About The Daily – Club 2
The Daily – Club 2 is a nightclub and multi-bar entertainment venue in the heart of Palmerston North’s downtown. It is part of The Daily , which was famously Palmerston North’s largest nightlife complex. The complex featured multiple bars (sports bar, garden/outdoor bar, themed bar, etc.) and two separate dance-club rooms. Locals know it for its lively, energetic atmosphere catering to students and young people. It was owned by local hospitality entrepreneur Ricky Quirk (part of George Hospitality Group) and touted as “the largest hospitality establishment in Palmerston North” with five bars across the site . Over the years it became a staple of Palmy’s entertainment scene, hosting big dance parties, themed nights, live acts, and sporting-event gatherings.
In late 2023 The Daily officially closed its doors (the owners have announced a major redevelopment of the site). The building is set to reopen in 2025 under new concepts called Holy Smoke (a smoked-meats restaurant) and Holy Grail (a modern nightclub) . However, until then The Daily’s history remains a big part of Palmerston North’s nightlife heritage. Its signature draw was two large club rooms (“Club 1” and “Club 2”) under one roof, so visitors could choose different music and vibes in each. In practice “Club 2” simply refers to the second dance room at The Daily (often marketed alongside the first club room). As an iconic local venue, The Daily held a unique place in town culture .
Events and Programming
The Daily – Club 2 hosted a wide variety of nightlife events. On regular weekends Club 2 would feature DJ-led dance parties (often with electronic/hardstyle or hip-hop music), with the music style geared to the audience for that night. For example, Thursdays were famously “student nights” geared toward the Massey University crowd . DJs played popular club hits and students often enjoyed special drink deals or discounted entry. On Fridays and Saturdays the dance floors filled up with clubbers and fashion-themed parties. The venue also ran special theme nights – past examples include holiday or pop-culture parties (an Easter Party in April 2023 and a Barbie-themed party in July 2023 ). These fun nights encouraged costumes and drew big crowds.
In addition to in-house club nights, The Daily hosted occasional live bands and touring DJs. It was even part of international acts’ schedules – for instance, the Luxembourg dance act “MILLBROOK” played Palmerston North at The Daily in June 2021 www.ticketfairy.com . Various Kiwi cover bands and indie acts have also performed there on Friday or Saturday nights. Events typically ran late (doors around 9pm, dancing until 2-3am) . Tickets for concerts or special events varied by act, but casual club nights often just had a modest cover charge at the door. As one local club guide notes, The Daily charged a regular $5–$15 cover for entry into its big nights (student nights often had little or no charge for student ID) . Overall, patrons could expect club-style programming most weekends, with occasional headline gigs or themed parties drawing extra attention in the local nightlife calendar.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for shows at The Daily – Club 2 were generally sold through on-site or local means. For regular club nights you could usually just pay the cover charge at the door (often NZ $5–$15). Student nights on Thursdays often offered free or heavily reduced entry to student ID holders . For bigger events or headliner concerts, tickets were made available via local promoters and ticket outlets. (In the past, some events were listed on sites like Ticket Fairy for advanced sale.) If you plan to attend a specific show, check announcements on The Daily’s social media or local event listings – often the venue would advertise pre-sales or guest list arrangements.
There is no permanent box office at the venue. Most visitors simply arrive and pay on entry. It’s wise, however, to book early or arrive early on nights that feature popular acts or limited capacity, as latecomers may have to queue. Doors typically opened around 9pm on club nights (Thursday–Saturday) . There were no fixed seating reservations – all entry was general admission unless a special booking (like VIP or group table hire) was arranged through event promoters. With most nights just a cover charge, the price tiers were usually simple: standard entry vs. any VIP add-ons. As noted above, entry was 18+ for club events www.ticketfairy.com .
Seating and Layout
The Daily’s layout was spread across a large footprint. As described in past listings, the venues under one roof included a sports bar, a garden/outdoor bar, a themed bar, and two separate nightclub rooms . In practice, patrons often entered through the front bar area, which lead to one side where Club 1’s dance floor lay, and another side toward Club 2. There was no fixed theatre-style seating – instead, the dance floors were open, standing-room areas filled with club-goers. Seating was mostly limited to bar stools and high-top tables around the edges and bars. One unique quirk mentioned in guides is that the bar areas had novelty stools (with one leg, two legs, etc.) as conversation pieces – but for the dance floors, expect general admission standing only.
