Events at Catacombs Nightclub, Dunedin

About Catacombs Nightclub

Catacombs is a high-energy themed nightclub located in Dunedin’s Octagon, the city’s central plaza (wanderlog.com). Housed in the former 10Bar (and originally a morgue), the venue opened in early 2019 after a major renovation (www.critic.co.nz). Owner Andre (Xiang) Shi – who also runs Vault 21 – transformed the space into an immersive “Hell and Heaven” experience. Walls are adorned with skulls and gothic décor inspired by the Paris catacombs, and a crystal-white marble bar evokes a decadent Parisian vibe (www.critic.co.nz) (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com). Catacombs’ name and branding play on this dark theme: patrons enter “gates of Hell” on one level, while an upstairs VIP lounge called “Heaven” offers an elevated view (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com) (www.critic.co.nz). The club was launched to give Dunedin students and locals a safe, high-quality “real VIP” clubbing experience (www.critic.co.nz) (www.critic.co.nz). Notably, Shi has said the venue’s goal was to let people “let loose and enjoy themselves, but remain in a safe environment” (www.critic.co.nz). Catacombs quickly became known for booming sound, blinding lights and an over-the-top party atmosphere that stands out among Dunedin venues.

Events and Programming

Catacombs is primarily a dance and electronic music venue. The club hosts regular Saturday-night events and special shows featuring top DJs, drum-and-bass crews, and electronic acts from New Zealand and abroad. Most weekends the line-up is a DJ or dance party; for example, promoters often bring in international artists like Kormak (AUS) and AC13 (UK), and local/inside acts like the Drum & Bass crews Inja and Dead Cartel regularly spin here. Catacombs also runs branded club nights – notably a weekly “Dead Cartel” night – with house, techno and D&B thumping late into the night (www.top-rated.online). The venue has even hosted daytime and niche events, such as 30+ retro “day clubbing” parties, proving it can adapt beyond a typical nightclub schedule (www.moshtix.co.nz). On occasion a live band or indie act will appear (for instance, Dunedin’s Summer Thieves played Catacombs in 2023 (www.loop.co.nz)). Because the venue is R18, events are aimed at adults, and there is usually a dress-smart, nightlife vibe. Ticket prices vary by event: club nights often have modest cover charges (sometimes $10-$20) or are free early with guestlist, while major DJs and special events can run $25–$40 or more. Shows are announced through local promoters and social media, and tickets go on sale in advance via New Zealand ticketing outlets – sold-out shows are common due to the club’s loyal following. Visitors planning for a popular night should book early or arrive on the guest list to avoid missing out.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Catacombs events can be purchased through New Zealand ticketing agencies, venue box office on the night (if available), or directly from promoters. Promoters typically announce Catacombs shows weeks or months ahead on social media. As events draw on a student audience, presale or guestlist options may appear, but many nights charge cover at the door if not sold out in advance. For the biggest international DJ bookings, tickets often sell quickly, so buying early is recommended. There is no official loyalty or subscription scheme beyond occasional guestlist or competition entries run by promoters. While door sales may be possible for less-crowded nights, it’s safest to secure tickets online beforehand. In general, cover charges range from low-teens on a standard Saturday to mid-range fees for headline acts, plus standard NZ fees. Some recurring club nights may even have no door fee early in the evening (with payment expected after 11pm), similar to other local venues. Nightly hours tend to be 10 pm or 11 pm until around 3 am, so tickets and entry usually start close to 10:00–11:00pm.

Seating and Layout

Catacombs has a mostly standing-room layout focused on its dancefloor, with only a few seating areas. The main feature is the “Hell” dancefloor downstairs: a flat, windowless floor with the DJ booth set at one end. Patrons gather densely here, often shoulder-to-shoulder when events are busy (www.top-rated.online). The club’s sound system is calibrated for the dancefloor – critics note multiple subwoofers both on stage and overhead for deep bass (www.critic.co.nz) – so expect heavy bass throughout the space. Above the dancefloor is a limited VIP mezzanine/lounge called “Heaven.” This area (accessible by stairs near the entrance) overlooks the floor and offers table booths and couches. In the Heaven lounge you’ll find dedicated service like table-side cocktails and bottle service (in fact, original promotions allowed a booth+drinks package for a group (www.critic.co.nz)). This upstairs lounge provides a reprieve from the crowd below and a clear view of the DJ. Other notable features: along the walls of the main room you might notice macabre décor (skulls, chandeliers, and neon signs like “Tomorrow is Overrated” seen in photos (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com)). Bars run along one side of the club on each level; the downstairs bar is where most visitors line up for drinks. Restrooms are on the lower level near the dancefloor; however, they can become very crowded during peak hours. Because Catacombs is not a theatre-style venue, there are no fixed “good seats” – the best spot is typically right in front of the DJ on the dancefloor, whereas raised sections by the bar or the VIP lounge give a wider view but are further from the music. Overall, it’s a compact club: one reviewer estimated the official capacity at around 225, though actual crowds are sometimes much larger, leading to very crowded conditions (www.top-rated.online).

