Make the most of your Festival experience
Coming into the city for a show or event? Make the most of the experience.
Don't be stuck for inspiration for where to go and what to do the next time you are in the Heart of Auckland City. The Heart of the City app knows exactly what's nearby, what's new and what's on and is full of great ideas and recommendations that will never leave you short of options.
Pre Show Dining in Auckland
When it comes to dining options, the city centre has you spoilt for choice. From quick bites to fine dining, lunch, and breakfast with many eateries located within a short walk from the theatres and venues for Auckland Arts Festival shows.
Heart of the City Dining
Heart of the City showcases some of the best eateries Auckland has to offer.
The Terrace Cafe
Located on the terrace of the Aotea Centre, The Terrace Cafe serves fresh and delicious meals as well as tasty share plates, and a great selection of local craft beers. The perfect place to enjoy a pre-show drink or a bite to eat!
Citizen Q at Q Theatre
Open 90 minutes before show start times Q Theatre’s café and bar, Citizen Q, is a popular pre-show destination. Their comfortable lounge is perfect for a pre and post show drink, a delicious cocktail or a light snacks to keep you going through the festival.
Halsey St Kitchen – ASB Waterfront Theatre
Delicious food made with fresh, local ingredients. Halsey St Kitchen is located on the ground floor of the ASB waterfront Theatre with pre-show dining available from two hours prior to the performance. Booking for pre-show dining is recommended. Phone 09 632 1962 or book online.
Atrium on Elliott Food Court
Enjoy the sumptuous range of Asian delights at the Atrium on Elliott Food Court every day until 5.00pm.
Heart of the City Shopping
Enjoy shopping the streets and laneways of the city centre. From Auckland's oldest department store, Smith & Caughey's to unique boutiques and streetwear on High Street, NZ designers in Britomart and Auckland’s newest shopping precinct Commercial Bay - the city centre really is retail heaven and offers something a little bit different. Heart of The City has all the inspiration you need on seasonal trends and the best stores to know about. Get set to have a shopping experience like no other.
Atrium on Elliott St Retail
Shop to your heart's content in the heart of the city at Atrium on Elliott. You'll find fashion and accessories, sports, lifestyle, beauty and health all here under one roof.
Getting Around Auckland
Train, bus, taxi or walking? No matter where you stay in Auckland, there are plenty of options for getting out and about. For bus, train and ferry timetables go to Auckland Transport or phone 09 366 6400.
The LINK buses are the easiest way to get around Auckland's inner suburbs. Take the red City LINK to get around Auckland's CBD, the green Inner LINK to get around Auckland's inner city and the orange Outer LINK to get around the inner suburbs of Auckland.
With plenty of options to leave your car at home you can find easy options for getting around in the Heart of the City with this go to guide.
Parking for CBD Venues
Parking isn't a problem! As a special deal for Auckland Arts Festival attendees, the Atrium Carpark is offering a $5 night rate after 5pm. This discount is valid from 1 December - 31 March.
The carpark is located at 130 Albert Street, entrance via the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Book here using the promo code ARTS21.
With 736 undercover carpark spaces available, getting to your show has never been easier!
Parking details for specific venues can be found under Venues.