Top Rated Attractions in Auckland

There has always been funny business in this establishment--before it became a comedy theatre, it was a porn cinema! Now, you will find a varied array of funny folk from part-timers and professionals through to international comedians. Occasionally there are other events, such as music, film and video, and alternative cabaret. Check their website for details of events. There are two licensed bars and cabaret seating for up to 140 people.

The old Pumphouse, with its tall landmark chimney on the shores of Lake Pupuke, stands as a glorious red brick reminder of the past and is now restored as a charming theatre and gallery. The Pumphouse café overlooks the lake with its gentle urban tree-framed view, ducks, swans and energetic rowers and sailors. The North Shore Theatre and Arts Trust administers the Pumphouse. The Gallery is situated upstairs and functions as a show place for North Shore arts and crafts with a wide-ranging variety of exhibitions.

New Zealand opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa opened the centre in 1990, and the multi-purpose venue is host to productions by Opera New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the Auckland Philharmonia, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, as well as international artists, conventions and exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances. Various venues within the centre, such as the ASB Theatre, seat audiences from 180 to 2256.

In industrial Penrose, is the home of the Auckland Warriors Rugby League Club, the Football Kingz and Athletics Auckland. International bands performances and large scale open-air operas have also been staged here. The music festival - The Big Day Out -happens here each January. The ground was home of the track and field events for the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Every community needs a center or an organization that guides its young generation, Zeal is one such venue. This center focuses on innovation, development of leadership skills and knowledge enhancement. With this aim in mind, it encourages youth to participate in various creative activities or similar events and workshops. Zeal prides itself in being a drug and alcohol free venue, thereby providing a safe and positive environment. Barring dance parties, most of the events held here allow entry to all above 13 years of age. Young people can showcase their skills here; theater, dance, concerts, art exhibitions and various other forms of art are endorsed here. That’s not it, the on-site spaces like café, main stage and rehearsal room can be hired for gigs and shows provided they are in sync with core values of Zeal. For upcoming events and other information, check website.

In a basement deep under the Auckland Public Library, this cinema specializes in quality, art and cross-over movies. Owner John Hart, one of the industry's leading characters who started his career as an ice-cream boy in the late 1940s, built the cinema in 1982. He chose the site for its proximity to other theaters and the University of Auckland. It seats 230 people, and three years ago had its technical equipment upgraded to include Dolby stereo. A coffee shop is incorporated into the lobby.