Getting There and Parking

Catacombs Nightclub is at 10 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016 (wanderlog.com). The Octagon is in Dunedin’s city centre, so the club is within easy walking distance of many downtown locations. If taking public transport, the Octagon is a major hub served by multiple bus routes. Dunedin’s Orbus lines 3, 5, 14, 18, 77 and others all stop at or very near the Octagon (moovitapp.com), making bus travel straightforward from suburbs. The newly redesigned Octagon also has taxi ranks; a common drop-off and pick-up point is on Upper Stuart Street adjacent to the plaza. Rideshare services (Uber, Ola, Zoomy) operate in Dunedin, and can drop passengers near The Octagon as well. For drivers, downtown parking is limited and often metered after hours. Nearby paid parking garages within a few blocks include the Fillijue Street car park, Upper Moray Place Wilson Parking, and Lower Moray Place parking (each 2–5 minutes’ walk) (www.unwindretreat.co.nz). On-street parking is scarce near The Octagon itself due to pedestrianised zones and taxi lanes. Most visitors either park on a side street a few blocks away or use a central car park. Because the club closes around 2–3am on Saturdays, plan your trip home ahead: after hours, buses stop running, so arrange a taxi or rideshare in advance. (Students should note Dunedin’s Campus Watch phone line (0800 479 5000) for assistance if they feel unsafe walking late at night (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com).)

Inside the Venue

On arrival at Catacombs, expect a typical nightclub entry procedure. Security staff will check for valid photo ID (IDs are mandatory – no minors are admitted) and may scan bags at the door. The dress code is club-wear (smart casual); patrons generally recommend “dressing up and smart” for a night out (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com). Once inside, the atmosphere is dark, loud and immersive – complete with fog machines, flashing lights, and often inflatable props or decor. The main dancefloor is brightly lit by the DJ’s lighting rig during shows, and the ceiling has additional strobe or laser fixtures to energise the crowd. As a note of caution, volumes can be very high on busy nights (the club’s sound system has unusually strong bass (www.critic.co.nz)), so earplugs might be wise for people sensitive to loudness. The overall mood is intense and theatrical, fitting the Hell-themed concept; patrons often wear edgy or themed outfits. The club has several bars: one on the downstairs level and another in the upstairs lounge. Drink choices include beers, spirits and a simple cocktail menu – historically the venue promoted cocktails at around $7 as of 2019 (www.critic.co.nz). The Heaven lounge offers an expanded cocktail and bottle-service menu for VIPs. Food-wise, there’s no full kitchen, but small late-night snacks (like chips or nuts) may be available at the bars. There is no separate merchandise stand, so aside from branded drinkware or surprise promo items, you’re unlikely to find Catacombs swag for sale. A coat check (cloakroom) area usually operates near the entrance, where a fee is charged to stow coats or large bags. Restrooms are gender-specific and located downstairs; as one review warned, they can have very long lines when the club is full (www.top-rated.online). Wifi and phone service may be spotty during peak hours, so plan to coordinate meetups before entering. Security staff circulate inside to manage the crowd – reviews note that on the plus side, many patrons praise the friendly staff and good guard service when not overcrowded, though peak nights can feel tight and hectic (wanderlog.com) (www.top-rated.online).

Nearby Amenities

The Octagon has no shortage of pre- and post-club options. Around Catacombs, you’ll find restaurants and cafes on The Octagon and adjacent George and Moray streets. For dining before a club night, popular choices include the upmarket Fillettes Cafe (New Zealand cuisine), Chinese at Heaven (a different venue across the Octagon), or casual pizza and burgers at places like Bev’s on Moray or World Bar & Troppos. Many visitors grab a coffee or quick bite at Vudu Cafe or Level (both just off The Octagon) on the way to nightlife. Several bars and pubs are also steps away: Vault 21 (Andre Shi’s own late-night bar) shares the same block, and others like The Imperial, Happy Don on Stuart Street, or Fitzy’s (known for darts after hours) are within a short walk. If you need accommodation, the club is surrounded by hotels. Spacious downtown hotels include the Distinction Dunedin (Mercure), Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (right on the Octagon), and Ibis Dunedin (just off The Octagon). Budget hostels (Base Backpackers) and city apartments are also nearby. Many people arrive early and make an evening of it: for example, catching a movie at the Regent 3 cinema (corner of Octagon) or grabbing a dining table at Alfred Street Bistro or Aristotle’s. After the club closes, some after-hours lounges like CASA or Harmony Bar (both licensed until late) stay open for socialising. Taxis and rideshares can be called to pick up patrons in The Octagon area 24/7, making a late-night exit relatively easy for central stayers.

