5-minute stroll.
For accommodation, the area around Shortland Street has many city hotels. Within walking distance are larger hotels like the Sudima and Hotel Grand Chancellor on Anzac Ave, the hip AmarColour Lodges on Khitai, or boutique Central Apartments on Shelley St. (The downtown Sketch Group, Novotel, Sofitel and others on Queen Street are 5-10 minutes’ walk south.) If driving, note the late-night transport options: CityLink buses (free downtown shuttle) run until midnight on weekends, and taxis/Uber are plentiful after 2am from Queen St or Britomart. In almost all cases it’s best to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before showtime to clear traffic and lines, especially for sold-out major events.
What Makes This Venue Special
Impala stood out because it was one of the first true “proper” nightclubs in downtown Auckland, filling a void in the nightlife scene. It revived an iconic old nightclub space (the basement of the Southern Insurance Building) with modern flair (www.sharedspace.co.nz ) (heartofthecity.co.nz ). Its attitude was entirely music-centric – sound quality and DJ performance were prioritized above all else. Indeed, Impala’s owners described it as a passion project: Daniel Farley had grown up clubbing at Code in that very spot and wanted to recapture that magic (www.rova.nz ). The result was a high-end clubbing platform not found elsewhere in the city – one fan called it “Auckland’s #1 underground dance music spot” (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). The combination of cutting-edge production, art-by-Ken-Griffen decor and a freehouse concept gave Impala a unique identity. It also became known for epic one-off nights: a second-to-none sound system that could reach 130+ decibels made for huge dance parties, and patrons loved the cultural cachet of catching world-class DJs up close. Many local clubbers remember Impala for legendary opening nights or final hurrahs – for example, its last shows in 2022 were tearful celebrations of a beloved venue (www.rova.nz ). In short, Impala’s blend of top-tier sound, inventive design and authentic “real club” programming made it a standout icon in Auckland’s urban nightlife history.
Visitor Tips and Information
Age & Entry: Impala was strictly R18 (18+ only) with no exceptions (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). You must carry valid photo ID (NZ driver’s license or passport accepted) for entry. Under-18s were not admitted even with a parent. Dress code was casual clubwear – jeans and a nice shirt or tee are fine; sports jerseys, hats and work boots might be frowned upon. ID is always checked, so ensure yours is current. Security will pat down bags, so only bring essentials (phone, wallet, keys).
What to Bring or Not Bring: Pack earplugs if you’re sensitive to bass. The sound system is very loud, especially near the front. You can bring a small personal item, but large backpacks are usually not allowed. Leave big cameras, sharp objects or outside alcohol at home. The club provides free water upon request if needed. In bad weather, note that the club is underground – the upstairs entrance area is covered, but plan transit with an umbrella for the outdoor walk. Floors are usually dry and safe.
Timing: Events typically start around 10–11pm and run until 3–4am. It’s wise to arrive shortly after opening to avoid queues (some nights form lines as early as 10:30pm). The venue often relaxed closing time if the room was still full of dancers, but late-night transport (buses/trains) may be limited past midnight.
Accessibility: As a basement club in an older building, Impala was not fully wheelchair accessible – there are steps down to the main floor. People with mobility concerns should check with venue staff before arriving. On the plus side, Impala did offer facilities like free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms (www.sharedspace.co.nz ) and reportedly maintained high cleanliness. The bar staff were known to be helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask a server or security for assistance.
Atmosphere & Etiquette: The crowd was typically 20s–30s, energetic and friendly. While it’s a nightclub atmosphere, Kiwis are generally polite – no rowdy shoving is tolerated. A friendly greeting and waiting your turn at the bar go a long way. Phones are usually fine for quick photos, but many electronic artists discourage recording their sets, so follow any given policy. Smoking was only allowed outside; if you head out, watch out for passing cars.
