About Cloud 9 Lounge
Cloud 9 Lounge is a modern cocktail bar and shisha (hookah) lounge located at 8 Hood Street in Hamilton’s CBD (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). It offers an “elevated experience” combining a stylish bar, quality food, and relaxed shisha seating (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). The venue occupies a relatively compact (about 160 m²) unit with concrete walls and an iron roof (www.hougarden.com ), giving it an intimate vibe. Locally, Cloud 9 is notable for introducing hookah culture and upscale cocktails to Hood Street, making it stand out in Hamilton’s nightlife. It opened in recent years and quickly became popular with a younger crowd due to its lounge atmosphere and varied music events.
Events and Programming
Cloud 9 Lounge hosts a wide range of entertainment. Expect lively DJ nights and dance events most weekends. Themed parties are common – for example Bollywood dance nights featuring live performances and Indian beats (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). One recent programming highlight was a “What’s New” local rap showcase (Oct 2025) with homegrown artists performing live (www.eventbrite.co.nz ). Other nights have included R&B and Latin parties, Halloween-themed “House of Horror” events, and even tribute-band themed parties (e.g. Xmas events with an Abba tribute). Beyond music, the venue also offers unique daytime events. For instance, a sold-out “Bottomless Long Lunch + Shisha” package was offered (3 hours of unlimited drinks, food, DJ music and shisha for NZ$79) (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). Generally, Cloud 9’s events calendar mixes club-style dance nights with cultural festivals and live showcases. Many events are 18+ only (check event listings) and emphasize a lounge/club atmosphere with strong sound and lighting production.
Tickets and Booking
For special events (like themed parties or concerts) Cloud 9 Lounge typically sells tickets in advance. You can usually buy tickets through the lounge’s official channels or general event websites. Popular events may sell out, so it’s wise to keep an eye on announcements or join the mailing list to get news of new shows (Cloud 9’s site even invites subscribers to get exclusive event offers (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz )). Ticket prices vary by event. Club nights often have a modest cover charge (for example, entry fees in the range of about NZ$10–$20 are common at Hamilton clubs), whereas special event packages carry set prices. In one example, a 3-hour bottomless brunch package cost NZ$79 (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). Day-of door tickets are sometimes available if not sold out, but the smart move for busy nights is to book online or via the lounge’s social channels when sales open. There is no publicly advertised box-office until event day – most bookings are online or at the venue door.
Seating and Layout
Cloud 9 Lounge has an open-plan interior with a mix of seating styles. There is a long bar counter along one side and bar-height tables, plus sofas and booths for a lounge feel. A central space serves as the dance floor and DJ area. Seating is general admission (no assigned seats), so arriving early on busy nights will help you snag a sofa or table. Lounge areas near the back or sides are great for relaxing and smoking hookah, while the middle of the room is best for dancing and socializing with the crowd. Acoustically, the sound system is tuned for club music, so expect powerful bass and lively lighting on music nights. For best views of live performers or DJ sets, aim for the center of the venue – near the stage/DJ booth – but keep in mind this area gets crowded. In quieter moments you might prefer a low table by the wall. The layout is single-level with clear sightlines: there are no balconies, so every spot sees the action. Because it’s relatively small, avoid seating at the main entrance if you want comfort (door crowds come and go).
Getting There and Parking
Cloud 9 Lounge’s central location means it’s easy to reach. The address is 8 Hood Street, Hamilton Central (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). It’s in the heart of the CBD just a few blocks south of Garden Place. If you’re driving, on-street parking is available on Hood Street itself, but spaces are limited (often with 1–2 hour metered limits). The nearest major car park is Central Park at 16–20 Knox Street (around a block from the lounge) (www.centralparkhamilton.co.nz ). This multi-storey car park has about 443 bays and vehicle entry/exit on Knox and on Hood Street (www.centralparkhamilton.co.nz ). Casual rates there are roughly $5 for the first hour, $10 for two hours, up to $18 for a full day (www.centralparkhamilton.co.nz ), making it a convenient option for evenings out. Be aware that evening rates may differ, but generally you can expect to pay $15–$18 for an extended visit (night parking after midnight is cheaper on weekends, though confirm current rates). If you prefer street parking, look for the parking meter near 30 Hood St – it offers some free time and then paid parking (around $4/hr) (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). For public transport users, Hamilton’s main bus hub (the Transport Centre at Bryce and Anglesea Streets) is about a 5–10 minute walk away (hamilton.govt.nz ). From the Transport Centre, simply head south through the city mall towards Victoria Street, then continue one block to Hood Street. Most Hamilton bus routes stop at this centre, so it’s the easiest way to get close. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are also common on Hood Street or at the nearby intersection of Hood/Victoria. In summary: walking from the car park or transport depot takes only a few minutes, and there are multiple parking choices in the CBD – just allow extra time if visiting at peak (Friday/Saturday night).
