Auckland undoubtedly has New Zealand's largest and most exciting club scene and, by sheer weight of population, gets to see more bands than anywhere else; indeed, the bigger international acts often make it no further.

Though the area downtown around the junction of Vulcan Lane and High Street occasionally grasps the clubbing torch, the flame currently burns brightest along Karangahape Road, where you can join the nightly flow of bright young things surging between the bars and clubs. Unless someone special is on the decks or a band is playing, few clubs charge admission, encouraging sporadic and unpredictable exoduses to other venues - just follow the crowds.

Many of the clubs have one area set up as a stage and on any night of the week you might find top Kiwi acts and even overseas bands blazing away in the corner; a few pubs may also put on a band from time to time. Bigger acts understandably opt for the larger venues; tickets can be booked through Ticketek (tel 09/307 5000).

All venues listed are in the city centre unless otherwise specified.

The Box / Cause Celebre , 35 High St (tel 09/303 1336). Twin clubs, The Box currently noted for e-driven drum 'n' bass or Techno, while Celebre mixes acid jazz and smoother sounds.

Civic Theatre , cnr Queen St & Wellesley St (tel 09/307 5058). Wondrously restored theatre worth visiting if there's anything at all on: could be dance, theatre or classic movies.

Galatos , 17 Galatos St. (tel 09/303 1928). Small venue with a broad selection of DJ-led dance nights and off-beat live acts.

Java Jive , 12 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby (tel 09/376 5870). Tiny basement bar with nightly live music. Regular acoustic, jazz and blues sessions; call or check local listings magazines for details.

Kings Arms , 59 France St, Newton (tel 09/373 3240). Popular second-string venue hosting mostly local acts who can't quite fill the Power Station.

Logan Campbell Centre , 217 Greenlane West, Greenlane (tel 09/638 8833). Major indoor rock venue way down south and disparagingly known as the Logan Concrete Centre for its acoustically abominable interior: avoid it unless there's someone you really must see.

Papa Jack's Voodoo Lounge , 9 Vulcan Lane (tel 09/358 4847). Big bar with a party atmosphere that's heaving at weekends when it stays open to the small hours. Mixed dance and alternative rock DJs occasionally give way to top Kiwi touring bands when there'll be a small cover charge.

The Power Station , 33 Mount Eden Rd, Mount Eden (tel 09/377 3488). Sweaty venue that's usually the most happening place for alternative rock, rap and dance acts.

Roots , 322 K' Rd (tel 09/308 9667). Late-night club that's very much the place to go for DJs spinning reggae, Cuban and African beats.

Superfly , 30 Swanson St (tel 09/379 0844). Dark and way-cool bar that reverberates to DJ-driven House and Techno from 11pm until early. Fitted with deep sofas, pool table and (at last visit) a Dirty Harry pinball machine. Closed Sun-Tues.

Temple , 486 Queen St (tel 09/377 4866, www.temple.co.nz ). Tiny bar and with early-evening happy hours that also sees emerging and more established Kiwi acoustic and blues acts pretty much every night. Admission ranges from free to $10, and Monday is open-mic night. Also pool tables upstairs and pool competition on Wednesday at 8pm.