There’s something about Auckland in winter. Maybe it’s the long twilight evenings over the harbour, the moody light in the art galleries, or the way the city pulses with culture while other destinations start to hibernate. With a stacked calendar of shows, exhibitions and places to wine, dine and stay out late, Tāmaki Makaurau is proving once again it’s the city that doesn’t dim when the temperature drops.
For the rainbow community, Auckland isn’t just open this winter, it’s turning it on. The city is buzzing with energy, creativity and just the right amount of chaos. From the boutiques of Britomart to the grit and glamour of Karangahape Road, everything feels close, connected and alive. One moment you’re in front of a Monet, the next you’re sipping cocktails with a view or catching a standing ovation at The Civic. It’s a season made for spontaneous plans, late nights and full cultural immersion, served with just the right splash of drama.
Priscilla takes centre stage
The Civic comes alive this September with Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Running from 12 September to 4 October, this beloved musical based on the Oscar-winning film is equal parts heartfelt and high camp. Expect a dazzling array of costumes, an avalanche of dancefloor anthems, and a starring turn from local drag icon Anita Wigl’it. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, this glitter-drenched road trip is a must-see.
A show this big deserves a proper night out. Book into nearby Cordis Auckland, known for its indulgent high teas and plush decor, or Four Points by Sheraton, whose rooftop gin bar is made for a golden hour pre-show drink. Both hotels are perfectly placed for the theatre, the Auckland Art Gallery and the city’s key cultural hotspots.
Culture with a twist
Just a few minutes’ walk from The Civic, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki continues to impress with A Century of Modern Art, on until 28 September. With works by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso and more, it’s an extraordinary chance to see some of the world’s greatest artists in conversation with one another and with the city outside its grand windows.
For a single night of beauty, rhythm and grace, mark 29 August on your calendar. That’s when the Ballet International Gala VI takes over The Civic for one glittering evening of classical and contemporary works performed by some of ballet’s biggest global stars. Whether you’re a purist or a casual admirer, it’s a spectacle worth dressing up for.
DIVA energy
No trip to Auckland is complete without a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the DIVA exhibition on now through 19 October gives you every reason to go. This dazzling tribute celebrates the powerhouses of music, performance and pop culture who’ve changed the world, from gender-defying legends to voice-of-a-generation icons. It’s a reminder that behind every era-defining outfit and high note is a diva who made her mark.
To continue the diva fantasy in real life, base yourself at SO/ Auckland or QT Auckland, two of the city’s most stylish stays. Both sit moments from the waterfront and Britomart’s design district, offering luxurious rooms, indulgent dining and rooftop bars with sweeping views of the Waitematā. Whether you start your night with a spritz at HI-SO or end it on the terrace at QT’s Rooftop, these hotels keep your glamour levels high from check-in to check-out.
Satisfy every craving
Auckland’s food scene thrives in winter. Whether you’re grabbing something casual between gallery visits or looking to impress on date night, the city’s culinary offerings are diverse and delicious. Pie Rolla on Karangahape Road is an institution, famous for its hearty fillings, flaky pastry and ability to cure anything, be it hangovers or hunger pangs. There’s also a second outpost tucked into Osborne Lane in Newmarket, ideal for a post-shop bite — just steps from Westfield Newmarket.
For something more refined, Atelier serves elegant French tapas in a moody, artful space on K Road. By day, Fort Greene just up the street offers some of the city’s best sandwiches, made with house-baked breads and seasonal ingredients that go far beyond your average deli. And when the sun goes down, Queens Rooftop at Commercial Bay is where you want to be — with some of the best harbour views in the city, this is one of the places to be. Expect standout cocktails, a lively crowd, and a setting that turns any evening into an occasion.
Looking for more inspiration? Head to Auckland Iconic Eats at iconiceats.co.nz for a curated guide to the 100 most-loved dishes in the city, as voted by the public. From low-key brunch favourites to high-end icons, the list is a goldmine of local flavour.
K Road and The Civic: Auckland’s cultural core
If you haven’t walked the length of Karangahape Road lately, you’re missing one of the most proudly queer, constantly evolving and artistically rich streets in the country. K Road is home to drag institutions like Caluzzi, vintage shops that double as performance spaces, and cocktail bars with names you won’t remember but nights you won’t forget. Just a short walk away, The Civic rises like a temple of old-world glamour, its interior glowing with golden chandeliers and a famously star-studded ceiling.
If those walls could talk, they’d tell stories of showgirls, jazz musicians, film premieres and generations of Aucklanders falling in love with performance. And thanks to The Civic Tours, you can get a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Running regularly throughout the season, these tours reveal the theatre’s nearly 100-year history, from its 1920s origins through to its 90s restoration. It’s a journey rich with nostalgia and magic.
Make it a moment
Winter is when Auckland comes into its own. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and soul, where you can spend your morning in front of a Monet, your afternoon shopping at Westfield Newmarket and your evening at the theatre or out on the town.
Whether you’re here for the culture, the fashion, the food or just a bit of well-deserved indulgence, this is the season to say yes to it all. From the glitter of Priscilla to the brushstrokes of Picasso, from diva worship to rooftop rendezvous, Auckland is showing off and it’s looking right at you.
Discover everything Auckland has to offer this season at aucklandnz.com
