About Mothership, Cassette, Roxy, Everybody's, Saturdays
The Mothership, Cassette Nine, Roxy, Everybody’s, and Saturdays are a cluster of downtown Auckland nightlife venues, each with its own character. The Mothership (Shortland Street) is a large, industrial-style club opened in 2022, boasting top-tier sound and an intimate vibe (heartofthecity.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine (9 Vulcan Lane) is a multi-level bar-restaurant-nightclub known for its quirky retro décor (leather, denim, reclaimed wood) and friendly, inclusive atmosphere (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It opened in 2008 and became a local institution over a decade (www.ticketfairy.com ), famous for communal “teapot” cocktails (www.ticketfairy.com ). Roxy (7 Fort Lane, Imperial Building) was a moody, split-level nightclub – ground-floor dance floor, upstairs mezzanine lounges, and a retractable-roof rooftop deck (www.ticketfairy.com ). Roxy hosted energetic R&B, hip-hop, and dance nights, often with free entry and happy-hour specials before midnight (www.ticketfairy.com ) (it closed permanently in early 2024 (www.ticketfairy.com )). Everybody’s (also Fort Lane) was a bar-and-eatery in the same historic Imperial Building; it featured lounge dining and club nights (including drag and Pride events) in a laid-back space (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Everybody’s also closed in 2024 (www.ticketfairy.com ) after 12 years. Saturdays (48 Customs St East, Britomart) is a boutique event venue remade in 2020 with sleek concrete floors, an LED-equipped DJ stage, and capacity for 300 cocktail-style or 80 seated guests (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ) (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ). In short, this collection of spots – from warehouse-style clubs to historic-lane bars – anchors Auckland’s city-night scene with their unique vibe and history.
Events and Programming
The range of events across these venues is broad. The Mothership focuses on electronic and live music: you’ll find house/techno and drum-&-bass nights alongside hip-hop and indie gigs (www.ticketfairy.com ). It regularly hosts local DJs (4AM, Meraki crews) and touring acts (e.g. State of Mind, 12th Planet) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine’s calendar is famously eclectic: it runs themed club nights, indie/retro dance parties, live bands and DJ sets in various genres (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). By day Cassette serves diner-style food (burgers, salads) and by night pulses with DJs and bands (www.ticketfairy.com ). The club also hosts festivals, drag shows, Bollywood and funk parties – even multi-room Halloween and anniversary raves (e.g. a 2024 birthday bash across two floors) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Roxy (when open) branded itself as a club space: its lineup centered on dance music, hip-hop and R&B. It had regular theme nights like “BUMP BUMP” (hip-hop/R&B party) and “Mischief” (electronic) (www.ticketfairy.com ), plus afterparties (like Elemental Festival fringe). Many Roxy events offered free entry or low cover, and special shows had modest $10–25 tickets (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Everybody’s programming was similarly varied: it was a go-to afterparty and LGBTQ+ venue. Weekly listings ranged from DJ-driven electronic dance nights to live indie bands and media-sponsored parties (www.ticketfairy.com ). It hosted official Pride festivities (drag shows under the name “MISBEHAVIOUR”) (www.ticketfairy.com ) and one-off concerts (e.g. a DJ set by Yelawolf and Cajama in 2022). Finally, Saturdays is typically an event hire space: it’s used for after-work cocktail parties, corporate functions, and themed weekends. Its promotions emphasize “celebrating the best night of the week, all week long,” leveraging its large dance floor and audio-visual setup (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ).
Tickets and Booking
Most shows at these venues require advance tickets. Check each venue or event’s official channels for sales. For example, Cassette Nine sells tickets online through promoters and has no box office (www.ticketfairy.com ). Popular events often go on sale weeks ahead (www.ticketfairy.com ), and small social-media events may remain door-charge or free. There is typically no door juggle line for sold-out shows, so booking early is wise. Roxy and Everybody’s mostly operated as bar spaces – everyday nights were walk-in with no tickets and possibly a small cover after(such as after midnight) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). However festival or festival-related nights did have low-cost tickets (around NZ$10–20) sold through the venue or local outlets (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The Mothership always runs ticketed events; club nights are in the NZ$20–30 range, while big international or all-night shows can cost NZ$30–40 or more (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Door sales (if any) tend to accept credit card and cash, but on busy nights it’s safest to assume advance purchase is required (www.ticketfairy.com ). (For private bookings or bottle service tables at these venues, contact the venue directly via their website or event coordinators; walk-ins may be accommodated if available.)