The vantage points in each club room centered on the DJs and dancefloor. Many clubbers watched from the front of the stage or periphery of the crowd. If you prefer a less-crowded spot, hanging back near the bar entrances gives a view of the action (though loud music remains constant). There was also an upstairs mezzanine area in one part of the complex for a quieter lounge feel and extra seating during slower nights. Overall, the experience is designed for active dancing; if you want to sit for a show, the best spots are at the tables and benches lining the bar entrances.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The Daily – Club 2 was located on Main Street in Palmerston North’s CBD. (It occupied 511–513 Main St, near the corner with King and Church Streets .) This puts it just a couple of blocks south of The Square – an easy 5–10 minute walk from the main city centre hub. If heading from Palmerston North’s Massey University campus, it’s about a 15-minute drive or a direct local bus ride to the city centre. A handy landmark is the “Shooters” bar (across the street); as one local guide notes, The Daily sat right “near Shooters on Main Street” . In other words, it’s very centrally located, within the bustling downtown nightlife zone.
Public Transport: Multiple city bus routes run through central Palmerston North. Because Main Street is in the middle of downtown, the nearest official bus stops are at The Plaza (the main inter-town bus terminal on The Square) and on Church Street a block away. In practice, most Orbus city routes loop through Church and Broadway, so you can get off one block from The Daily and walk 2–3 minutes. Palmerston North also has some free central city shuttle buses; check the latest schedules. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare (Uber/Zoomy) operate in the city – you can easily be dropped off or picked up right in front on Main Street or on adjacent Church Street for The Daily. (There is also a rear entrance off Berrymans Lane, which some patrons use for quick entry/exit.)
Parking: The Daily did not have an on-site car park, so visitors typically used nearby street parking or public car parks. Most of the streets around the CBD have paid parking Mon–Sat. According to Palmerston North City Council, parking meters are active 8:30am–5:30pm on weekdays, and free late evenings after 5:30pm . For example, Main Street and Church Street parking is pay-to-park during business hours, but after 6pm it is usually free, as is all-day Sunday parking . (This is good news for club-goers arriving after dinner.) If driving, you could try the Church Street carpark or the multi-storey near The Square; both are a short walk from the venue. Rideshare drop-off zones are often uncongested on Church/Main late at night, making car-free travel easy. Ultimately, plan for a night out by allowing 5–10 minutes to find parking or arrange a taxi ride, especially on busy Friday/Saturday nights.
Inside the Venue
Once inside, The Daily offered a lively, polished club atmosphere. Entry was controlled by ID check at the door. Inside, you’d find a number of bars serving a full range of beverages and bar snacks . For example, a sports bar area had large screens for live games (NZ rugby, NRL, etc.) and even an on-site TAB betting terminal , making it a popular spot for sports fans. The garden bar (a covered outdoor section) provided fresh air and a relaxed bar vibe, while a third bar had a fun “themed” decor. Through those bars lay the two nightclub rooms (Club 1 and Club 2), each with a raised DJ booth and state-of-the-art sound & lighting rigs. Even though The Daily is now closed, its sound systems were once described as club-grade gear delivering deep bass and clear audio – so expect loud dance music that really fills the space.
Food options inside were typical pub fare: think pizza, chicken wings, nachos and similar snacks to go with drinks. The bars offered local craft beers on tap, house spirits, ciders and cocktails. If you needed a quiet break from the music, the seating around the bars allowed you to sit and chat (or watch sports). Restrooms were located near the main bars as usual. (When it operated, The Daily did not offer a formal coat check – staff usually advised small bags, or keeping valuables with you. As with most NZ clubs, bag searches were uncommon but security kept an eye on loose items.)
The security was typical for a nightclub: courteous bouncers at each door checking IDs (all patrons must be 18+ www.ticketfairy.com ) and scanning for any prohibited items (like bottles or illegal substances). Phones were allowed on the club floor for photos or videos, as you’d expect, but professional camera gear or recording equipment would likely be prohibited. Overall, the inside vibe was energetic and friendly – lights pulsed to the beat, locals danced together on packed weekends, and groups hung out by the bars when taking breaks. Remember that it could get hot and crowded, so dress lightly and hydrate between drinks. On the positive side, cell phone reception was generally good indoors (Palmy’s network coverage is solid downtown), and some visitors even reported there was basic free Wi-Fi available in the bar areas (though no official public Wi-Fi was advertised).
