New Zealand has seen in the past five years a resurgence in our music scene, if you are visiting from overseas, or even from a smaller town in the country, you will have the opportunity to catch some of these acts, performers that lay beyond our staple icons in the industry. Auckland has become a hub for great talent, with new venues popping up in the central city there is usually a great show to catch each night in the city! We have put together a small list of our favourite acts worth catching!
The Beths
The Beths are easily the next big thing in New Zealand, the four piece have seen a huge rise in popularity in the last year, with their debut album, Future Me Hates Me, being heralded as one of the year’s stand-out music releases, receiving praise from a myriad of respected publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Band Camp, and gaining worldwide radio airplay. The band mixes the popular indie rock genre that has been popular over the last five years with a true-blue kiwi flair, their songs are upbeat and made for summer roadtrips.
They are just as endearing live, with their shows usually selling out and getting crowds jumping and bopping along to the catchy hooks – you only need to hear the chorus to most of their songs once to have them permanently engraved in your minds! After selling out shows across Australia, North America, the UK and Europe in 2018/19 the band will be returning to New Zealand later this year for a short run of ‘homecoming’ shows – the last chance to witness The Beths on their Future Me Hates Me album cycle.
Benee
Benee burst into the local music scene in late 2017, with the enigmatic debut single ‘Tough Guy’, which boasted cliff-diving guitars, synth bass and infectious melodies backed with a production credit from Josh Fountain at Golden Age and has since been on the rise!
Benee has gone on to perform at Laneway Festival, Spark Arena with Lily Allen, and join the Aroha Nui line up, all the while receiving rave reviews for her “fun and charismatic” live persona. If you manage to catch one of her live shows, try grab a ticket because they tend to sell out fast!
Shaun’s Birthday
A little more underground and unknown than the rest of the acts on this list, Shaun’s Birthday (or b-day) have quickly earnt a reputation for their energetic live shows, catchy choruses and erratic dance moves which have gained them opening slots for some of Australia’s best indie rock bands such as Skegss, Dune Rats and The Chats.
It’s a great time to catch this live act before the break into the big time, they can usually be found playing shows on the K Road strip, or if you’re in Auckland in September you’ll be able to catch lead guitarist Shaun’s actual birthday, which includes a line-up of the cities best indie rock bands in one night!
We have well past the half way mark of 2019 and now we begin the slow journey into summer! But although the winter chill is stills ticking around for another couple of months, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get out and make the most of what the city has to offer, especially when it’s jam packed full of ways to keep the body warm and the mind entertained!
Here’s what’s on this August:
Dining In The Dark
You may have seen this one plastered over facebook in the last few years, a dining experience with a difference! Dans le Noir? (French for “In the Dark?”) is an international company offering patrons a unique experience by eating in complete darkness, guided and served by low vision or blind people. More than 1.5 million people have already lived this experience worldwide.
Running each week I August from Thursday to Saturday at the Rydges Auckland, surprise your senses as never before! Enjoy a unique sensory experience, thanks to our famous surprise menus in three different versions assisted by unexpected guides!
It’s an exciting way to eat out in the city and one that will sure stick around in your mind afterwards! Bookings are essential so be sure to get in ahead of time.
DARTZ – No Matter Whatz Winter Tour
The Poneke Party Punk outfit that has been making waves in their native city after a well-received opening slot for Australian shed-rockers The Chats are finally heading out on tour in support of their debut EP, No Matter Whatz.
The band has made a quick reputation for their highly energetic live shows that you just keep your eyes off, you’ll find yourself humming their tunes in the days after, and be sure to keep an eye out for their merch, zines and other schemes they bring to their shows!
Supporting them in Auckland is Shaun’s Birthday, a punk trio who has seen success in the last year opening for a range of international acts, including Skegss and Hockey Dad. These two bands have a big history together so we’re sure they’ll put on an un-missible night!
Good Vibes
Spawining out of the successful reggae and roots festival One Love, this warm-up party is hitting the road and making a stop in Auckland to bring those great summer vibes early!
And the line up is jam-packed with Kiwi favourites and some new faces, including Katchafire, L.A.B, Tomorrow People and 1814 alongside international acts Josh Wawa, LaTasha Lee, and local rising star, Lion Rezz. Youth sensation, General Fiyah and international reggae stars, Paua.
If you want to escape winter for a night and start day-dreaming about summer, this will be a can’t-miss night out!
