Discover the best things to do near Spark Arena

Soak in the city’s waterfront charm, indulge in a top-tier meal, or explore Auckland’s harbour; whatever your pick, you’re bound to leave Auckland with a full heart and plenty of memories, long after the final encore.

Where to eat and drink near Spark Arena

Auckland’s food scene is world class, and you won’t have to go far to find an incredible meal before or after your event. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a rooftop cocktail, or a long, leisurely dinner, these spots near Spark Arena are worth adding to your itinerary.

Amano offers rustic Italian-inspired fare in the heart of the city. Known for its artisan sourdough bread, seasonal menus and handmade pasta, Amano is an Auckland dining institution. Located within the stylish Britomart precinct on Quay Street, and within walking distance of Spark Arena, this open-plan space is perfect for a pre-show dinner or a morning-after refuel of coffee and pastries.

If you love Japanese cuisine, you’ll love the modern twist that Ebisu puts on traditional izakaya-style dining. Drawing together Japanese and European techniques, the menu boasts beautifully fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and flavour-packed fusion dishes. Pair your meal with sake from their extensive selection or a Japan-inspired cocktail.

At Cafe Hanoi you’ll find vibrant, fresh and light Vietnamese flavours served up in modern cuisine. Think fresh rice paper rolls, tiger prawns, lemongrass-infused dishes, and delicious signature cocktails that transport you straight to Hanoi’s streets. Housed within one of Britomart’s heritage warehouse spaces, there’s a buzzing vibe that will get you amped up for the show with a pre-event dinner.

Grab a scoop of ice cream like you’ve never seen before at Giapo. More than just dessert, Giapo is a whole experience in itself. Known for wildly creative, Insta-worthy ice creams, this spot is perfect for a sweet treat before heading into Spark Arena. Expect flavours that push boundaries, often topped with handcrafted chocolate creations or freshly baked treats that have to be seen to be believed!

Kick off your evening with a glass of wine, panoramic harbour views and fresh seafood dishes from the raw bar at Queen’s Rooftop & Wineshop. You’ll enter through an unassuming wine shop featuring shelves lined with local and international drops, take the elevator to the 21st floor and step out to an elevated terrace overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed sundowner or a pre-show cocktail while soaking in Auckland’s skyline and live DJ beats.

Seafood certainly feels like an appropriate choice in a city surrounded by water, and kingi is one of the best places in Auckland to experience fresh, locally sourced fare from the ocean. Celebrating sustainable catches, kingi’s signature dishes include gamefish crudo, their famous kina on toast, kūmara sourdough, snapper and crayfish bisque, and so much more it will be hard to choose. Try a signature cocktail and donate to a cause; through each cocktail purchase, kingi supports a chosen local New Zealand charity.

If you’re craving big, bold flavours and a lively atmosphere, get yourself to Alma. Inspired by the tastes of southern Spain, the menu is all about wood-fired cooking, fresh local seafood, and vibrant Mediterranean spices. Expect melt-in-your-mouth lamb, tasty tostadas, and share plates bursting with flavour, all best enjoyed with a glass of Spanish wine or a gin from the purposely constructed selection.

Where to stay near Spark Arena

Convenience is key when it comes to choosing concert accommodation; somewhere close enough to the pre-gig action and local attractions, with easy accessibility to and from the venue. Here are some top picks for hotels near Spark Arena:

Sleek, sustainable and stylish; The Hotel Britomart is New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel with a stunning blend of eco-conscious design and modern luxury. Centrally located in Britomart, it’s an easy stroll to restaurants, shopping, the harbour, and to Spark Arena for the main event.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland is the perfect pick for those who love a little indulgence, because not only does Mövenpick offer chic rooms and harbour views, but guests also get to enjoy a bonus sweetener: daily free chocolate hour. This hotel has an unbeatable location, right next door to Britomart Railway Station and just a short stroll to the ferry terminals.

Situated on the edge of Princes Wharf, Hilton Auckland combines its signature luxury with incredible views of the Waitematā Harbour. Bonus: You’re only a stone’s throw away from the Viaduct’s bars and eateries, within minutes of the ferry terminal and a short walk to Commercial Bay shopping precinct.

