Entertainment

Combining laid-back style with the urban sophistication found in a big city, Auckland is a great place to spend some time. Whether your idea of heaven is champagne and harbor views, dancing to the beats of an international DJ, or downing espresso in a bustling city cafe, the "City of Sails" has it covered.

Live Music

Auckland has a thriving local music scene. Big names tend to play the Town Hall, Ericsson Stadium and the Powerstation. Local alternative bands can be found mostly in places like Iguacu Restaurant & Bar. Jazz, blues and folk are always humming at Deschlers Bar. Roots Bar/Cafe and Cabaret offers up African sounds with DJs and live dancers. Tickets for mainstream events can usually be purchased at Ticketek or Real Groovy Records.

Museums and Galleries

The Auckland War Memorial Museum houses New Zealand's largest collection of Maori artifacts, as well as many interactive displays. The real reason to come here is for the unique Maori cultural performance, that includes a traditional dance and stick games. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki has an extensive collection of regional art on a regularly rotating schedule. The New Gallery houses all of their contemporary works. Explore Auckland's rich nautical history at the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, which features 14 galleries, fully restored vessels and educational cruises.

The Artis Gallery showcases contemporary paintings, photographs and sculptures, while the Te Taumata Art Gallery houses contemporary pieces created by Moari artists. The child-friendly Monterey Park Museum has a vintage car collection and the famed Model World, where visitors can explore miniature replications of famous Auckland landmarks, as well as those of boats and trains.

Theater and Cinema

From international hits to indie gems, Auckland's theater scene is ever-expanding. Big touring shows, as well as productions by Auckland Opera and The New Zealand Ballet, can be found at The Aotea Centre. The Auckland Theatre Company offers a superb program of plays at the Maidment Theatre, while the Silo Theatre is home to the fringe.

Cinema lovers will find many modern multiplexes. The Force Entertainment Centre on Aotea Square is particularly impressive and also houses an IMAX Cinema. The recently refurbished Civic Theatre is definitely worth a visit, for its architectural beauty alone. The Auckland International Film Festival enjoys tremendous local support. Slightly more offbeat is the Becks Incredible Film Fest, presenting B movie classics, kung-fu flicks and other cool, weird stuff.

Parks and Gardens

A visit to one of the city's many parks and gardens is also a must. One Tree Hill was once a volcano and can be found in Cornwall Park. Eden Garden is nearly four decades old, and has an impressive collection of exotic flowers. Albert Park is close to the University of Auckland and is the location of many local concerts, while Cornwall Park is a quiet sanctuary that is also home to grazing sheep.

You can spend the whole day at Western Springs touring its many lakes and feeding the resident ducks. The elegant Auckland Botanic Gardens is a good place to go if you want to learn more about the city's natural side. Check out the ocean views and camping grounds at Tawhitokino Regional Park and Tapapakanga Point.

Festivals

The events calendar has something for everyone. The TV2 International Film Festival attracts well-known and rising comedy stars, both local and international. The Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival has become a fine Easter tradition, while gardening buffs will love the Ellerslie Flower Show.

The Domain attracts huge turnouts to events such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. Throughout the summer, there is a full program of music in parks, and radio station 95 bFM is famous for its Albert Park Summer Series.

Alternative music lovers flock to the Big Day Out, which showcases heavyweight international performers. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population in the world, and no better way is this celebrated than with the annual Pasifika Festival.