Inside the Venue
Expect a stylish club ambience. On entry you’ll likely see a slick bar with glowing LED lights and a lounge area with colorful couches. There is an order-at-bar system – friendly staff will take drink and food tickets. The menu includes bar-style finger food (burgers, hot dogs, wings, quesadillas and loaded fries as share dishes) alongside a full drinks list (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). Cocktails are a highlight, and the bar also stocks tap beers and soft drinks. Special packages (like the bottomless lunch) bundle food and drinks together (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ), which can be ordered as soon as you sit down for those events. Shisha pipes are available at select tables – you’ll see a menu of hookah flavors, and staff will set up coals for you to enjoy the pipe while you relax. Since indoor smoking is allowed here (for shisha), the venue can feel hazy when busy. The overall vibe is vibrant and social. Music from the DJ or sound system will often be loud on party nights, so it’s a high-energy environment – dancing is encouraged if the floor is free. Restrooms are located along the side walls (one each for male/female). There isn’t a formal coat check or cloakroom indicated, so guests usually keep personal items at their table or under chairs. Inside seating is limited, so groups often mingle. On calm evenings the lighting is moderate; on event nights expect spotlights and moving light effects. There is typically no dress code beyond “smart casual” – jeans are common, but avoid overly sporty attire if you want to blend in on dance nights. Remember your ID (18+ venue): expect a quick ID check at the door on busy nights. Overall, Cloud 9 offers a trendy and laid-back lounge atmosphere during dinners, and a lively club feel after dark.
Nearby Amenities
Hood Street is a short alley branching off Victoria St West, so other bars, eateries and services are quite close. For pre-show dining or an early lunch, the Hood St Bistro at 27 Hood is right next door and well-known for Southern-American style dishes and craft beers (www.hoodstreetbistro.co.nz ). It’s open daily for breakfast/lunch (approx. 8 am–2 pm), and you can sit inside or outside on the sunny days. Another nearby option is the House on Hood bar (also on Hood St) which serves pizzas and pub food – it often runs its own late-night events, but behaves like a casual dining bar. Along Victoria Street (two blocks north) there are multiple other bars, sandwich shops and even a liquor store for bottle purchases. If you need coffee or pastries beforehand, there are cafes on nearby Victoria St. As for hotels, the fastest one (the Grand Central Motel) is a 5-minute walk southwest on Victoria St; there are also downtown chain hotels (Novotel, Fairfield) within about 1 km. Should you need late-night transport, city taxis and rideshares constantly circulate in the CBD; just step to Victoria or Collingwood St for easy pickup. In short, Cloud 9’s corner of Hamilton is surrounded by restaurants and bars for pre- or post-event drinks, plus convenient lodging if you’re staying in the city.
