Western Springs Stadium is a pivotal point of Auckland's history. Before Vector arena was built,…read morebasically all the big concerts New Zealand had were held at Western Springs. I still remember being about 10 years old and sitting on my back deck in Mt Eden listening to Robbie Williams belt his latest tunes. While it's a bit depressing to think about Robbie now, this was one of the huge bonuses about concerts being held at Springs - all the locals could hear the music for free! Though now most of the big acts go straight to Vector arena, every now and again some still play in the amazingly huge outdoor stadium at Western Springs. In 2011 I was lucky enough to attend the Foo Fighters concert at Western Springs, and it was PHENOMENAL. The sound was amazing, and despite being way up the back of the stadium, you still felt you were part of the action and could see everything. It was my first outdoor concert and so far it's my favourite concert yet - and it's down to, in large part, the stadium itself. If you ever get the chance to go to a concert at Springs, make it a priority and get your ass there - you won't regret it. Tip: Western Springs Stadium is also a Speedway so if you're in to car racing, this is the place for you.

I have been coming here since 1986 and have always been impressed with this natural venue. And…read morerecently they have upgraded the seating along the back and have done a wonderful job. Great venue!

The lights are blinding! Literally they are pointed right at you on both sides of the field I don't…read moreknow how anybody can stand sitting there for long. The lights need to be up higher and come down so that they aren't in your eyes. Nice food service options.

It's not bad. It would be nice if each area that served food had some sort of symbol that showed…read morewhat kind of food they served. They don't have workers checking tickets at each section. So there were a whole lot of people just walking down and sitting in the lower seats they didn't pay for. That got a little annoying. Otherwise, the venue is fine.

Unequivocally my FAVOURITE venue in Auckland! There is something quite magical about this place…read more From the beautifully themed entrance lobby to the star covered ceiling in the theatre itself the Civic never fails to impress. Their line up of musicals, orchestral performances, theatre and Opera are the best of the best too! Close to public transport and parking close by it is an easy place to get to as well which is a convenient bonus

I have a special bond with the Civic, when I was a kid my grandmother worked there and I would…read moreoften get to go into the Civic and the Wintergarden theatres and run through the back halls and rooms, this was during the days of the St James theatre when no-one had even heard of a multiplex. I've been up to the top and seen the stars, I've played with the glowing eyed lions. In part I think the bond I have with the Civic is a little more intense but no less symbolic then the one the rest of Auckland has with it. The Civic is possibly more iconic than the Auckland Town Hall and it seems to sit astride the heart of the Auckland CBD. Inside the Civic, the entrance hall remains mostly unchanged with the exception of the candy bar that used to sell Tangy Fruits, with a glass of wine or beer being the order of the day. Yes folks the Civic ascended from its cinema roots and matured to be an actual Theatre. In all its changes, its not lost its Grandiose 1940's charm and while the seats are still packed in there, you can sit in the Civic and know you're part of Auckland's long history with the Arts. Wellington is still considered the cultural capital of New Zealand, but its got competition here.

Well at least it's not called Ericsson Stadium anymore. Of course now it's "home of The Warriors"…read more I don't really care too much for sport but have been here many times over the years for concerts, including of course the now sadly defunct Big Day Out. We loved to hate The Supertop so now we miss those sweaty times in The Boiler Room, never to be had again. My brother actually used to work here as the groundsman so had his 21st birthday party in the function rooms. Fun times. I came here during high school for Athletics Days. Less fun times. Still, Mt Smart Stadium is one of those places in Auckland that just ARE - and despite its generic nothing special-ness, it's a part of our city and we are fond of it. Well I am anyway.

We were at the Foo fighters last last night. First off could not get a drink and we were there 40…read moreminutes before hand. Four tills to serve a whole stand is unbelievable. The sound was terrible also and out of sync could not make out what Grohl was saying half the time. I would recommend not going to a concert here ever!. Because I live near the stadium I will try to see the warriors I hope that experience is better.

This Event Cinema is my favourite because it is so quiet. I often wonder if they make any money out…read moreof this cinema at all, but I'm not complaining. Often the candy bar is a one man operation and they even rip your tickets because 80% of the time there is no dedicated staff member to do this. It is obvious that the skeletal staffing is due to the lack of movie goers at this cinema but we can rip our own tickets and use the lights on our phones to find our own seats. This cinema is huge, there is a lot of seating, big couches around and a time out games arcade. I have only seen this area packed a few times and there is also a bar here. These cinemas also do not have stadium seating so you often feel like you are sitting on the floor which I don't mind, to make up for it there is quite possibly 1.5m of leg room in front of you. One other good thing is you can get your parking validated so it only costs $6 for a maximum of 4 hours, not even The Hobbit was that long so you would be safe. The parking is just of Davis Crescent.

