Check the Event
Poker nights run on selected Thursdays — dates are listed on this page and confirmed when you enquire.
Poker Nights
Poker evenings at Brightwildlife
A relaxed Thursday tradition: real cards, real chips, dinner and drinks — played in person at the restaurant.
The Evening
A game of poker, the way it should be
Our poker nights are a face-to-face evening at the restaurant — one friendly table, a full menu, and no screens anywhere near the cards.
The format is casual and welcoming: a relaxed game among guests, with dinner served through the night and staff on hand to explain the basics if you're new. Whether you play every week or haven't held a hand in years, you'll settle in quickly.
Poker evenings run on selected Thursdays from 6:30 PM. Places are limited by the size of the table, so reserving ahead is essential — the same way you'd book dinner.
No stakes, no screens
Poker here is played for the company — never for money.
How It Works
From booking to the last hand
Joining a poker evening is as simple as booking dinner — five easy steps.
Reserve Your Place
Send a reservation request through the booking page or call +64 9 889 2746. We'll confirm by email or phone.
Arrive at the Restaurant
Come to 42 Federal Street from 6:00 PM — settle in, order a drink and meet the table.
Join the Table
Cards hit the felt at 6:30 PM. New to poker? The team will walk you through the hands before we start.
Enjoy the Evening
Dinner and drinks are served throughout — the game wraps up around 10:00 PM, dessert optional but recommended.
Next Evening
Event details
The essentials for our next poker night — full details are confirmed with every reservation.
Date
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Poker evenings run on selected Thursdays each month.
Start Time
6:30 PM
Doors and dinner service from 6:00 PM.
Duration
~3.5 hours
Play usually wraps up around 10:00 PM.
Table Size
Up to 18 places
One friendly table — we keep it small enough for conversation.
Format
Social, in-person
A relaxed dealer's-choice evening among guests. No cash stakes, no prizes.
Participation
Guests 18+
Reserve ahead, arrive on time, and please take part responsibly.
Food & Drinks
Dinner keeps pace with the game
A poker evening at Brightwildlife is still dinner at Brightwildlife — the full menu runs all night, with plates timed between hands.
There's no entry fee and nothing to pay to join the table — guests simply order from the menu as usual. Favourites on poker nights include sharing starters ($12–$24), mains from the grill ($34–$48), and a house Old Fashioned ($20) once the cards get serious.
Prefer to keep it simple? Our poker-night sharing set menu — a spread of starters, a main each and something sweet — is $48 per person.
Reserve a Place
Reserve your seat at the table
Poker night places go to guests who reserve ahead — request your place and we'll confirm the next available evening.
- Places are reserved like a normal table booking — no payment online
- We confirm every poker night request by phone or email
- Running late? Call us and we'll hold your place where we can
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Is Brightwildlife an online casino or betting platform?
No. Brightwildlife is a restaurant in Auckland. Our poker evenings are in-person gatherings held at the restaurant — there is no online poker, no betting and no games for money on this site or at our tables.
Is there a charge to join a poker evening?
There is no entry fee for our poker nights. You simply reserve a place and order food and drinks from the normal menu during the evening.
Is poker played for money at the restaurant?
No. Our poker evenings are played for fun — there are no cash stakes and no cash prizes. Poker at Brightwildlife is purely a social activity shared over dinner.
Do I need poker experience to come along?
Not at all. Our poker nights are relaxed and friendly, and the format suits complete beginners as well as regulars. Staff are happy to walk new players through the basics.
How do I reserve a table or a poker night place?
Use the reservation form on this page or on our booking page, or give us a call on +64 9 889 2746. We confirm every request by email or phone.
What are your opening hours?
Tuesday–Thursday 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Friday–Saturday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM–9:00 PM. We are closed on Mondays. Poker evenings run on selected Thursdays from 6:30 PM.
Is there a minimum age for poker nights?
Poker evenings are open to guests aged 18 and over. The restaurant itself welcomes guests of all ages during normal dining hours.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes — vegetarian dishes are on the menu every day, and the kitchen can adapt most plates for gluten-free or other dietary needs. Just note it on your reservation.
Please Note
All poker, all in person
Brightwildlife is not an online casino or betting platform. All poker activities are held face-to-face at the restaurant as social, in-person entertainment — no online play, no betting, no games for money. Guests 18+, please participate responsibly.