QT Auckland is quirky, artsy, and full of personality. This boutique hotel blends hospitality with eclectic design, creating a stylish, welcoming and high-energy space to set the mood for your concert weekend. Downstairs, Esther serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes, while upstairs Rooftop at QT offers cocktails with stunning views over the Viaduct Harbour - the ideal spot for a pre-show drink or a late-night wind-down.

Designed for modern travellers, M Social Auckland sits right on Auckland’s scenic waterfront, offering harbour views, a stylish vibe, and an in-house restaurant, Beast & Butterflies, serving up international cuisine. With the harbour right on your doorstep, and just minutes from shopping and dining at Commercial Bay, it’s a perfect choice for those who love being in the heart of the action.

For a chic Auckland escape, SO/ Auckland is bold, and unapologetically stylish, blending luxury with a playful edge. Pack your gladrags, this is one Instagram-worthy spot where you’ll want to capture some snaps, whether from atop the building at the HI-SO Rooftop Bar with a pre-show drink in hand, or in front of the hotel’s gallery-like art and designer interiors. 

For comfort, convenience, and affordability, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is a solid choice. Located close to Spark Arena (less than 10 minutes walk away) and key city attractions, it’s ideal for those who want a fuss-free stay with everything within easy reach.

Pullman Auckland Hotel and Apartments offers spacious rooms - some with harbour views - and a luxe spa and a wellness centre, making it perfect for those who want to unwind in style before or after their event. Its proximity to Spark Arena and Queen Street means you’re never far from the action.

For a sophisticated stay with old-world charm, Fable Auckland MGallery delivers. Think elegant interiors, plush furnishings, and personalised service, all housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, super-centrally located and within walking distance of Auckland’s hotspots.

Things to do around Spark Arena

Maybe you’re amped for a big weekend of fun, or maybe you’re hoping for some chill time after a big night out. Whatever your vibe, and whether you’ve got a few hours to spare or several days to explore, here are some great ways to see more of Auckland, before or after the show.

Explore the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter

Just a 20-minute walk from Spark Arena, Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is packed with buzzing waterfront bars and restaurants overlooking yachts and the inner harbour. It’s a popular place to while away a few hours with a long lunch in the sunshine, enjoy an evening drink when the bars DJs start spinning, or simply wander along the waterfront to admire the energy and outlook of this harbourside precinct.

Just across the Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge you’ll discover Wynyard Quarter, a scenic spot to take a breather before or after the main event at Spark Arena. Wander along the promenade, check out superyachts in the marina, or grab a seat at one of the waterfront bars and eateries and admire the vibrant harbour.

There is plenty to keep you occupied in this recently regenerated part of Auckland, with a mix of outdoor activities for the whole family. Within Silo Park, an industrial-style public space, you’ll often find markets, outdoor movie nights and art installations. Visit Karanga Plaza, a fantastic spot to watch the world go by, or brave a dip in the harbour pool.

Shop and stroll through Commercial Bay

Auckland’s ultimate lifestyle precinct, Commercial Bay, is where you’ll find New Zealand designers, global brands and boutique stores.

After some retail therapy, grab a bite at Harbour Eats, a vibrant food hall packed with top-tier eateries, or settle in for a pre-show dinner at one of the precinct’s acclaimed restaurants.

Discover boutique suburb, Parnell

Just a five-minute drive from the arena, Parnell is one of Auckland’s most charming spots, filled with art galleries, independent boutiques, and beautiful casual dining.

Make time for a coffee or bite to eat at 269 Parnell, browse the village shops, or, if you’ve arrived on a Saturday, check out Parnell’s Farmers Market on from 8am til noon.

Explore Auckland’s harbour

Want to see Auckland from a different perspective? Auckland’s harbour is best experienced from the water, and there are several ways you can set sail before or after your event.

Take to the water with Explore Group, offering luxury sailing cruises and island-hopping adventures to Rotoroa Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Fullers360 is your go-to for ferries to Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, and Devonport, perfect for a day of wine tasting, coastal walks, or seaside dining.

If you’re after something more active, Auckland Sea Kayaks runs guided paddling tours, including sunset and night adventures to Rangitoto Island, where you can hike to the summit and kayak back under the stars.

Or, for a more exclusive experience, Cruise New Zealand offers private charters, luxury fishing trips, and tailor-made scenic cruises, ensuring a unique VIP experience during your visit in Auckland.