What Makes This Venue Special

Catacombs stands out in Dunedin’s nightlife for its bold theme and immersive design. Unlike typical bars, Catacombs fully embraces its “underground sanctuary” identity by playing on its genuine history (the building was once a morgue) and adding theatrical flair. The decor – from the “Heaven” VIP lounge with its pearly gates to the downstairs “Hell” dancefloor lined with skull motifs – creates a unique ambience that feels more like a theatrical set than a plain club (www.critic.co.nz) (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com). The club’s reopening was notable locally because it aimed to offer a nightclub on par with Auckland and Wellington standards: the sound system alone (with multiple subs) was a major upgrade over the old venue (www.critic.co.nz). Catacombs also quickly found its place in Dunedin culture by catering to drum & bass and EDM fans, niches that were underserved in the city. For example, long-running events like Dead Cartel brought a loyal crowd of local DJ-heads, and international guest DJs now make Dunedin a tour stop. The venue’s origin story and owner tie it to local lore: it was created by a Dunedin-born businessman determined to give students a safer nightlife alternative to risky flat parties (www.critic.co.nz). Its opening was big news in 2019, poking fun at the “dead” name of the previous 10Bar (skulls and all) while filling a gap in the Octagon scene (www.critic.co.nz) (www.critic.co.nz). Finally, beyond nightlife Catacombs has had cultural ripple effects. It’s part of hotel and restaurant partnerships (like a “safe drinking” campaign with Dunedin hostel LakeHouse) and even had a bit of controversy over promotions, showing how it’s intertwined with student and city life (www.critic.co.nz). Fans of the club say the memory of a night at Catacombs – loud music, flashing strobes, and the slogan “Here’s to the forsaken” used in visuals – is unlike any other Dunedin experience (www.top-rated.online). For artists, the venue offers a chance to perform in a theatrically styled environment (themed stage and lighting), making gigs feel special. In short, Catacombs matters to Dunedin as both a party hotspot and a piece of modern nightlife culture with its own “underground” identity.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: Catacombs’ basement location means it is not fully wheelchair-friendly. Entry to the main club and VIP lounge involves descending stairs (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com). If you have mobility issues, contact the club in advance to check for accommodations (they may have a stair lift or can arrange assistance). Otherwise assume most areas are standard steps. Venue staff do advise checking access policies before arriving (wanderlog.com). What to bring: Always carry valid photo ID (New Zealand or international driver’s licence/passport). A wristband or hand stamp is applied on entry. Leave large bags and valuables locked in your car or hotel. (A paid coat check is available.) Standard smart-casual clubwear is expected; as a local guide put it, “dress up and dress smart, grab your best shoes” (carrysustyguide.wordpress.com). Because Catacombs can get very busy, consider bringing small, light earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music (wanderlog.com). No outside food or drink is permitted. Photography of friends is fine, but professional camera gear or flash photography may be banned once events begin. Check the specific event page for any camera or bag rules. Mistakes to avoid: Don’t underestimate the crowd on a Saturday. Many reviews warn the club fills up quickly, so arriving late (after midnight) could mean long entry lines or even being turned away if full (www.top-rated.online). Peak nights (especially student mid-semester or holidays) are extremely busy – reviews suggest avoiding the worst crowds by coming earlier in the evening or opting for the VIP lounge if space is at a premium (wanderlog.com). Don’t forget ear protection, as the bass and speakers can make prolonged listening very loud (wanderlog.com). Also, do bring enough cash or have a card ready – the club accepts cards at the bar, but lines can be slow if everyone’s fumbling for payment. Dress code violations (sporty attire, dirty shoes) may lead to denial of entry by security. Age and ID: Catacombs is strictly 18+. Quiet, ages-ey children or teenagers are not allowed under any event promoter’s policy. For themed nights that might advertise “all ages” on some ticket sites, double-check – the ticket itself should say R18 or NZ HA (unless it was a daytime event licensed differently). Always bring your government ID. Best nights to go: The most popular nights are Saturday club nights, often run by local promoters. Thursdays and Fridays see occasional events; Sundays are usually closed. Some special nights (like Halloween or end-of-semester parties) attract big crowds. If you prefer something more intimate, mid-semester or off-season weekends can be quieter. On peak nights, getting a VIP booth or arriving before 11pm helps avoid long lines (wanderlog.com). Safety and conduct: Security staff are generally on duty and will intervene in any disturbance. While many guests rave about the fun staff and atmosphere, some negative reviews have cited issues with overcrowding and roughness (wanderlog.com) (www.top-rated.online). The club maintains zero-tolerance on illicit substances and will eject unruly patrons. Walk out quickly if you feel unsafe on the dancefloor – the Heaven lounge provides a less packed space if you need a break. Use designated crossing points and watch for trams or buses when leaving late at night.