Nearby Amenities
The Daily’s downtown location means plenty of amenities within walking distance. Restaurants and Eateries: You’re in the core of the city, so a huge variety of food is nearby. Just across the road on Church Street and in the Cuba Mall area you’ll find cafes, sushi joints, pizza places, Indian and Chinese takeaways, and late-night snack shops. Dinner options before a night out range from casual burger bars to nicer sit-down restaurants. Many people catch a bite along Broadway (one block north) – for example, BurgerFuel, Casa Publica (gastropub), and the Baker Brothers cafe are all 5–10 minutes’ walk away.
Bars and Pubs: The city centre has several other nightlife spots clustered nearby. Right next door on Main Street is Shooters Sports Bar (good for pre-game drinks). A few doors down is The Crescendo Bar (for live bands) and the iconic Red Square Bowling Alley (also a club-like venue). On The Square itself you’ll find the Kingsgate Hotel bar and Miss Thing’s (cocktails). So, after your time at The Daily, you could easily hop to any of these for an after-party. The popular Speedway Garage bar/restaurant is about a 2-minute walk away around the corner – it saw even more business after The Daily closed, highlighting the nightlife spillover .
Hotels: If staying overnight, several hotels border the city centre. The Distinction Palmerston North (a historic heritage building turned 4-star hotel) is on Cuba and Pitt Streets, just a 3-minute walk. The Holiday Inn Express and the Quest Palmerston North (apartment hotel) are both a short walk via Broadway. Even cheaper options like the Ibis or Park Domain Motor Lodge are 10 minutes on foot. For students or budget travelers, dorm-style accommodation (like Kiwi studios) is also within walking distance. In other words, you won’t have far to stagger back after partying once you clock your key card.
Transport Nodes: If you plan to catch a bus, the main bus hub (The Plaza) is right by The Square, 2 blocks north. Late-night buses on weekend nights are limited, so most people simply walk or take a taxi/Uber. Taxi stands are at The Square and on Rangitikei Street (near Kingsgate). After hours the city is generally safe to walk (Palmy’s downtown is usually quiet after 2am). Overall, The Daily’s central spot made it walkable from most city destinations – just remember to taxi home if you stay past last public bus.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Daily – Club 2 (as part of The Daily) had a unique blend of space and vibe that set it apart. For one, it was unusually large for Palmerston North – with two club rooms under one roof, it could host different musical styles simultaneously. Local drinkers could watch live rugby in the sports bar, then dance hours later just steps away. This variety meant groups of friends could split up and each enjoy their own scene. In addition, The Daily invested in themed decorations; one of its bars permanently featured whimsical decor (hence the bar stools with a variety of leg styles). This kind of novelty – plus regular fancy lighting and fog machines on the dance floor – made the night fun and immersive.
Culturally, The Daily held a legacy in Palmy’s story. Many local people have “landmark” memories there: first dates, birthday celebrations, university events and more. It had a reputation for hosting big parties tied to national events (e.g. a New Year’s Eve bash or Valentine’s party). Its closure in 2023 was noted in the local press as the end of an era, and the site’s planned revival into the Holy Grail/Gentlemen’s Quarters was hailed as a major boost to the local nightlife scene . In short, The Daily was loved by audiences for its grand scale and for continually injecting energy into Palmy’s late-night economy. It was the type of place where almost every local DJ and promoter had spun tracks, and where Massey University students felt welcome for years. Perhaps most memorably, The Daily’s dual-club layout allowed major DJs and touring acts to play Palmy – something that smaller single-room bars often can’t accommodate. For that reason, it earned a sort of “iconic venue” status in Manawatū .
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The ground floor entrance was at street level with minimal steps, so wheelchair access was generally available (though some areas may have narrow passages). The Daily did comply with New Zealand accessibility standards, but if in doubt call ahead to confirm seating arrangements. Staff were usually helpful accommodating special needs (e.g. a quiet corner table).