Seating and Layout
These venues are mostly standing-oriented clubs with some lounge seating. The Mothership is essentially all-standing: it has a large open dance floor flanked by two bars and a few lounge areas (couches and bar stools around the edges) (www.ticketfairy.com ). No fixed theatre seating or balconies exist, so most people stand up front for dancing and move to the sides to sit on couches when needed (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine is multi-level. The upper level houses the main bar, kitchen and dining space – a cozy lounge with tables and an open-air balcony overlooking Vulcan Lane (www.ticketfairy.com ). All patrons reach it by stairs (no elevator) (www.ticketfairy.com ). During events, the ground floors become dance rooms (often two separate floors/rooms), with general admission standing on both levels. Spectators can stand near the DJ booth or on small raised sections, or watch from upstairs booths. The club-grade sound system makes the best views in the front or from the mezzanine rail (www.ticketfairy.com ). Roxy (when it operated) had a split-level party layout: a central ground-floor dance area around the DJ booth, plus an upstairs mezzanine lounge with booths and tables (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its rooftop terrace with retractable glass roof provided an outdoor lounge area (www.ticketfairy.com ). Full dancefloor standing was the norm, although groups could reserve booth tables as VIP later in the night (www.ticketfairy.com ). Everybody’s had a casual bar/club layout: on the ground floor a long timber bar ran along one side with high tables, stools and low lounge seating on the other (www.ticketfairy.com ). An interior courtyard made the space feel open. Upstairs was a mezzanine dedicated to dining and booths ringing the walls (www.ticketfairy.com ). For live shows at Everybody’s, crowd members stood around the main floor or sat in the upstairs booths for a quieter view (www.ticketfairy.com ). In all cases, best sightlines are generally from the floor directly in front of the stage or DJ, and from any elevated platform (mezzanine) that overlooks the action (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). At Saturdays (48 Customs St), the room can be configured for 300 standing (cocktail-party style) or 80 seated (dinner style) (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ), with a polished concrete dance floor and wraparound bar to suit each event.
Getting There and Parking
All these venues are in Auckland’s central city, so public transport is easy. The Mothership (Shortland Street in the CBD) is a block off Queen Street – close to many bus routes along Queen and Shortland. It’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk from Britomart Station or the downtown ferry terminal. Cassette Nine (9 Vulcan Lane) is a 5–10 minute walk from Britomart Transport Centre (www.ticketfairy.com ). From Britomart head northwest on Customs Street East and turn onto Fort Street into Vulcan Lane (www.ticketfairy.com ). Numerous buses run along Queen Street (near Fort Street) stopping a block from Vulcan Lane (www.ticketfairy.com ). The ferry terminal (Quay St) is also within a short walk north. Roxy and Everybody’s (Imperial Building, 7 Fort Lane) lie between Queen and Fort Streets. Both are about an 8–10 minute walk from Britomart or from the SkyBus stop on Victoria Street (city vs airport service) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many frequent buses ply Queen and Federal Streets nearby (including free inner-city “Link” buses), and Uber/taxis can drop off at the corner of Fort/Federal (the alley entrance is well-marked). Saturdays (Customs St at Britomart) is directly across from Britomart and the Ferry Building – trains, buses and ferries stop within a block. If driving, on-street parking in the CBD is very limited or metered. Recommended parking garages include Wilson Parking on Quay Street (near Britomart) or the Victoria Street West car park (inexpensive after-hours) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For example, the Victoria Street carpark has $2.50/hr evenings (heartofthecity.co.nz ). In the Fort Lane area, the nearest 24/7 lot is Wilson Parking (27 Fort Street, about 5 min walk) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because many city car parks close by midnight, taxis and rideshares (Uber, Ola, etc.) are popular late-night options – just a short ride from the inner suburbs or airport.
