What to do at Aotea Arts Quarter

The arts, cultural and civic heart of Auckland, Aotea Arts Quarter is home to heritage buildings such as The Civic, the Auckland Town Hall and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. It’s also where you’ll find an incredible mix of artistic diversity.

1. CATCH A SHOW

The Civic is the dame of Auckland: a grand, timeless theatre. The Classic Comedy Club hosts live cabaret-style comedy shows and the Basement Theatre is small, personal and showcases home-grown talent. The Q Theatre is well-known for its thought-provoking performances.

2. VISIT AN ICONIC VENUE

The beautiful Civic has stood stoically since 1929. If you think the grand exterior is impressive, wait until you see the Asian-inspired foyer and twinkling auditorium. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a must-see, too. It’s a clever mix of old and new, with the best of the original 1888 building’s exterior flowing into a very stylish, modern addition.

3. GRAB A PRE-SHOW BITE

The Glass Goose rooftop bar is just eight minutes on foot from Aotea Square and perfect for a pre-show tipple. Nearby SkyCity Auckland offers a hub of eateries and if you’re hungry after the show, Federal Delicatessen is a New York-style diner that takes orders right up until 10pm – no reservation required

4. HANG OUT IN AOTEA SQUARE

Aotea Square is a large, paved public space in the heart of the quarter. Enjoy a free assortment of live music, food stalls and outdoor movies throughout summer, as well as Auckland Pride events and pop-up festivals. Covid-19 may cause date changes.