What Makes This Venue Special
Cloud 9 Lounge’s charm is in its fusion of cultures and experiences. Few local spots offer hookah alongside a full bar and sit-down menu, so the shisha lounge theme sets it apart. The venue plays Middle Eastern-style flavor in its hookah offerings but pairs it with Australian/NZ-style bar food (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ) and international music nights. Its location on Hood Street – once a quieter backstreet – has become a youthful nightlife hub, and Cloud 9 was one of the pioneers there. The atmosphere is relaxed by day and pulsing by night, which makes it versatile. Historic moments are still being made here (it’s too new for “classic” milestones), but it quickly hosted its first large events (like Bollywood nights and rap showcases). Locals and visitors appreciate Cloud 9 for the sense of “being on cloud nine” – that is, having a fun escape. For artists, it’s a beloved small stage to test new songs, and for dance fans it’s a much-needed extended-hours venue. Overall it adds sparkle to Hamilton’s entertainment scene: striking decor, upbeat lighting, and that signature aromatic shisha smoke create a unique lounge vibe that both audiences and performers love.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue appears to have level entry (no archived steps shown in building records (www.hougarden.com )), so it should be wheelchair-accessible, though we advise confirming the latest setup. Inside, one restroom is typically kept handicap-accessible. Dress code: The vibe is trendy-casual. On theme nights some patrons dress up (e.g. Bollywood attire for those parties), but normal club attire (jeans, shirt or blouse) is just fine. Socks and shoes are required – flip-flops are OK if tidy. ID and Age: Cloud 9 is licensed as an 18+ venue. Always bring valid ID; under-18s and minors are not allowed in the lounge areas after early evening. What to bring: If you plan to smoke hookah, bring cash or card to pay at the table (staff will set up one for your group). Coats and bags can stay at your seat, as no formal cloakroom is provided. Arrival time: For busy nights (especially Friday/Saturday), arriving around 9–10 pm helps secure a spot before it fills up. If you ordered a package or table (e.g. the long lunch), arrive on time. Connectivity: Don’t rely on free Wi-Fi (likely spotty). Most people use mobile data to share live snaps. Photography: Casual snapshots for social media are fine, but respect performers – professional photography is usually disallowed without permission. Common pitfalls: Avoid wearing strong fragrances (some patrons are sensitive in smoke-filled rooms). Keep an eye on personal belongings – tables fill up quickly, so stow your purse or phone in view. When busy, staff may enforce a no-reentry policy if you step outside, so be ready to commit your stay once inside. Insider tip: Try a shisha during the afternoon (when it’s quieter) for a relaxed experience, or sample a bottomless brunch package if offered – it’s popular for a reason. On nights with live DJs, the sound is loud but clear; earplugs can help if you’re planning to stay very late. And finally, don’t overlook the mid-week or pre-club hours: Cloud 9 often has a chill early-evening crowd enjoying bites and shisha before the late-night rush builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Cloud 9 Lounge located?
Cloud 9 Lounge is in downtown Hamilton at 8 Hood Street , in the heart of the central business district (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). This is just off Victoria Street West, about a block south of Garden Place. If you know where the old Federal Street Post Office was, it’s only a few minutes’ walk south on Hood Street.
Is there public transport close to Cloud 9 Lounge?
Yes. Hamilton’s main bus terminal (the Transport Centre at Bryce/Anglesea St) is about a 5–10 minute walk from Cloud 9 (hamilton.govt.nz ). Almost every city bus route stops at that hub, so you can catch a bus from anywhere in Hamilton and transfer there. From the Transport Centre, head south into the city mall and follow Victoria Street to Hood Street. In short, public transit access is excellent — just get off at the central bus depot and walk a block to Hood Street.
What parking is available near Cloud 9 Lounge?
Street parking on Hood Street itself is available but very limited (often metered for 1–2 hours). A better choice is the nearby Central Park car park (16–20 Knox Street), which has 443 spaces and entrances on Knox St and Hood St (www.centralparkhamilton.co.nz ). Rates there are roughly $5 for the first hour, $10 for two hours, up to about $18 for a long day (www.centralparkhamilton.co.nz ). For a club outing, you might pay around $15–$18 total. Plan to arrive early if your visit is on Friday/Saturday night because it gets busy.
How can I buy tickets or make reservations for events?
Tickets for special events (like live shows or theme parties) are usually sold online. Cloud 9 Lounge often announces events on social media or email newsletters, so the best strategy is to sign up on their website or follow them for updates (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). Big parties may sell out in advance, hence keep an eye on announcements. On some nights (and for things like brunch deals), you can also book directly through the venue. For walk-in club nights, you might just pay cover at the door — but arriving early is wise if it’s a popular event.
What are the typical ticket or cover charge prices?
Prices vary by event. At its simplest, Cloud 9’s cover charge for a regular Friday/Saturday club night might be modest (often around NZ$10–$20), though check ahead as planned DJs or artists can change that. They also run food/drink packages – for example, a recent 3-hour “Bottomless Long Lunch + Shisha” deal was priced at NZ$79 (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). Specialty events like full concerts will have a set ticket price (sometimes higher), so read the event details. In short: casual nights are inexpensive to enter, while packages and concerts cost more.
What is the capacity of Cloud 9 Lounge?
Cloud 9 Lounge is a relatively small, intimate venue (the unit is only about 160m² in total (www.hougarden.com )). It doesn’t list an official “capacity” online, but it feels like it holds on the order of a few dozen patrons comfortably – maybe 50–80 people at a time. This is part of its charm: the space isn’t huge, so nights there have a tight, party vibe. For large crowds, they may limit tickets to avoid overcrowding. In short, expect a cozy-size crowd rather than a stadium-level audience.