Inside the Venue
Expect a lively club atmosphere with standard security measures at each spot. Upon entry, IDs will be checked if you want to drink (all venues enforce a minimum age of 18) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Bag searches or metal detectors are common for big events. Smoking is only allowed outdoors in designated areas. All venues have bars selling full drink lists (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits); Mothership alone boasts two full-service bars (www.themothership.co.nz ). Food is available at Cassette Nine (daytime diner menu) and Everybody’s (bar grill); Mothership and Roxy have no kitchens beyond light snacks. Most venues accept credit cards; however, carrying some smaller bills can be handy for quick bar tabs or tips.
www.ticketfairy.com ). The most energetic spot is usually in front of the DJ/stage – standing here will get you closest to the sound and lights. Back or side areas (along walls, on balconies or lounge couches) are quieter for sitting and chatting. Remember to keep valuables secure (bring only necessities) as space can get crowded. In general, these venues encourage a relaxed dress code: think neat casual (jeans, comfortable shoes and clean sneakers) rather than formal wear (www.ticketfairy.com ). Large backpacks or flash photography are discouraged, though phone cameras for social photos are usually fine unless a performer explicitly bans them. Many clubs do offer free Wi-Fi or have good mobile coverage (www.ticketfairy.com ), so you can use digital tickets or stay connected easily. In summary, arrive prepared with your photo ID, arrive by the listed door time (often 8–9pm or 9–10pm for late-night venues), and enjoy the night. The staff are generally friendly – do tip your bartender and have respects for others enjoying the show!
Nearby Amenities
The downtown locations mean plenty of nearby pre- and post-show options. Around Cassette Nine (Vulcan Lane) you’ll find popular eateries like Cibo (Italian) and Four Freedoms coffee literally on the laneway (www.ticketfairy.com ). A block away on Fort Street are Federally-themed spots: Federal Deli & Espresso (Argentinian cafe) and Turf Dining (New Zealand kitchen) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The upcoming Keswick Food Hall (Federation Hall extension) adds more casual dining soon. For nightlife, Fort/Lane connect to lively bars on Queen and Fort Streets; e.g. Odettes Eatery & Bar and elevators like The Roxy Cinema storefront bars are within steps. Hotels in the area include the Rendezvous and Wellesley Boutique (luxury, just off Queen Street) and SkyCity (casino hotel) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Budget-savvy travelers have Ibis Auckland Central and the Atticus Hotel on Queen Street nearby (www.ticketfairy.com ). If heading to Everybody’s or Roxy, the aborda moves: Queen and Commerce streets offer cafes and bars (e.g. Espresso). The Mothership (Shortland St)** area has a cluster of bars and eateries around the corner on Queen Street/Cook Street (for example, The Britomart Bar & Eatery, Amano restaurant, or the casual Giapo gelateria). Saturdays (Customs St Britomart) sits in the Britomart precinct with dozens of options: right across is the ferry building food court, and on Queen St you’ll find chain bars and restaurants like White + Wongs , Odettes and the Federal Delicatessen. Nearby tube stations, Queen and Victoria Markets are a short walk. Because these venues are centrally located, walking or using the free City Link bus to reach your hotel afterward is often easiest; late-night trains cover many suburbs as far south as Otahuhu and north to Swanson near midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Each place has its own local legend. Cassette Nine stands out as a cozy laneway retreat with loads of character – the retro vibe (logs in the ceiling, leather-covered walls) makes it more bar than plain club (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s beloved for inclusive nights and wild parties; even on a Tuesday there might be a drag show or indie “Teenage Kicks” dance night filling its two floors. Mothership is special for its sound system and vision – as one guide says, it boasts “the heaviest club system in Auckland” and a flexible, artist-aligned design (heartofthecity.co.nz ) (www.themothership.co.nz ). It’s the city’s shiny new venue, aiming to “re-imagine sound and atmosphere” for every event (www.themothership.co.nz ). Roxy (Imperial Building) offered a unique clubbing experience with its raised dancefloor and open-air rooftop lounge – having a skyscraper view from a city nightclub was rare (www.ticketfairy.com ). Its programming (e.g. iconic “BUMP BUMP” hip-hop nights) cemented it as a long-running downtown hotspot. Everybody’s was unique as the casual, late-night hangout that locals affectionately nicknamed ‘Everybody’s Downtown’ – founder Shane Rennie called it literally “Everybody’s.” It earned a reputation for drag shows, Pride events and after-parties (www.ticketfairy.com ). Finally, Saturdays is special for its design and versatility: a completely rebuilt party room with polished concrete floor and custom LED bar, it feels more like a modern nightclub in a boutique hotel. In short, these venues combine to reflect Auckland’s club culture – from historic vibes (Roxy/Everybody’s) to contemporary scenes (Mothership/Cassette/Saturdays) – which keeps both artists and audiences coming back (www.ticketfairy.com ) (heartofthecity.co.