We’re celebrating some of the best activities that are happening in our great nation this weekend – get out there and enjoy with our list of things to do!
Opening: Waiheke Distilling Co.
Opening on Saturday 23 January (which also happens to be the first National Gin Day – we’re not mad at it, Auckland’s newest must-visit spot is a welcome change from Waiheke’s famed vineyards.
Waiheke Distilling Co. launches their summer series this weekend, and will debut their first batches of their three gins – Spirit of Waiheke, London Dry and Red Ruby Gin.
Get yourself an expertly-crafted G&T and perch in the garden overlooking Cowes Bay and never leave, we guess.
New: A Boujee Champagne Pairing Masterclass
Foodie experiences have been in short supply recently – thanks Covid – but the folks at Mumm are really trying to make up for it with their exclusive RSRV Champagne pairing masterclasses in the heart of Auckland’s America’s Cup village.
Hosted by Mumm’s Champagne Brand Ambassador, guests will be taken through the full suite of the RSRV Champagne cuvée family. Each glass is perfectly paired with a culinary delight from the three-course menu, carefully curated to showcase the different notes of the range – yes please!
Available every Thursday 6:30PM until the 11 March 2021, tickets are $150 per person.
Back: Summer in the Square
Auckland’s Aotea Square really does come alive in summer, especially when it’s a gorgeous evening and there’s a line up of blockbusters and classics screening on a huge digital screen!
The roster of hand-picked summer movies come with some irresistible extras:
- Tasty, high quality meals and bites at the Hello Sailor pop-up café.
- Ice-cream cart with old fashioned hand-rolled ice creams.
- Access to a full bar at Hello Sailor and The Terrace Café.
- Or BYO alcohol-free picnic to enjoy from the comfort of a bean bag.
And of course, the films themselves:
- Ponyo (G). Sun 24 Jan, 5.30pm
- Take Home Pay (M) Thu 28 Jan, 6.30pm Kick your Auckland Anniversary weekend off with this Pasifika action-comedy film filmed in Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Hairspray (PG) Thu 4 Feb, 6.30pm
- Whale Rider (PG) Sun 7 Feb, 4pm. Celebrate Waitangi Weekend with this much-loved NZ classic.
- Yellow is Forbidden (G) Thu 11 Feb, 6.30pm Celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year
- Valentine’s Day movie – People’s Choice* Sun 14 Feb, 6.30pm You get to choose the film screening on Valentine’s Day! Head to Auckland Live’s Facebook page, where from Fri 22 Jan you can vote for the movie you’d most like to see: La La Land (M) or Some Like It Hot (PG).
- I am Greta – Thu 18 Feb, 6.30pm
- The Sapphires (PG) Thu 25 Feb, 6.30pm
Here: Russell Howard’s Respite Tour
What a novelty to welcome an international act – and this one actually booked in his MIQ spot (looking at you, The Wiggles). Beloved British comedian Russell is touring the country with his stand up show – check here for details for your town. He’s here until February, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to secure your tickets.