Is smoking allowed inside the venue?
Yes. Cloud 9 is specifically a shisha (hookah) lounge, so smoking hookah pipes is part of the experience. You’ll see that indoor use of shisha is permitted at designated seating. However, note that traditional cigarettes or vaping is generally still not allowed inside New Zealand bars (apart from shisha), so if you smoke cigarettes you would need to step outside onto the street (while hookah smokers stay inside). But for shisha, you can definitely enjoy it at your table in the lounge.
Are children or under-18s allowed at Cloud 9 Lounge?
No. Cloud 9 Lounge is an adult-only nightlife venue. Most events are strictly 18 years and over (check the specific event wording, but policies typically enforce 18+ access) (www.eventbrite.co.nz ). The bar serves alcohol, and they offer shisha, so minors are not permitted inside after early evening. You must be prepared to show valid ID (passport or driver’s license) to get in. In short: this is a 18+ venue, so plan childcare accordingly if you’re heading out.
What is the dress code at Cloud 9 Lounge?
There is no strict uniform dress code, but the vibe is trendy and smart-casual. On weekends and dance nights, patrons often wear jeans with stylish shirts or tops, and some even dress up (dresses or nice shirts) since the atmosphere can be upscale. Flip-flops or sportswear would look out of place, so most people go for neat closed or open shoes. Dark jeans and a shirt are safe for men; women often wear a nice top or dress. Theme nights might inspire special attire (Bollywood glam for those nights, etc.), but normally it’s pretty relaxed. In summary: think “night out” rather than casual daywear.
Can I bring a large bag or backpack into the lounge?
Light personal bags are usually fine, but large backpacks might be discouraged (especially on busy nights when space is tight). There is no formal cloakroom, so if you have bulky items it’s best to check them in your parked car or leave unnecessary bags at home. Smaller handbags, phone wallets and the like can sit at your feet or under-table. The staff may ask you to carry on personal items if the place is very crowded, but generally you won’t need to surrender your bag.
Does Cloud 9 Lounge offer bottle service or VIP tables?
There is no formal VIP section, but you can reserve tables in advance for groups (especially for events or packages). Cloud 9 does offer table/service reservations (for instance, the bottomless lunch required booking). On big nights you might pay for a reserved table which includes bottle service (typically by arrangement with the venue or through an event organizer). If you want a guaranteed spot or special service, it’s best to call ahead and ask if you can book a table with drinks pre-paid. Otherwise it’s general admission, and any table not reserved is first-come first-served.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Cloud 9 is on the ground floor with no obvious steps at the Hood Street entrance, so it is likely wheelchair-accessible in terms of entry (no special stairs according to the building record (www.hougarden.com )). Inside, there should be space to navigate between tables. One of the restrooms is usually set up for accessibility. However, Wi recommend calling the venue to double-check on ramps or any thresholds if wheelchair access is critical, as older CBD streets can sometimes have a small lip at the door.
What kind of food and drinks can I get at Cloud 9 Lounge?
Cloud 9 serves bar-style food and a full drinks menu. The kitchen offers casual fare like burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, quesadillas, loaded fries and similar comfort dishes (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). These are designed for sharing or easy dining with drinks. The bar has an array of cocktails, premium spirits, wines and local beers on tap. There’s also a broad non-alcoholic drink list (sodas, juices, mocktails). Don’t miss the special beverage packages – for a set price you can get unlimited drinks during a brunch event, for example (www.cloud9lounge.co.nz ). In short, expect tasty pub grub and creative cocktails along with your shisha.
Does Cloud 9 Lounge have Wi-Fi available?
No public Wi-Fi is advertised for Cloud 9 Lounge. Most visitors rely on their own mobile data (cellular service is generally good indoors due to Hamilton’s coverage). If staying connected is important, have your data plan ready. Free Wi-Fi is unlikely in this type of bar – cloud 9 focuses more on lounge connectivity (hookah, cocktails and music) than on internet service.
Are pets or animals allowed at Cloud 9 Lounge?
No, pets are not allowed inside (except certified service animals). Cloud 9 is a smoke-filled bar environment with hookah and loud music, so animals would not be permitted in the lounge. If you have a service dog, inquire ahead about accommodations, but general pet companionship is not allowed.
