The best things to do around Aotea Centre

In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant city centre, Aotea Centre, part of the Aotea Arts Quarter, is a cultural cornerstone, home to world-class theatre, live music, dance, comedy and special events year-round.

Whether you're in town for a world-class performance, a concert, or a special night out, there's plenty more to discover before and after the show.

From pre-theatre dining and boutique bars to world-class hotels and local attractions, if you are attending a show at Aotea Centre here’s how to make the most of your time around the venue — and why you might want to stay an extra day or two!

An icon of Auckland’s arts and culture scene, Aotea Centre is a purpose-built venue that hosts everything from theatre, dance, and music to talks and major public events.

With its modern architecture, stunning artworks, and spacious foyers, it's a destination in its own right, welcoming locals and visitors to connect through creativity and performance.

Check out what’s coming up at Aotea Centre and start planning your visit.

Where to eat and drink near Aotea Centre

The central city is packed with dining options just a short walk from Aotea Centre. SkyCity in particular is a dining destination in its own right.

It’s where you’ll find restaurants by some of New Zealand’s most renowned chefs: Try modern and inventive Indian cuisine within a fine dining setting at Cassia by Sid Sahrawat, experience something unique at Metita with Michael Meredith’s Pacific-inspired menu, or indulge in exceptional Japanese at MASU by Nic Watt, where food is prepared before your eyes on a robata grill. 

For something more casual but equally memorable, Depot by Al Brown is renowned for their freshly shucked oysters and iconic fish sliders (a regular feature on the Iconic Auckland Eats list), while Al’s neighbouring Federal Delicatessen (known to locals as ‘The Fed’) has comfort food covered — think bagels, New York style sandwiches and street dogs, and sweet pies to finish. 

The Grill and Fortuna buffet restaurant offer options for all tastes, while Huami, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, offers traditional dishes like woodfired Peking duck and an impressive range of dim sum.

For a unique experience, head to the top of the Sky Tower for Orbit 360° dining, where you can enjoy your meal with rotating panoramas of the city, before finishing your evening with a cocktail and skyline views at New Zealand’s highest bar, SkyBar.

Karangahape Road (K’Road), just a 10-minute stroll from Aotea Square, is also brimming with character and culinary gems, including:

• Tappo – an intimate wine bar within St Kevin’s Arcade perfect for a pre-show glass, open 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
• Carmen Jones – think Mediterranean-inspired plates in a sultry setting, open from 3pm daily.
• Achos – a cool haunt serving creative Japanese small plates, sake, plum wine and Japanese whiskey, open from 5pm til late, Tuesday to Sunday.
• Bar Magda – a bar and restaurant serving up bold Filipino-inspired flavours and intimate late-night vibes. Open from 5pm (closed Tuesdays) until well past curtain call.

Right inside the venue, The Terrace Café is perfect for a pre-show bite, with refreshments available to enjoy on the terrace or to go (it opens 90 minutes before all shows and functions).

Just outside in Aotea Square, Container in the Square Café is a relaxed spot for coffee or a snack while soaking up the buzz of the city’s civic heart.

Around the corner, Tanuki’s Cave is an iconic basement-level yakitori and kushiage bar beloved by locals. Known for its Japanese tapas-style skewers, cold beer and cosy atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for a quick bite before show doors open.

Or, grab a quick bite down by the waterfront at Commercial Bay, a modern retail and dining precinct with something for every craving. While there are some stand-out restaurants, including Ahi, Advieh, Poni and Gochu, there is also an up-market dining hub — Harbour Eats — with many different food outlets and flavours from around the world under one roof.

Where to stay near Aotea Centre

With plenty of premium accommodation options within walking distance, it’s a great opportunity to turn your city visit into a longer stay and enjoy a few nights in one of Auckland’s great hotels.

Stay close to the action at one of SkyCity’s three top-tier hotels: SkyCity Hotel, The Grand by SkyCity, or Horizon by SkyCity.

Cordis, Auckland is just a short walk from K’Road’s social scene and convenient to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, as well as the city’s retail and dining precincts.

Sudima Auckland City is a modern hotel just a short walk from Aotea Centre. Enjoy a drink at their rooftop bar, Sunset, before your event.

With its striking design, warm hospitality and focus on sustainability, voco Auckland City Centre blends convenience with a touch of luxury and is ideal for travellers wanting to stay close to the action.

Practically next door to Aotea Centre, Grand Millennium Auckland is perfect for easy access to and from events or shows. 

For harbour views and convenience, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland is a great base for exploring both the city and waterfront.

Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is centrally located, within walking distance of Queen Street, the waterfront and Viaduct Harbour, with both north- and south-bound motorway entrances easily accessible.

Legacy Airedale Hotel, Auckland is located directly opposite Aotea Centre, offering boutique-style accommodation in a beautifully restored heritage building in the heart of Auckland’s theatre district.

Travelling solo or on a budget? LyLo Auckland offers stylish, social accommodation just a few blocks away from Aotea Centre.

Things to see and do around Aotea Centre

Aotea Centre is part of the Aotea Arts Quarter, a collection of the city’s notable civic landmarks, heritage buildings and entertainment venues. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is just around the corner from Aotea Centre, home to an ever-changing line-up of contemporary and historical exhibitions.

Or take yourself on a walking tour of the city's nearby cultural icons, including the Auckland Town Hall and The Civic, both architectural treasures and event venues in their own right. You can also join a one-hour tour of The Civic, where you go behind the scenes of this iconic landmark, and learn anecdotes, facts and stories from the theatre's fascinating history.

Aotea Centre and the surrounding Aotea Square are home to a significant collection of public artworks by prominent New Zealand artists. Notably, the 'Waharoa' sculpture by Selwyn Muru stands at the Queen Street entrance to Aotea Square, and inside, artworks contribute to the cultural richness of the venue, including the 'Aotea Tapestry' by Robert Ellis, one of the country's most significant contemporary tapestries.

At SkyCity, Wētā Workshop Unleashed offers a wildly imaginative, hands-on film and fantasy experience that’s great for all ages. While you're there, don’t miss one of the incredible Treasures of Tāmaki — the All Blacks Experience — an interactive, spine-tingling tribute to New Zealand’s most legendary teams.

For adrenaline-seekers, Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy by AJ Hackett offers an unforgettable opportunity to hurtle head-first from this iconic landmark. Take the leap with a bungy jump or enjoy the stunning city and harbour views on the Auckland Bridge Climb by AJ Hackett Bungy, an exhilarating way to see Auckland from above.

Tucked just off Aotea Square, Odysseum Auckland invites you into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Navigate a maze of glowing lights, optical illusions, and unexpected textures that will trick your senses and test your perception. With its quirky obstacles and immersive effects, it’s a playful and mind-bending adventure that’s just as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids.

The New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, located near the Viaduct Harbour, offers a deep dive into Aotearoa’s seafaring history and connection to the ocean. Explore exhibitions that span Māori and Polynesian voyaging, European exploration, immigration stories and modern sailing triumphs. It’s an engaging and educational stop for all ages, and a great way to connect with the maritime identity that has shaped New Zealand.