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Not all these venues are wheelchair-friendly. Roxy and Everybody’s (Imperial Building) had ramp/lift access to the main areas (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and gender-neutral toilets. However, The Mothership is in a basement (down a stairwell) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and Cassette Nine is up a narrow flight of stairs (www.ticketfairy.com ) – neither has an elevator. If mobility is a concern, contact the venue in advance. Age and ID: All of these venues enforce a legal drinking age (18+). Always bring a photo ID (passport, NZ driver license, HANZ). Bouncers will check ID after about 10pm (and anytime an event is R18) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Some daytime or special events at Cassette Nine may be open to all ages, but late-night club shows are strictly 18+. Arrival Tips: Doors typically open 8–10pm. Getting in early can avoid long queues and sometimes free entry deals. For example, Roxy often had free or discounted entry and happy-hour drinks before midnight (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine doors often open around 8–9pm; arriving early is key on busy nights (www.ticketfairy.com ). Even if a show is sold out, late arrivals occasionally slip in if space allows and you’re well-dressed. What to Bring: Aside from ID, carry earplugs if you are noise-sensitive (all these venues pump loud music (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com )). Don’t bring outside food, alcohol, or professional cameras – these are prohibited (www.ticketfairy.com ). Small personal cameras/phones are usually fine unless a performer bans them. Dress smart-casual: jeans or streetwear and clean shoes are standard; jackets and big bags can be left at a coat check (if offered) or stowed, as space is limited (www.ticketfairy.com ). Expect security checks at the door. General Advice: Check each venue’s booking or social page for schedule changes or age restrictions on specific events. Note that some events, especially private functions, can alter regular hours. Also, keep in mind NZ laws: if the place is not 100% smoke-free indoors, you’ll need to step outside to smoke. Late-night transport options run until ~1am on major routes; if you stay later, plan for a taxi or Uber (there are taxi stands near Queen and Customs Streets). Finally, local etiquette is friendly – feel free to dance with strangers or strike up a conversation. Enjoy the unique nightlife vibe, but remember to be respectful of staff and fellow patrons. Safe travels home!
What is the seating capacity of The Mothership?
The Mothership’s capacity is roughly 300 people (heartofthecity.co.nz ). It’s designed as a relatively intimate club space, so when it’s full the crowd is dense on the dance floor and in lounge areas.
Are there reserved seats or is it general admission?
All of these venues are mostly general admission standing-room, not reserved seating. For example, The Mothership has a large open dance floor with only lounge seating along the sides (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine also operates on a first-come basis – its ground-floor areas are open standing (with some benches on the edges) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and upstairs has tables but those are walk-in as well. In short, you claim your spot in the crowd or at the bar; there are no fixed theatre-style seats or personal tables unless you book a VIP table in advance (typically through the venue for large groups).
How can I buy tickets for events at these venues?
Tickets are usually sold online through official channels or promoters. Each club’s own website or social media will link to approved ticket sellers. For example, Cassette Nine lists all ticket sales digitally (there’s no physical box office) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Similarly, events at The Mothership require online advance purchase. Facebook and Instagram announcements often provide the link to buy. Always use the official links or known local ticket outlets. Avoid third-party resellers, and note that cancelled or fraud tickets are a risk if not from an official source.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
That depends on the event. Regular club nights at Everybody’s and Roxy typically had free or low-cost entry without pre-sold tickets. For Cassette Nine and The Mothership, most shows do sell out online in advance, but a limited number of tickets are sometimes held at the door if capacity isn’t reached. When door sales are available, venues usually accept credit cards and cash (www.ticketfairy.com ). To be safe, assume a popular show might sell out and arrive early if you hope to buy at the door. Check the event listing: if it says “door sales available,” you may pay at the door before the start time.
What are the typical ticket prices for club nights?
Prices vary by venue and event. Generally, Auckland city club nights run from about NZ$10 up to $35. As a guideline: at The Mothership, most dance music nights are around NZ$20–30 advance, with big headliners or festival events up to ~$35–40 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cassette Nine’s events are often in the NZ$15–25 range (for example, a 2025 mini-fest there was NZ$17.50 in advance) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Roxy’s cover charges were usually modest (~$5–10) or free before midnight, with special nights capped around $15–25 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Everybody’s club events were similar: many nights were walk-in, but ticketed shows ran roughly NZ$10–20 for DJs, and larger concerts could go up to $30–50 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always verify the price on the current event’s listing, including any booking fees.
What is the address of Cassette Nine?
Cassette Nine is located at 9 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD . It’s a small pedestrian laneway one block off Queen Street (south of the Commerce/Bay Street intersection). If you enter Vulcan Lane from Queen Street, Cassette Nine will be on your right after a short walk (www.ticketfairy.com ). The club itself brands its address as “Cassette Nine, 9 Vulcan Lane, Auckland 1010.”