Dope Lemon
Hot off the release of their second studio album, Smooth Big Cat, Dope Lemon return to the stage, and to Auckland, for their first headline tour in three years this August. They invite you to step into real the world of Angus Stone – a dream zone layered with melty moments, mischief and romance.
Another act that is well known for encompassing those sweet summer vibes, Dope Lemon have catapulted to success after their debut, Honey Bones, quickly shot up the streaming charts in 2016, if you haven’t had a chance to catch what all the buzz is about, this is your opportunity to get out on the dance floor and take in the swagger-drench tunes.
Eating while travelling is always a hassle, it can sometimes be hard to keep within budget while also wanting to get the best of what a new location has to offer, and then trying to maintain a sense of healthy eating on top of that… it can get a bit much! In a city like Auckland which is packed to the brim with diverse flavors and award-winning eats, it can be hard to choose the best options that won’t leave you feeling like you gained holiday weight. Luckily for you, we have hunted out some cheap and healthy eats form across the city for you to dive into!
Uncle Man’s
If you want to have a bit of international flare in you meals, then look no further than Uncle Man’s, with various locations across the city it’s a one-stop shop for some flaky roti, chicken curry, seafood laksa and the famous char kuey teow and mee goreng — all for less than $15 per dish. Unlike other Malaysian eateries, Uncle Man’s has an extensive dessert menu featuring guilty pleasures such as fried banana with ice cream as well as dessert roti including the roti tower!
Revive
Healthy and vegan? Welcome to Revive! Located in the heart of the CBD, this cheap eats location has everything you need from fresh salads, smoothies and juice bar and also serves a range of hot pots and soups with a daily-changing menu. Moreover, there are a range of sizes available with a small box (two choices) starting from $8.50, making it perfect for a quick lunch without hurting the wallet.
Dumplings with Wings
We all can admit that we love dumplings right? A great healthy option that can cater to all diet types, one of our favorite places is this dumpling haven which resides in leafy suburb of Remuera. Boasting a succinct menu, Dumplings With Wings offers five flavor options plus a seasonal special combination. We recommend keeping an eye on their social pages as they’re always posting about their dumpling classes or specials.
Best Ugly Bagels
If you are visiting form a smaller town, or from overseas then you just can’t not visit New Zealand’s premiere gourmet bagels from Best Ugly Bagels! With delicious and fresh bagels made on the premises, you can try any one of their crazy or classic flavours. Their cheapest bagel being just $5, you can also score a Zany Zeus organic cream cheese bagel for $7 or smeared with their housemade chocolate hazelnut spread.
We are past the halfway mark of winter, but we still have a few months to bare through! But don’t worry, we have your back! We have sourced the five best events happening in Auckland this month to help beat your winter blues!
New Zealand International Film Festival
Easily some of Aucklander’s favourite time of year – the International Film festival returns this July, presenting the latest and best films from around the world. NZIFF maintains a rich tradition of diverse choice in a curated selection of expertly crafted films – features, documentaries and short films too – that deserve to be experienced with an audience. These are films that you won’t see at the mainstream theatres and often feature films that have won awards overseas. You’ll want to get in early to book as tickets tend to sell out fast!
Vector Lights for Matariki Festival
One of the crown jewels of the Matariki Festival, This year’s host iwi for Matariki Festival, Waikato-Tainui, have created a stunning display featuring te whetuu tapu o te tau hou Maaori (the sacred star of the Maaori new year) on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The light display intents to mix with a soundtrack to tell stories of Taamaki Makaurau from a Waikato-Tainui perspective. If you want to get a sense of genuine kiwi culture and history, this will be one not to miss.
SZA
Easily one of the hottest acts in the world right now, SZA brings her seminal voice and modern R&B to Spark Arena. The five-time Grammy Award winning musician will grace our shores for one show only after she headlines Splendour In The Grass in Australia, last time she was here her show sold out, so you’ll want to be quick.
Auckland Zinefest Market 2019
Catch some of the city’s best artist and creators under one roof for a festival that celebrates DIY culture as it returns to the Auckland Art Gallery for the market’s 10th anniversary. Enjoy works from over 80 zine makers and artists from around New Zealand and the world, ranging from poetry, travelogues and literature, to comics, illustrations and photography. Usually featuring young creators, Zinefest has become incredibly popular, packing out each day and with visitors leaving with handfuls of different creations, it’s a unique weekend that’s a certified don’t-miss. Bring cash!