What to Bring: Bring a valid photo ID (passport or NZ driver’s licence) as proof of age; this is strictly enforced for 18+ entry. You’ll need some cash or a card for cover charge; most bar prices are paid by card or cash. Dress smart-casual – avoid old thongs (flip-flops) or hats indoors on busy nights. Since it gets loud, some guests bring earplugs (good for sensitive ears during DJs). A small crossbody purse or pocket wallet is ideal. If you carry valuables or a larger bag, keep it zipped and nearby (the venue did not have a secure coat check, so it’s up to you to look after your belongings). Lastly, plan your transport home before you arrive (e.g. book a taxi or check late-night bus times) – the city is safe, but the night can be very late if you stay till closing.
Prohibited Items: Like most clubs, The Daily did not allow outside food, beverages, or alcohol to be brought in. No sparklers or glass bottles were allowed on the dance floor. Large professional cameras or video recorders appeared to be prohibited during club events (phones and small cameras for casual photos are fine). Security would quietly ask anyone breaching house rules to leave. Photography by guests was generally allowed for personal use (and social media posts), but flash photography or obstructive filming during performances was discouraged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: A common tip: Don’t arrive right at 9pm if you’re after guaranteed entry on a big night – the line can get long by 11pm on Saturdays. Also, keep in mind that many events had a strict no-refund policy, so double-check dates and lineups. Finally, respect the space: staff and bouncers work hard to keep crowds safe, so aggressive behavior or climbing on stage can lead to being kicked out.
Other Tips: If you want to cool off, step out to the garden bar (if open) – it’s covered but open-air. Late at night Main Street is lit and there are usually a few night-food vendors around if you get peckish. Tipping isn’t mandatory in NZ clubs, but appreciation to bartenders is always welcome. One neat idea: take a photo with The Daily’s quirky bar stools if you see them (they were a fun ice-breaker). Remember this: Palmy clubs all tend to peak after midnight, so the city vibe really only gets started late. When you do decide to leave, there’s often a queue for taxis – sometimes it’s faster to walk a block to the Rankin taxi rank or use a rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and how can I buy tickets for events at The Daily – Club 2?
Most club nights are ticketed at the door – just pay the cover charge when you arrive. For bigger acts or concerts, tickets were often sold in advance through local promoters or retail outlets. Always check social media or event listings for pre-sale info. There’s no permanent box-office; if in doubt, you can usually walk up, pay entry (online pre-sale not required for many events).
What is the typical price range for entry/cover at The Daily?
Cover charges varied by event. On regular club nights (DJ or dance parties) the cover was usually moderate – around NZ$5–$15 in recent years. Themed or student nights often had free or very low-cost entry. Special concerts or touring DJ shows might charge higher (for example NZ$20+). Always check the specific event’s pricing; many nights simply asked for a cash cover at the door.
Are there student discounts or special deals?
Yes. The Daily often ran “student nights” (notably every Thursday) where students could enter at a reduced price or even free with a valid student ID . On those nights, the music and drink specials were tailored to students. Keep an eye on promotions – sometimes ladies or groups would get a discount on certain nights. Outside of officially advertised specials, normal entry rules applied.
What are the entry requirements (age, ID)?
You must be at least 18 years old to enter (all events at Club 2 were 18+ in past advertisements www.ticketfairy.com ). A valid photo ID (NZ or international driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card) is required. Under 18s were not admitted after 21:00. On late-night events, some persons under 20 might not be allowed after midnight, per liquor licensing rules. In short: come prepared with your ID and plan for an adult crowd.
What is the dress code at The Daily – Club 2?
The venue has a casual, clubbing atmosphere. Smart casual attire is usually fine. Guests typically wear jeans, shirts, dresses, or clubwear. Trainers/sneakers are okay; some dress up in smarter shoes. Do avoid beachwear (thongs/flip-flops), baggy sports gear, caps, or anything overly tacky if you want to fit in. Since it gets warm dancing, light layers (jacket you can tie around yourself) are advisable. As with most clubs, the key rule is not to wear anything unsafe on the dance floor.
Where is The Daily – Club 2 located?
The Daily – Club 2 was at 511–513 Main Street in Palmerston North Central (near Church Street). This is in the heart of the city’s nightlife precinct. A handy landmark is the Shooters bar – The Daily was right across the street from it . It was only a couple of blocks south of The Square, so it’s walkable if you’re staying downtown. The entrance was on Main Street (with another rear entrance off Berrymans Lane). If using GPS, set the pin to 513/Main Street, PN for the correct spot.
