For the cultural escape: A home for the arts
While some may disagree, I’d argue that Auckland’s arts scene is the best in the country right now. All you need to do is walk into a local theatre, or stumble across one of the many live bands on offer at any given time. We’ve been to candlelit orchestral performances and avant-garde exhibitions: the city’s brimming with life.
But one of the things I think that is the coolest about our arts scene is that we can really make a whole affair of it—which I’ve been tempted to do, with the gentle encouragement of the concierge at Four Points by Sheraton—a hotel with prime position amid our arts quarter. This much-loved Queen Street hotel is utterly tempting just to order room service and stay in, taking advantage of home comforts for the evening. But there’s plenty on your doorstep; any ideal itinerary here should at least include dinner and a show.
For the best experience, upon check-in, book yourself a table at the Queens Head Bar & Eatery—which is perfect for both a pre- and post-show dinner. Here, the Loving Our Locals menu makes for essential ordering, and reflects some of the best cuisine that our country has to offer. This unique concept is a special menu that changes every six weeks, showcasing the different culinary regions of New Zealand—and reminding us to return every month or two. Otherwise, if you’ve got an early show, or spent too long snoozing, head upstairs to the 20th floor for drinks and small bites. Here, you’ll find The Churchill, a very chic bar with an expansive vantage point across the city. There are more than 160 gins on offer, with a bespoke cocktail menu inspired by Churchill’s era, alongside a quite delicious selection of sharing plates to keep you somewhat sober.
And then it’s time for entertainment; all of the city’s best venues are on your doorstep. We’d recommend checking out Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre—the RNZB are showing their season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream very shortly, or a concert at the Auckland Town Hall—our editors have already booked tickets for Nia Archives in late January. We’ve also heard that the schedule for both Q Theatre and Basement Theatre is producing some of their best work over the coming season, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for the talent there, too.
Then, when all is done for the evening, forget about an Uber or traipsing through the carpark. Instead, just over the road, a warm bath and freshly made bed awaits. It doesn’t get much better than that.
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