Foals
One of the biggest bands in Rock returns to Auckland for one show only that’s supporting not one, but two new records! Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1) was released in March, with Part 2 to follow later this year, signalling a return to the spasmodic angles of their debut Antidotes while simultaneously going further off-base than ever before. The band has won numerous awards over the past few years, and it’s no surprise! Make sure you get in quick so you get a chance to see this amazing live act while you can!
Welcome to the second part of a two part series that covers how to tackle Auckland on a budget! Travelling is never cheap and if you wanting to take full advantage of the city but want to do so without breaking the bank, then we have you covered. When travelling find activities that aren’t going to cost an arm and a leg can be hard, especially if you are travelling with the whole family, but don’t worry we have your back, we have done the research and found five activities that are both cheap and exciting!
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Fill up your car tank and make your way to Manukau Heads Lighthouse to get a totally free amazing view of the city, enjoy a great walk where you can take in the sun, the sea air and learn a bit about the local history. If you are really lucky you might even spot a Maui dolphin – a rare breed of dolphin indigenous to New Zealand who are known to swim around the area.
Island Exploring
Speaking of adventures, for the simple cost of a return ticket on a ferry you could be dropped on either Waiheke or Rangitoto Island and soak up all new surroundings! If you pick a sunny day, just strolling around the island is enough to get your money’s worth especially if you want to see some of our nature, views and history.
The Lightpath
If urban exploring is more of your thing then you can’t go past the bright pink path that takes you all across the central city! The Lightpath which is more widely known as the Pink Bridge amongst Aucklanders offers a few of the city and intersections like no other and it’s 100% free, if you have some money to spare jump on an ONZO and do the path on a bike!
Auckland Art Gallery and Memorial Musesum
If you prefer to be indoors and want to Soak up some art, history and culture at the Auckland Art Gallery and museum. This is a perfect double whammy for a day trip and both are super cheap for what you get in return. Each feature classic pieces and new exhibitions so it’s always a refreshing and educational time.
Local live Music
Check out Auckland’s gig scene, they’re often either free or cheap with door sales and the talent is strong. One of our fave places to suggest is Whammy Bar, wine cellar or galatos its well worth it and the drinks are always cheap as well, who knows, you may just catch the next Lorde!
Welcome to the first part of a two part series that covers how to tackle Auckland on a budget! Travelling is never cheap and if you wanting to take full advantage of the city but want to do so without breaking the bank, then we have you covered. In this first edition we cover some of our favourite places to eat in the city that are both delicious and affordable.
New Flavour Restaurant
Dumplings and Auckland are just two things that go hand in hand, so it goes without saying we have to start this list off with a local favourite New Flavour Restaurant which serves up some of the best (and cheapest) in town. Their seemingly endless dumpling menu is priced around $13 for a serve of 20 delicious morsels.
Big J’s Takeaway
Speaking of Auckland institutions, we can’t go any further without mentioning this little local celebrity – Big J’s Takeaways. Located in an unassuming block of shops in the suburbs of Mt Wellington, Big J’s serves up burgers that are big on taste but small on price. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for their always-epic burger of the week. The ever-popular takeaway joint also serves fish, toasted sandwiches, hot dogs and classic Kiwi potato fritter.
Cotto
If you are looking to devour premium-quality handmade pasta and want to save money then we have to send you directly to Cotto on K’ Road where you’ll find an entire menu priced under 22 bucks. Starring a stylish fit-out and divine flavours, it’s hard to believe that the chic eatery is known and loved as an Auckland cheap eat. Impress your significant other with a date night to remember and they’ll even be room in the budget for dessert.
Freeman & Grey
Five dollar gourmet pizza – do I need to say more? Freeman and grey is a secret treat in Ponsonby and a great way to feel fancy on a budget. A little local secret – if you sign up to their loyalty club, your first pizza is on the house! Paired with a decent selection of beer and wine this is the perfect place to get the day started.
Burger Burger
Looking for some classic fast food but just want something better than maccas? Look no further than burger burger, For around twenty bucks, you can grab a burger and a side of their famous charred broccoli featuring garlic, butter and almond. While every burger is mouth-wateringly delicious, our favourite is the tender grilled chicken burger with an added slice of pineapple. Dining on a budget doesn’t get much better than this and located in three suburbs in The city (Ponsonby, Newmarket and Takapuna) it’s easy to find.
We are right in the thick of winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what this month has to offer! And what a month it is! From different film and photography festivals, live acts and wine weeks, June has it all! So, wrap up warm and take in some of these events when you visit:
Auckland Festival Of Photography
If you are a photography fan, you’ll be in the right city this June, as the annual Auckland-wide Festival of Photography returns for 2019 and features a range of new and established artists, showcasing their existing and new work. Images of deer throughout Auckland’s CBD, a dedication to countering Islamophobia and extremism, and photojournalism on the
Venezuela crisis are among the line-up of what to expect at this year’s festival.