Even on bargain Tuesday's (really, who actually goes to the cinema any other night of the week?)…read morewhen there's a newly released blockbuster on, this place is quiet. It makes taking my "can't we just wait 'til the DVD" whining partner out to watch a film a much more enjoyable experience. The Broadway bar is an absolute winner as well. AND you can take alcoholic beverages and cups of coffee into the movie with you! It's fantastic. The staff are always friendly and happy to help and the place is vast but easy to navigate. I really wouldn't go to the cinema anywhere else; comfortable seats, big screens and good choice of popcorn and snacks at the counter. Tip: If you go after 6pm, you can park for free a few minutes walk away at the bottom of Parnell Road.

This is a great little venue. I attended a P.O.D/ Rapture Ruckus affair here, and it was perfect…read morefor either moshing or sitting punters. The gallery is far above everyone, so you can see the stage without fighting the crowds of circle pit ravers. Or, if you are a circle pit raver, you have plenty of room to swing around in! It's dark and mystical in there, like you've found yourself a little cave filled with screaming, singing people. Great for any rock concerts, or a very small scale version of Phantom of the Opera. (you wouldn't want to try and fit the Andrew Lloyd Webber band in here!) My downside was what a rip off the parking was. Logan Campbell is located at the ASB Showgrounds, and they charge $8 (cash - no hopers for eftpos) for the evening with no security promises. I'd expect that from the city, but for Greenlane, it's super steep.

My number one band at the moment is the American trio Fun, a quirky group, led by the enigmatic…read moreNate Ruess. Their songs speak to me, and I love the motivational factor in the lyrics, it is a good mix between the emotional and inspirational. So I was a bit surprised that they chose the Logan Campbell Centre as the venue for their first visit to New Zealand; I've only ever attended for trade shows, so I didn't expect much from the LCC. Now I'm the biggest fan of this small venue, it is perfect for any band that is not loud. How I would have loved to see Mumford and Sons here instead of Vector. Was that a waste? What I liked about the venue was that no matter where you were standing or sitting, you were in front of the stage, and close to the action. Parking was ample and little or no queues. Instead of going for the big bucks, more bands should play venues like this. It brings the music back to the fans.

When we arrived after a hard uphill walk from the harbor to learn that the Maori Court and Pacific…read moreExperience exhibits were closed for a multiyear renovation, and were told that a discounted price of $27! was being charged, we felt a bit ripped off. But there were a number of fine exhibits so we felt the visit was still worthwhile -- but a more substantial discount would very much be warranted

Known as the war memorial museum, this place was much more than that. I'm used to museums with a…read morespecific theme and this was a hodge podge museum, filled with quirky collections of indigenous, historical war, science and other miscellaneous items. I am quirky, so I really enjoyed my visit here. The first floor was about indigenous Māori history and other Polynesian islands. The second floor's theme was natural history and the third floor was war history (Māori, World wars) and memorial dedicated to those who served from New Zealand. I spent about three hours looking at all the exhibits and displays. In another lifetime, I worked at an aviation museum and I was astounded to find an intact Zero plane here. With less than twenty in existence, to actually see one in person with actual World War Two history was the highlight of my visit. The museum has two eateries that's pretty decent in price with nice sitting areas to enjoy. The gift shop had original items I didn't see anywhere else on my trip. The museum is free to NZ residents but visitors have to pay admission. It's worth it to pay and visit here atleast once in your lifetime.

I choose Northern Steamship Co. because it's just a short walk to Vector Arena, making it a great…read moreplace to meet before a show. It's also a handy meet-up point for after-work drinks or dinner before a night on the town. The bar is named after the original occupants of the building, and much care has been taken to ensure this heritage building lives up to its long history. Relax in one of the big comfy chairs or meet friends at one of the larger tables, and make sure you look up - the collection of vintage lamps that adorn the roof will make mid-century collectors (like me) seethe with jealousy. A range of Mac's beers are available on tap, and this wino enjoys sampling the Roaring Meg Riesling and Dog Point Sav. The food is pretty traditional pub fare, with the most popular dishes straight out of the deep fryer. For the conscious eater, try the "Wellbeing" platter - smoked salmon, olives, chicken wraps and fresh chutneys abound!

Northern Steamship is a funky pub located in Britomart, in the middle of Auckland's CBD. With a…read moregreat selection of Mac beer on tap, wines and spirits this is a great bar to come hang and have after work drinks with the gang. They have a wickedly great atmosphere, vintage lamp shades hanging from the ceiling, and artistic features up the wall. The food is quite pub like, but still incredibly enjoyable. Not only is it a perfect bar for after work drinks, but it's so well located in the CBD I quite enjoying going there for a drink before a concert at the Vector. Northern Steamship is a great bar to pop into and have a casual meal and drink within the city of sails.