Alternative Venues: Since Impala closed, fans wanting a similar experience can check out its successor, The Mothership, which now occupies the same address with a similarly heavy sound system (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). For other dance spots in Auckland, nearby options include Galatos or Photopalace at SkyCity, though each has a different vibe. Always double-check the event details if searching online, because “Impala” events should now be listed under the new venue name or at different locations. (As a helpful tip: Impala Place is actually just a quiet residential street name in another suburb, not a club – don’t confuse that with Impala nightclub (www.ticketfairy.com ).)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Impala currently open?
No. Impala closed its doors in early 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions (www.rova.nz ). The name is no longer in use as a nightclub. The space has since re-opened as a new club called The Mothership at the same address (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
Where was Impala located?
Impala was located at 7 Shortland Street in downtown Auckland (corner of High Street) (www.myguideauckland.com ). It occupied the basement level of the heritage Southern Insurance Building, a few blocks north of Britomart Station (www.odt.co.nz ).
What type of music and events did Impala have?
Impala was known for electronic dance music. Its lineup featured DJs and producers spinning genres like EDM, drum-&-bass, house, trap and bass. Over the years it hosted big international names (e.g. Skrillex, Dillon Francis, Pendulum) as well as local favorites (e.g. Wilkinson, Daniel Farley) (www.myguideauckland.com ) (www.rova.nz ). The club mainly had late-night dance parties on weekends and special event nights.
What was the capacity of Impala?
According to venue listings, Impala could hold roughly 243 people at full capacity (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). (It was a mid-sized club with a roomy dance floor and several lounge areas.)
How did I buy tickets to an Impala event?
Back when it was open, Impala event tickets were sold through online ticket platforms and via the promoters. For big shows, tickets typically went on sale in advance online; smaller club nights could sometimes be paid at the door. There was no central box-office at the club, so attendees bought tickets before arriving. (Now that Impala has closed, check The Mothership’s announcements for any future shows.)
What were typical ticket prices?
Pricing varied by event. On opening night of Impala, the cover charge was $10 (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Later events often charged more – many dance events ranged from roughly $10–$20 for regular club nights, and higher (early $20s or more) for major international acts.
What nights was Impala open?
Impala typically operated late-night on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Its listed hours were generally 10pm–4am on those nights (www.myguideauckland.com ), with events often ending around 3–4am. The club was closed on other days.
Is there seating or tables at Impala?
Impala had primarily standing-room and dance floor space. There were some lounge seating areas with couches and tables along the sides, but no formal reserved seating. If events said "GA" (general admission), everyone was free to stand or sit where available. The DJ booth was raised so it could be seen from the whole room (www.myguideauckland.com ).
Where can I park when going to Impala?
Street parking near Shortland Street is scarce, especially at night. The nearest reliable parking is the Victoria Street car park (a short walk north), which charges about $2.50 per hour with a ~$10.50 evening cap (heartofthecity.co.nz ). Other nearby lots exist on Queen or High St, but many people prefer public transit or ride-share to avoid searching for a space.
Is Impala wheelchair accessible?
Given its location in a basement, Impala was not fully accessible for wheelchairs. The main floor required descending stairs. There was no advertised elevator access for patrons. Guests needing accessibility accommodations would need to inquire with the venue in advance.
What facilities did Impala have?
Can minors or children enter Impala?
No. Impala was R18, which means only persons 18 or older could enter, with valid ID. No minors or children were allowed inside at any time (www.undertheradar.co.nz ).
Is there anything called “Impala Place” on the events calendar?
No. Impala Place is simply a quiet residential street in Auckland (Hillsborough) – it’s not an events venue (www.ticketfairy.com ). Any gigs or parties listed as “Impala” are referring to the downtown Impala nightclub (or since 2022, its successor). Impala Place has no concert stage or ticketing.
What replaced Impala after it closed?
After Impala closed in 2022, a new club called The Mothership took over the space at 7 Shortland Street. It opened in late 2022/early 2023 and focuses on live and dance music, with promoted as having the “heaviest club system in Auckland” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
Why did Impala close?
Impala’s owners announced early in 2022 that continued COVID-19 restrictions had made it unsustainable to keep operating, so they decided to close the club “for good” in 2022 (www.rova.nz ). It shut down after that, with only a few final private events as farewells.
