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.
We usually tend to cover a handful of popular and wide range of events that are coming up in the new month, but this time we have decided to do something a little different, with a few strange and different events coming up in March, we look into this quirky events to convince you to give the, a try!
Cross Sreet Music Festival
Located one street back from Karangahape Road, Cross Street is best known for a market packing hand-crafted gifts, one-of-a-kind vintage treasures and nicknacks.
This March, a block party will take over the strip with one heck of a lineup. Legendary hip hop act Ladi6 will take the stage with The Alpha Sessions, a concept which sees her improvise material live on stage and deconstruct catalogue classics.
Also on the bill is Auckland psychedelic rock group Racing, Dunedin chill-pop band Marlin’s Dreaming, post-punk act Yukon Era, lo-fi pop band Créme Jéan, producer/composer/drummer extraordinaire Julien Dyne, and Wellington’s Zuke (Ed Zuccollo).
Between the raucous live entertainment will be support DJs Frank Booker, Soraya, Hudge, Dylan C and Christoph El Truento to keep the dance floor humming. Rounding things off, there will be a seated area lined with food trucks, shopping galore courtesy of The Cross Street Market and walk-ins at Sunset Tattoo if you are tempted by some fresh ink.
This event is perfect for hipsters and all those who are fans of the creative and want to support local music and creatives.
The Ferment Festival
The process of fermentation is praised for the production of good bacteria which can improve digestion, boost immunity and promote a healthy weight. The country’s leading producers of gut-friendly goods will come together at Queens Wharf this March for Auckland’s first celebration of fermentation.
The aptly-titled Ferment Festival will round up over 60 small producers crafting products that have been fermented at some point in their lifetime. The festival will be set up like a farmers’ market, allowing ticket holders to wander as they taste samples or buy products direct from producers. You can expect specialist probiotic cheeses, kimchi, wine, kombucha, cider, cured meats, kefir, chocolate, yoghurt and bread.
Not the most common or normal festivals, but this is one that will be a can’t miss for those that re fans of eating right and want to educate themselves on a time honoured tradition.
The Auckland Coffee Festival 2019
Auckland is known for its coffee drinking, so it only makes sense that we have a festival celebrating every bodies favourite bean-based caffeinated beverage! This festival is a love affair of all thing coffee, showcasing the best of the bean from roasters, baristas and enthusiasts from all over New Zealand and the world.
After three sell-out events the New Zealand Coffee Festival returns to Shed 10 in March. Across two day you’ll have the chance to sample the best boutique brands with creations from local espresso legends, test out the latest barista machinery and up your knowledge at dedicated coffee seminars. No Auckland event caters to coffee lovers like this one, so if you’re a caffeine fiend — don’t miss it.
One of the great things about Auckland is how much of a creative hub it is, you will find all sorts of original, unique and hand crafted things at your disposal that are locally made. If you are visit g from overseas or just want to take something home to remind you of a great trip, don’t go to cheap souvenir stores, take a morning off to explore some of these great local markets:
Mt. Eden Village Craft Market
Let’s start off with ne that pretty much covers what you need to know in its name. The Mt. Eden Village Craft Market is a fortnightly market with an amazing selection of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gems. Held on the second Saturday each month right in the centre of the village, stock up on locally-made crafts.
Matakana Farmers’ Market
We are all for supporting and enjoying local produce, and why not go to a market that has great view? With a place to sit by the river, take in the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy the sun, the Matakana Markets are a firm favourite. The stalls feature Italian-style sausages, locally-brewed beer, fine wines, and organic chocolate, as well as live music and fresh ground coffee to really kick-start your weekend. Don’t forget to take a wander around the town centre and see everything artisan Matakana has to offer. This market is on every Saturday at the Matakana Square.
Auckland Night Markets
We can’t really talk about markets without name-dropping the. OST famous and well known markets, famous for their diverse offerings, and with six different locations full of every type of food stall you can imagine, the Auckland Night Markets make it so easy to beat your hunger. Grab some friends and make a night out of food-truck-hopping this month.
Huge Pop And Rock Vinyl Record Sale
This one pops up every few months, so you’ll want to try and time it right! For those who like the classic crackle of a record, or serious collectors, you’ll be happy looking through thousands of records at affordable prices, including everything from David Bowie to the Beatles to Pink Floyd.
Pop-Up Vintage Market
One of Auckland favourite breweries also hosts some pop-up markets from to,e to time that are worth the visit for clothing, hats and posters from Percy’s Vintage, Percy’s Headwear, Rain City Vintage, One World of Sport and more. It’s a cash-only market, served with fresh beer.
Alberton Market Day
If you are looking for a market with a little bit of history attached, look no further! Held at the historic and beautiful Alberton House, this outdoor market features speciality produce and handmade items with entertainment, food stalls, coffee, flowers, plants and even a pop-up tea room on the veranda. Stroll through the quaint gardens, sip on some kombucha and be in to win a huge hamper of goodies all provided by the stall holders.
One of the reasons many reasons people choose to stay with us (especially return customers) is our location right by the water. And who can blame them? There’s something beautifully calming about the water, especially in the evening with a nice meal and a drink or two!
In this blog we are going to recommend some of our favorite places in the city to wine and dine by the water, so you can get planning some romantic nights by the water!
THE CRAB SHACK
We obviously have to start here, we can’t make a list about dining at the water front and not mention seas food! And let me tell you, The Crab Shack is the one spot you need to satisfy your crab cravings from the cheaper options, to the more expensive (The King Alaska Crab), but it also makes it hard to say no for either lunch or dinner with its daily special deals. Perfect for a snack or meal after a long day of exploring!
GRANGERS
This one is a little closer to us, looking over Half Moon Bay’s promenade, Richard Cooke and Gina Henry’s sunny tap house is down-to-earth home cooking with the touch of refinement that is matched with a beautiful light-filled space adjacent to the boats that fill the marina. Grangers has quickly become a local favorite for their large selection of local craft beer and wine, if you are looking to enjoy some home-style cooked food and sink a few drinks while watching the sunset across the harbor – look no further.
FISH
This aptly named eatery is located in the city on the end of Princes Wharf, FISH mixes uninterrupted views of the Waitemata Harbour with a fresh seafood experience. Fish’s menu will be a great pallet cleanser for those visiting the country or those wanting some local flavor as it features foods traditionally grown in the Pacific mixed with the French style of cooking.
MORETONS
Another great eatery by the water that is just a shrt drive from the motel on Tamaki Drive, is Moreton’s. This beautiful bar comes with its picture-perfect view of Rangitoto. Mortens is the perfect all-day destination that can work for all different types of visitors. During the day it is the perfect place to visit after a few hours of exploring the waterfront and is the perfect spot for a hearty meal or sneaky beverage for that adventuring refuel. The menu has everything you could ask for, seriously, there are nine different sections, and that’s not even including dessert, drinks or the kid’s menu.
For those looking for somewhere to end the day and have some drinks by the water, Moreton’s turns into a great waterfront drinking spot. evolving into a gastropub/sports bar hybrid. The drinks list includes mostly mainstream beer and cider varieties, though there are a couple of hoppy craft brews.
