Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, might not be the first place that springs to mind for a winter escape, but if you’re after a city break that skips the frostbite and serves up world-class culture, fashion, sport and queer-friendly flair, this is your sign.
For the fans (of fashion and footy)
This season’s sporting headliner? The All Blacks take on Australia at Eden Park this September in what’s tipped to be a sell-out match packed with pride and passion. If you’re more into nostalgia than scrums, lock in 18 July for a double-header at Eden Park: Manu Samoa v Scotland, plus a legends clash featuring Rugby World Cup-winning greats John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina and Stephen Donald, who returns as coach of The Classics.
Want to keep the sporting energy going? Grab a ticket to a Warriors home game at Go Media Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is loud, and let’s face it: Up the Wahs works in any accent.
Where the runway meets the rainbow
From 23 – 30 August, New Zealand Fashion Week Presented by Giltrap Group is back, and this year, it’s for everyone. For the first time, public ticketing opens up the front row to all, promising a reimagined, inclusive week of style and storytelling at Shed 10. With emerging designers and fashion heavyweights taking to the runway, it’s the perfect excuse to dig out your sequins and your credit card.
Make a weekend of it with a stay at Hotel Indigo, the official accommodation partner, offering exclusive discounts to Fashion Week ticketholders. Pair your fashion fix with a luxury shopping stop at Westfield Newmarket (yes, there’s a shuttle) or head down to the Auckland Art Gallery to catch A Century of Modern Art, where icons like Cézanne, Monet and Picasso await.
Karangahape Road is calling
When the sun sets, Auckland’s queer heartbeat pulses loudest along Karangahape Road. Book in a pre- or post-match dinner and show at Caluzzi, the city’s iconic drag cabaret, or stroll through the strip’s countless bars, bites and vintage treasure troves.
Nearby Kingsland is the go-to for relaxed pre-game eats, while Apéro Food & Wine on Karangahape Road brings elegant charm to your evening.
Eat your heart out
Fuel your adventure with Iconic Auckland Eats 2025, a crowd-sourced list of the city’s most beloved dishes. Choose what you will be trying now at iconiceats.co.nz. And when you’re in town this August, Restaurant Month means dozens of discounted menus across the city’s best-loved venues, from fine dining to late-night bites. It’s the perfect prelude to the New Zealand International Film Festival running from 31 July – 10 August. Snag a dinner deal before heading to the Civic or Academy Cinemas to catch bold, brilliant storytelling right in the heart of the city.
Don’t leave without a stop at Britomart, where Amano remains a firm favourite for fresh, elevated Italian fare in a setting as polished as your new winter wardrobe.
Sleep chic, not chilly
Whether you’re in heels, hiking boots or somewhere in between, Auckland delivers on luxe stays. Cordis, Auckland and the sleek new Abstract Hotel are just a short Uber from Eden Park, Karangahape Road and the Gallery. Want to stay closer to the fashion action? Hotel Indigo’s location and interiors are a match made in design heaven.
This winter, Auckland’s got the style, the sport and the soul. Discover it all at aucklandnz.com