Where can I park for Cassette Nine or Mothership?
Street parking in downtown Auckland is very limited and metered. Near The Mothership (Shortland St), the most convenient option is the Victoria Street Western car park, which offers cheap evening and weekend rates (about NZ$2.50/hr) (heartofthecity.co.nz ). For Cassette Nine (Vulcan Lane), on-street spots around Queen, Victoria and Gore St are scarce. Better choices are nearby multi-storey carparks: for example, Wilson Parking on Quay Street (near Britomart) or the Wynyard Quarter parking buildings (e.g. 6 Quay St) (www.ticketfairy.com ). These charge a few dollars per 30 minutes. Note that some venues (especially around Fort Lane) are in pedestrian laneways, so taxis/Ubers often drop customers at the closest street corner instead. (Rideshare drivers generally let passengers off at Fort or Queen St corner for Vulcan Lane. (www.ticketfairy.com ))
How do I get to The Mothership or Everybody’s by public transport?
All these venues are in the Auckland CBD, within short walking distance of major transit hubs. The Mothership (Shortland St near Queen St) is about a 10–15 minute walk from Britomart Station and just a block off Queen Street (numerous city buses run along there). Everybody’s (Fort Lane) is an ~8–10 minute walk from Britomart or the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Queen Street (near Everybody’s) has many bus routes, including the free City Link service, stopping nearby (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can also take the SkyBus from the airport to downtown and alight near Queen/Federal. If travelling late, note trains and most buses end around midnight – taxis/Ubers are plentiful in the central city.
Is Cassette Nine wheelchair-accessible?
No, unfortunately Cassette Nine is not wheelchair-friendly. Entry involves climbing a narrow flight of stairs up to the venue’s entrance, and there is no elevator (www.ticketfairy.com ). Similarly, The Mothership is in a basement that requires stairs (www.ticketfairy.com ). By contrast, Roxy and Everybody’s (Imperial Building) did provide ramp or lift access to reach each floor (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you need step-free access, those venues were better equipped (though note Roxy/Everybody’s have since closed). Always contact the venue ahead for special arrangements.
Are there age restrictions or dress codes?
Yes. Since these are nightlife venues, they enforce an 18+ age limit after dark for drinking. Expect strict ID checks on entry. (Daytime or family-friendly events at Cassette Nine may be all-ages, but always check the event listing.) There is no formal dress code in these bars – smart-casual attire is fine. In practice, most patrons wear neat streetwear or club outfits. Very casual footwear (like flip-flops) might be frowned upon at some clubs. Generally, just avoid overly beachy or athletic attire to fit in with the evening crowd.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
No. All these venues are fully licensed bars, meaning you may not bring outside food or alcohol inside. Security will enforce this. If you want a drink or snack, order it at the bar once inside. (Some venues like Cassette Nine and Everybody’s also serve meals or snacks from their kitchen.) As a rule, expect that only drinks purchased at the bar are allowed. Light refreshments or earplugs are fine if needed, but large coolers or backpacks will be checked.
Are cameras allowed inside?
Smartphone cameras for personal snapshots are generally okay in all these venues, as long as you’re courteous (no flash during performers, and avoid blocking others’ view). However, professional cameras or recording gear are typically banned unless explicitly allowed by management. Many promoters note “no cameras” on event pages. If in doubt, ask at the door or just stick to phone pics. Also respect performers’ copyright and privacy – never record a DJ set for distribution without permission.
Is there coat check or lockers available?
Coat checks or lockers are not commonly provided at these clubs (they’re relatively small venues). If you arrive early, you might get a coat rack space. At some events, staff may offer to hold coats at the bar area. However, in general, it’s safest to travel light: leave bulky jackets or bags at your hotel or car, or be prepared to juggle them on the dance floor. Keep valuables on your person or in sight – pickpocketing is rare but can happen in crowded situations.
Is the music at these venues very loud?
Absolutely – these are nightclubs, so expect high-volume sound. The Mothership, Cassette Nine, and Roxy all boast professional club sound systems, often with heavy bass (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Hearing can be impacted after a few hours. We recommended bringing earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. The venue staff know it’s loud and usually don’t mind earplug use – in fact, some sell or hand out club-style earplugs. It’s part of the experience; just be mindful of others and step out briefly if it gets too intense.