Is there parking available near The Daily?
The venue itself had no dedicated lot. Street parking was available on Main Street and nearby roads, but meters operated Monday–Friday (8:30am–5:30pm pricing) . Good news: after 5:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends (especially Sundays) parking was mostly free . You could also use public car parks a few blocks away – for example the Church Street car park or The Square plaza car parks. Rideshare drop-off/pick-up was normally on Main or Church Street right outside. In practice, many clubgoers drove in and left cars on side streets overnight (free after hours), but do watch for council signs on event nights.
What public transport options are there to reach The Daily?
Palmerston North’s Orbus city buses all pass through the CBD. The nearest main bus stops are at The Plaza/the Square and on Church Street – both are a short 2–3 minute walk. Bus routes #1, #2, etc., connect the city center to other areas, so you can catch a bus going to The Plaza or the city center shuttle. If in doubt, get off at the “Palmerston North City (The Plaza)” stop and walk south a block. Ubers and taxis are plentiful – you can get dropped off on Main Street outside the venue. After last buses (around 11pm), staff extra shuttles may run, but many people simply use a taxi or walk if staying downtown.
Does The Daily have reserved seating or VIP areas?
The club did not offer traditional theatre-style seating for general events – it was mostly standing-room. There was a small upstairs mezzanine lounge and sidelines by the bar where you could sit. For some large events, promoters sometimes sold “VIP tables” or bottle service areas (usually roped off in advance), but this wasn’t a fixed feature. Basically, it was general admission on the dance floor. If you needed to sit, the best spots were the bar stools and tables along the edges of each club room.
Can I bring my phone or camera inside?
Personal phones and small digital cameras were allowed, and many guests took photos. In fact, the venue encouraged social media sharing. Just be aware that in dim, crowded dance rooms you might need a doorman’s nod to bring larger devices through. Professional cameras (especially with big external flashes or video gear) were usually reserved for official media only. As a rule, take discreet photos; don’t block the view of other clubbers. It’s fine to use your phone for selfies – just don’t wander onto the dancefloor with a tripod or giant camera.
What food and drink options are available inside?
The Daily featured several bars serving a full drink menu: local craft beers (on tap), ciders, wines and mixed drinks. Bar snacks were also available (pizzas, chips, chicken wings, etc.). There was even a dedicated “sports bar” area with big screens for games . In short, you could grab a beer or cocktail from any of the bars at any time, and order typical pub-type food. If you needed something more substantial, the hostels and fast-food places in the Strip could get takeout to you quickly (some clubs encouraged it). But yes – you won’t go thirsty or hungry at The Daily. As one guide notes, the venue offered “a unique experience” with a variety of drinks and food to enjoy .
Is there a coat check or locker service?
No formal cloakroom or locker room was provided. Most people kept coats draped over stools or around their table. Security and staff would sometimes store a few jackets behind the bar area on request, but there was no guaranteed check system. Our advice: Plan to wear layers you can carry (rather than a large coat), and keep your valuables on your person at all times. The inside can get warm late at night, so you’ll likely want to remove any bulky coat anyway.
Are there restrooms and other facilities?
Yes. Restrooms were located inside near the main bar areas (as expected in a club). They were shared facilities for both club rooms. In our experience, facilities at reputable NZ clubs like The Daily were kept clean by staff. There were also water fountains or spare glasses behind the bar. You’ll find hand sanitiser stations at the entrance as well. Apart from that, there were no special amenities – just standard club comforts (soft lighting, a safe environment). If you needed Wi-Fi, it wasn’t officially advertised, so don’t count on it; cellular reception was usually fine.
What happened to The Daily – Club 2? (Is it still open?)
The Daily – Club 2 (along with the rest of The Daily complex) closed in September 2023. The owners have completely redeveloped the site: the front bar section is reopening as Holy Smoke restaurant, and the back club space is turning into a new high-end nightclub called Holy Grail. Both venues are scheduled to start welcoming customers in late 2025 (Holy Smoke in Sept 2025, Holy Grail in Nov 2025) . Until then, The Daily no longer operates, so plan accordingly.
