May 2019

It’s cold outside, and the sun goes down far too early in my opinion, but does that mean the party season has to be over? Or should we keep the drinks pouring and motor on? We have found three amazing winter festivals here in the city of sails that we believe are worth checking out, so replace those summer festival outfits with some layered warm clothing and let’s keep the party going!

MATARIKI FESTIVAL

To celebrate the beginning of the Māori new year, Auckland Council’s Matariki Festival consistently delivers a series of culturally delightful events. And while exact details are yet to be announced, you can expect everything from street food and live performances, right through to light festivals, stargazing, Māori art workshops and film screenings. It’s seen as a time to reflect on Māori identity, as well as an opportunity to look to the future while celebrating aspects of our culture that makes us so unique.

Matariki Festival 2019 runs from 22 June to 14 July in Tāmaki Makaurau

ELEMENTAL AKL

New cultural festival Elemental AKL was developed to make Auckland a more vibrant and compelling place to visit and spend time in during the rain-soaked winter. More than 40 events have been unveiled for the winter festival, including a lineup of light shows, culinary events and cultural performances.

Great Barrier Island is hosting a series of astronomy-themed events, Takapuna’s Smales Farm will see the return its three-day light festival, and an interactive light playground will illuminate Albert Park for three days. The Craft’d Wine + Spirits Festival will host more than 40 boutique wine and spirits producers, Eat Drink Love Ponsonby includes a series of special events and will see international guests take over spaces along the strip, Devonport’s ‘dining corridor’ will host a progressive dinner experience spotlighting native ingredients and traditional cooking methods, and Elemental Feast will see restaurants plate up unique dishes or menus using local ingredients and inspired by the elements.

The entertainment lineup will also see Auckland’s full-scale replica of the second Globe Theatre stick around for its first winter season. At Silo Park there will be an all-wheels illuminated parade in celebration of Matariki, and Te Taumata Kapa Haka will share the dynamic art form of kapa haka with exhilarating live performances

DEEP HARD N FUNKY

If you already miss carving up shapes on the dance floor and breaking a sweat, then we have the perfect thing for you.

For a dose of good hard dancing and EDM, get to George FM’s Deep Hard N Funky. Hosted at Ellersile racecourse, the lineup includes a stack of local and international acts, including P Money, Kings, Maximono, Kormak, Bijou and more. There’ll be six stages to jump between, so if you need to switch it up, something different won’t be far away. It’s also the event’s 20th anniversary, so it goes without saying that things will be bigger and better than before.

We have all been avoiding admitting that it’s here, but let’s face it, the temperature is cooling down, we’re putting our swimsuits away and getting out the woollies and setting the fires! But just because winter has waltz on in, doesn’t mean your holiday up to the big city has to be lacking! We have done a deep dive on the internet and sourced three great winter activities to do in Auckland in the cooler months!

Have some drinks cozied up by the Fire

There’s nothing quite like cracking open a bottle of red by the fireplace, or having a nice craft beer by the heat of burning embers and a few Auckland bars have made this perfectly simple for looking to get a bit loose in winter! From mulled wine to a nice stout and finger-licking good nibbles, this is the perfect way to end a long week or start a long weekend! Some of our favorites include the Fireplace Bar & Brassiere in Kumeu, catch some live music and some warm rum at Racket Bar in Britomart, or take in the homely vibes of 46 & York in Parnell.

Unique Movie Cinemas

There’s nothing cosier in winter than snuggling up with a blanket, sharing a few chocolates and settling down to a good movie. Although this doesn’t always involve leaving the house, it’s much more fun when you do! From Sunday through to Wednesday, the Mission Bay cinema screens $10 movies (meaning there’s money left over for the Movenpick joint downstairs!). The cosy Mission Bay theatre has a vintage theme to it, showcasing a fine selection of movies from alternative picks to the most popular of flicks. Another favourite is the Lido Cinema in Epsom, which emphasises a gold class experience offering lazy boy’s, a glass of wine and decadent Kapati ice cream. The Lido is perfect for spying out flicks no one else is showing, meaning subtitles and indie films are on the card.

Romantic Walk at the Wintergardens

Even on a cold day this is the perfect activity for lovebirds! A treasured spot in the heart of Auckland lies the most picturesque of locations – the Wintergardens. This is where past meets present, designed in the early 1900’s, it has two Victorian-style glass houses, One is heated, showing off lush tropical plants while the other is neutral, displaying temperate plants changing with the seasons.

Once you’re done exploring the gardens, head up the road to the cosy Domain & Ayr Cafe. With cabinet food set to impress and corners with bright cushions and rustic wooden tables, it’s the perfect finish to a day at the gardens. We recommend their famous 20-minute fluffy pancake but if you’re after something a little lighter, the blueberry muffin is a must.