Warm up for Winter in Auckland:
Auckland is warming up for winter! With international performing arts and sports events to set your pulse racing during June, July and August, whether you're a rugby loyalist or a theatre connoisseur there's something for everyone in Auckland this winter. So don't stay in - go out - make a weekend of it and applaud Auckland for the world-class entertainment season ahead!
To make life easy for you, we’ve suggested what there is to do for him, for her and for you both. We've also found you a very hot place to stay for a hot price which will surely warm up your winter!
Indulge in city centre luxury from only NZ$160 per night!
Ward of the winter chill and stay at the internationally-renowned, Heritage Hotel, Auckland. The grand architecture of this heritage-listed hotel is one of the striking features to stand out in the heart of Auckland City. The convenient location means the hotel is within walking distance of an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops. But don’t feel you have to go out for a drink or a meal - the hotel has two restaurants, two swimming pools, two health clubs, a tennis court and 467 stylish rooms and self-contained suites to keep you entertained.
For Him...
Get a group of mates together and enjoy a day of macho adventure then witness fierce competition at the rugby!
Build up to the excitement during the day!
If you have a full day to play with, then head up to Woodhill Forest, jump on a 4Track Adventure 300cc quad bike and go-go-go! On the way back to the city before the game, stop in at Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant for a refreshing taste of locally brewed beer.
If you have a bit of spare time before or after the game, be sure to take a tour of Eden Park, one of the world's most famous rugby stadiums and soon to be home to Rugby World Cup 2011. Find out more information about Eden Park tours.
Warriors at War
Join the crowd in cheering-on New Zealand's fearsome rugby league team, the Vodafone Warriors when they host the Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers, Illawarra Dragons, Newcastle Knights, Gold Coast Titans and the Manly Sea Eagles throughout June, July and August at Mt Smart Stadium.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.warriors.co.nz.
Did you know…. Mt Smart Stadium was once an 86 metre high volcanic cone occupied by Maori and called Rarotonga (meaning 'below south'). During the 1880s through until the 1980s the cone was quarried away for basalt for New Zealand's railways. Officially opened as a stadium in 1967, Mt Smart has developed into the outstanding entertainment venue that it is today. For more history on Mt Smart Stadium, visit www.mtsmartstadium.co.nz.
For Her...
A girls' winter weekend in Auckland is something that will leave you feeling invigorated, pampered, content and satisfied! Enjoy a day of indulgence followed by an evening of dining and entertainment at the opera or a classical music show and then get your beauty sleep at a cozy hotel!
Grab a ferry from downtown Auckland and hop over to Waiheke Island for the day - what better way is there to treat yourself than with visits to beaches, cafés, art studios, vineyards (with wine tasting of course) and a boutique olive estate. All this is from as little as $42 and… a friend goes for half price! In the evening, depending on the show of your choice, we've suggested some scrumptious dining options below.
A Trifecta of Ballet, Opera and Classical Music
It doesn't get better than this with classic performances from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Opera and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to ward off the winter blues.
The NZ Symphony Orchestra's Winter Warmer Season will take the chill out of the air on 15 June, 13 July and 29 September at the Town Hall, THE EDGE. Also at THE EDGE in June, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Cinderella, the classic fairy tale story. The show runs from 10 to 14 October and tickets can be purchased through Ticketek.
See Giacomo Puccini's Turnadot presented by the New Zealand Opera. The icy princess Turandot refuses to let any man have her. Princes seek her out, but she ensures their defeat by demanding that they answer three impossible riddles - on pain of death. All have failed and been executed until a young foreign prince, smitten with her, makes his bid. A high-stakes battle of wits follows, with results both shocking and thrilling. See it at the Aotea Centre from 20 - 29 September.
Dining…
In keeping with the opera theme, visit Toto restaurant, 53 Nelson Street, on a Thursday or Saturday night where live opera is part of the Italian dining experience. Visit www.toto.co.nz for more information or to make a booking.
For Both...
The opportunities for romance in Auckland are endless. Not only is there an abundance of things to do, we have packaged them all up into hot deals that you won't find anywhere else. If you like the idea of escaping to an island, exploring a harbour or discovering the nature of the Waitakere Ranges we have it all here. And best of all treat yourself and the special person in your life. Click here!
We've picked out some great events coming up that we know you'll both enjoy too …
The English Bard and the Russian Storyteller
Shakespeare meets Chekhov in a not-to-be-missed 10 show run as the Royal Shakespeare Company performs The Bard’s King Lear and the Russian Storyteller Chekhov's The Seagull. Towering figures of British theatre, Ian McKellen (Gandolph from Lord of the Rings), Sylvester McCoy (a previous Doctor Who) and Frances Barber are reunited on stage with Trevor Nunn as the director.
Shakespeare's King Lear is the most emotionally and physically draining of any of the playwright's characters. Chekhov's The Seagull, reworked by the Moscow Art Theatre in 1897, went on to be one of his greatest successes.
The Royal Shakespeare Company is at THE EDGE from 18 to 26 August for 10 performances only, as part of its international arts season.
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek.
Ancient Egypt at the Auckland Museum
The mysteries of ancient Egypt have intrigued young and old since the first discoveries of this fascinating civilisation. Egypt: Beyond the Tomb brings the ancient Egyptian world to life at the Auckland Museum from 25 May to 12 August. The exhibition presents a story of a father and daughter - real people who lived and died nearly 2700 years ago in Egypt. Researchers have pieced their story together through the artifacts, writings and bodies left behind, many of which are on display at the museum.
While at the Auckland Museum, be sure to check out the views from the new Atrium and take a walk through Auckland Domain, one of Auckland's best loved open spaces.
For more information visit www.aucklandmuseum.com.