Auckland Wine Week
For all those wine lovers out there, you may want to plan your trip around this week that celebraes the places and people behind New Zealand’s best wines, as well as a delicious wine tasting adventure, the week is full of fun events around our stunning winemaking region. Waiheke Wine Day Out, Matakana Magic and Wineries Out West are among the line-up of activities.
Michael McIntyre
The BAFTA award-winning comedian returns to Auckland to deliver his trademark spot-on observational comedy and uncanny ability to turn mundane situations into master-classes of human exasperation. McIntyre sells out arenas around the world and no doubt his Auckland shows will too, so jump online and book now!
Beauty and the Beast
The Auckland Performing Arts Academy brings the classic childhood story to life on stage at the waterfront with their talented cast. The classic story features the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under a spell. Only love can break the spell, and as time starts to run out the reality of being the Beast forever edges closer. The beautiful Belle is his last chance, but first, he has to learn how to love and be loved. Relive your childhood and catch the performance of the nostalgic and heartwarming story while you can.
Nick Offerman
Best known as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman is an accomplished entertainer with unique humour and comedic ability. As well as acting, he has also published four books and is an excellent live performer, thriving in front of an audience. Returning to New Zealand on his All Rise tour, Offerman delivers an evening of talking and light dance that will make you laugh from the get-go but also be probed to consider humanity as we know it.
Matariki Festival
The Matariki Festival celebrates the Maori new year and is full of exciting, cultural festivities that everyone is invited to get involved with. Auckland comes alive with the celebrations of the nation’s Maori identity, the Maori new year and new beginnings. Historically, Maori navigators were guided to New Zealand by the stars including Matariki, with crews using skilful voyaging techniques passed down through generations. These themes will be woven throughout the festival which has over 100 events and programmes—experience Maori stories, entertainment, discussions, performance and art all kicking off June 22nd.
If you are visiting us from overseas, and you really want to sink your teeth in to some local delicacies, then you can’t look further than the classic fish and chip. Eating fish and chips is a time honoured kiwi tradition, there really isn’t anything more kiwi than deep frying some first and chips, covering it in salt and wrapping it up in some old news. If you are looking to get the full experience, we have got the top five places for you to check out!
FishSmith, Herne Bay
After having your ear chewed off by the world’s chattiest (and friendliest) guy at the counter, you can quickly tell that this is fish ‘n’ chips Herne Bay style. Fish tacos, whitebait fritters, quinoa salad, and soft shell crab burgers; FishSmith is the crème de la crème of fish and chips. With no deep-fried balls of shark in sight, FishSmith offers a healthy version of our favourite ‘greasy’ takeaway. You can pick up fresh fillets to cook at home or get them to do it for a couple of extra dollars—worth it.
Hook, Ponsonby
Previously known as Ponsonby Fish & Chips Shop have had a major revamp and decided to change half of their store to a bakery. All the bread and pastries at Hook are made onsite for those days you’re craving buttery croissants instead of deep-fried fish. That’s not to say that their fish and chips are to be missed out on. Frying up the freshest catches of the day, Hook has not forgotten their roots of being the go-to Ponsonby local fish and chippery.
Big J’s, Mt Wellington
Choose from hoki, snapper or tarakihi, and pick your choice of salt to go on your chips—go for the chicken salt if you’re a closet Maggi noodle fan. Just don’t expect any of that grilling action at Big J’s—this is a straight up deep-fried situation, and unashamedly so. Go the grease.
The Fish & Chip Shop, Sandringham, Westmere and Epsom
Props for the pan-fried panko as opposed to the usual deep-fried action we’re used to. The Fish & Chip Shop is a midway point between greasy and glam, and have some of the best fish and chips in Auckland. Get amongst thei homemade fritters which include good old corn fritters the Kiwi classic, mussel fritters. You can’t go past their Thai fish cakes either.
The Brewers, CBD
Craft beer and fish and chips go hand in hand and you’ll find them both at The Brewers Co-operative in the CBD. Perfect for city workers taking a break, Brewers serve their fish and chips in newspaper. Choose from the fish on offer and have it battered with tartare and lemon, just the way we like it. For something a little different, choose the fish burger, fish curry or fish tacos.
