Rowdy Aucklanders have sparked nearly 300 thousand noise complaints in just five years - and ratepayers have forked out millions of dollars to keep the peace

Figures released to the Herald show it's not just noisy humans making a racket, tens of thousands of complaints were logged about barking dogs.

The council has served more than 37 thousand Excessive Noise Direction notices since 2016, requiring residents to reduce noise to a reasonable level for 72 hours.

Another breach within three days can be punished with a 500 dollar fine or police being called to seize noise-making equipment.

Noise officials have made 830 seizures since 2016 - mostly of stereo equipment.