Going on holiday with the kids is always a bit stressful, but one of the bes places to be on holiday is in Auckland as there is always so much to entertain the kids with, especially during the Easter break with classic hotspots and Easter specific activities all go. We have hunted out a few so you can pick and choose which to help make your break run smoothly!
Motat
Check out MOTAT’s hands-on combination of heritage trains, trams and planes. These school holidays children can test their treasure hunting and clue-busting skills on four different treasure trails. Each trail has a different theme and is a bit tougher than the last
The Circus
Weber Bros Circus is showcasing its latest production – Adrenaline – in Orewa, north Auckland. Adrenaline is full of the most exhilarating and sensational acts from all over the world.
Offering a night of escapism and positivity, the show blends stunning cirque artistry and acrobatics on the ground and in the air with hilarious slapstick comedy, mysterious illusion and extreme stunts including FMX jumps beneath the Big Top circus tent, the splitting Globe of Death (a spherical cage in which four riders encircle each other and perform precarious tricks) and one of the world’s only surviving Human Cannonball acts, fired right over the heads of the audience.
Maritime Museum
Trace the country’s maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, then head to Wynyard Quarter for a meal overlooking the water. The kids will love the maritime-themed playspace, while Silo Park is home to regular kids’ events, plus markets, live music.
Royal Easter Show
The Royal Easter Show coincides with the school holidays and boasts a line-up of entertainment, circus acts, carnival rides, sideshows, exhibits and the A&P Show that has been around for more than 175 years. Check out the website for more information.
La Vie Dans Une Marionette
This one is a kids show presented by Auckland Live from award-winning mime trio White Face Crew. It tells the story of a young pianist who longs for a friend and finds one in a puppet.
Dance O Mat
All school holidays long (including over Easter) Aotea Square will be home to a large dance mat, encouraging people of all ages and skill sets to jump on the mat and have a dance!
Let’s be honest, when you are on holiday you want to let loose a little bit and if you are visiting Auckland and you are wanting to start your holiday mid morning the traditional Auckland way, then you need to get some bottomless brunch in you! Nothing starts the day off right that a great brunch with some bottomless drinks to really kick things into gear. We have done a little bit of research for you and found four locations across the city for you too choose from (or experience them all?).
The Lula Inn
We can’t talk bottomless brunch without first covering the South Pacific eatery The Lula Inn – the original bottomless brunch spot in Auckland, kicking off the trend with endless serves of bubbly and cocktails. Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-1pm, brunch-goers at the waterfront establishment are given a two-hour window to enjoy unlimited prosecco, mimosas, bloody marys and pineapple mocktails while they inhale the likes of potato hash, corn fritters and scrambled eggs. The deal will set you back $44.50 and is limited to groups of 12 people. Located on the Auckland Viaduct also makes it a great location to start off you inner city exploring.
Marina Cantina
If you are looking for something a little bit closer to the motel (if you need that post-brunch nap) then look no further than our next location which is located in Half Moon Bay’s Grangers, Marina Cantina is an eatery serving a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine. Perfect for soothing those daytime hunger pains, the harbourside eatery now hosts monthly bottomless Mexican lunches. The feasts are held across two sittings (11am or 1.30pm), each running for a maximum of two hours. Diners will enjoy three courses of the Cantina’s fresh Mexican cuisine with bottomless sangria, Estrella Damm Cerveza and Mexican mocktails. Tickets are $60 per person – trust us the cost is worth it!
Mr Toms
Ponsonby watering hole Mr Toms is a relatively new venue that quickly made a name for itself for all the right reasons, and has tuned into the idea of midday feasts with bottomless vino. Every Saturday, guests can book in for the two-hour lunch package to enjoy a three-course meal, including the choice of entree, main and dessert. From there the only decision will be choosing which varietal of Soho wine or mocktail will go best to wash it all down — of course, being unlimited, you could simply work your way down the list. Diners are allowed one drink at a time across the bottomless dining session. Tickets are $70 per person and it’s recommended you get those bookings in early.
Tom Tom Bar & Eatery
Bottomless brunch with a breathtaking view of the city? At Drake Street’s Tom Tom the two-hour bottomless window includes unlimited hair of the dog concoctions like prosecco, peach bellinis and screwdrivers. For $45 per person (the cheapest option on this list) the menu offers hearty classics like a full English breakfast to toasted bagels topped with bacon and haloumi, and vanilla pancakes. The deal runs from 11am-3pm with the last booking taken at 3pm — perhaps the perfect warm-up for an extended Sunday session on the largest rooftop deck in the city.
