We came here for a presentation of the Opera "La Cenerentola" and a pre-show talk as well this…read moremonth. I found the Center to be very clean and modern in style. The staff were friendly enough and everything there seemed to be well organized. The seats in the auditorium were comfortable enough to sit for a while and the acoustics were fine. My biggest problem was with direction. It happened to be raining and we had to walk around the entire building to find the entrance. There weren't many signs displayed and I found the ones that were posted not to be helpful. The floor-plan is very open and so our talk was overshadowed and a bit interrupted by a musical event happening on another floor. The event itself was fine, however I was tempted to use an emergency exit as we had front row seats and it seemed to take much longer than usual for people to exit the auditorium. Now that I have a better idea of the layout, I would be willing to attend another event here.

Since this place got renovated within the last year, it's pretty snazzy. All the seating redone,…read moreceiling and side panels redone. Can't say if I've noticed much of the acoustic difference. But this place is pretty nice to have an event (show, talk, theatre, performance). I love the foyer area upstairs. There's a cafe and just outside on the steps you can chill and people-watch in the Aotea Square which is alive most times of the year.

I dunno about the Showgrounds. Everyone knows where they are, everyone's been there for something…read moreand we all continue to do so fairly regularly - I was just there this week for the Importer's Clearance Sale. Trouble is, it's really not too flash. They always sting you for parking (cash only of course) for any event and said parking is a really trashy makeshift carpark full of potholes and the bare minimum of space per car. Then there's a bit of a walk past the old admin buildings and into a great big characterless foyer with great big cavernous rooms. I know it's meant to be a blank canvas so maybe I'm just whingeing but I always feel like it could be so much better. So many events are held here - The Food Show, The Parent and Child Show and many many smaller trade shows along with everyone's favourite The Royal Easter Show. But when I was here recently for Chinese New Year we were all sitting on the concrete eating our lunch. I know it's probably up to individual event organisers but more seating in the food areas would be great and more shade for summer events would be equally appreciated. And hey, maybe even an allround spruce up and cheaper parking? Just saying.

Billed as New Zealand's premier events and exhibition centre, ASB show grounds really lives up to…read moreits rather stately title. It caters to everything from private cocktail parties, corporate functions to large scale concerts and performances, trade shows, even weddings! It is the team here that really make each individual event personalized and a success. This weekend I went to Nz's largest stock clearance sale that happens here every couple of months, which is basically a huge makeup sale with things at ridonkulously low prices ( what's not to love). This event always attracts hordes of scary girls, that relish fights over blusher/bronzer etc so it's good that there is lots of space available to make a run for it if necessary. Things were neatly set out, and were easy to access. There is even ample parking, which is always a problem in Auckland.

Have spent two consecutive Saturday nights at Galatos for two different events. Tucked away behind…read moreK Road, it's not difficult to find, easy to get to on public transport, but with limited on street parking. An intimate venue with good acoustics for live music. Larger area downstairs with a lovely bar area upstairs with comfy couches and small tables. Will definately look out for future events here as really enjoyed the atmosphere and the patronage.

Galatos is an extraordinary venue - off the beaten track and behind K'Road, Galatos has always…read moreoffered up a smorgasbord of treats on stage. I first remember (well, don't remember) Galatos' dance party stage at the turn of the century, then its phase of holding massive rock gigs. Nowadays, I'm more likely to head along to Galatos to for Auckland's regular gay film nights, or a Fringe festival show. This venue is a bitch of a place to get to if you're arriving by car (seriously, don't park at the big carpark on the corner, they'll tow you) but once you're in, it's spacious, the drinks are cheap and the staff are friendly.

If you are ever invited to an event, a wedding or a corporate function at Mantells make sure you…read moreseize that invitation and enjoy one of the best function venues in Auckland. You are welcomed through the heavy, blue-black curtains into a pristine entrance and immaculate white bar. Polished floors and huge geometric spaces dominate the rest of the venue, each sectioned off as needed for your event. We made good use of the outdoor courtyard that backs onto Auckland Harbour (with it's own bar) and the wide divans beneath the marquee. Mantells is made to dazzle your guest, the sharp edges of the venue smoothed by the genuine staff service and warmed in the glow of gas fireplaces.

I went to this venue last night for an industry event and spent the whole night trying to come up…read morewith an excuse to hire it out myself; this place is amazing. From what I've heard it's usually a wedding venue, which kind of lets you know it's pretty swanky. Nestled in between the boat yards in Westhaven, Mantells on the Water is yet another reason to visit the awesomely awesome Wynyard Quarter. Looking out over Waitemata Harbour with the sun setting behind the Harbour Bridge and a drink in hand is not a bad way to spend an evening. There is a real sense of relaxed kiwi vibes combined with super stylish decor. Wooden floors, high ceilings and industrial lighting give off a New York loft feel, combine that with the large outdoor area and you've got a close to perfect venue! Yummy drinks, knowledgeable staff and reeallllyyyy tasty snacks - that's my kinda night!

I've been up here a couple of times; once for a fashion show and most recently for a charity St…read morePatrick's Day event. The main area looked completely different both times so obviously it's a space that can be many things - which I imagine is the whole point of it. I remember there was a lot of carry-on from the architects about how incredible this venue would be and for sure, the copper dome is pretty cool although you can hardly see it from the outside (its best angle). The foyer though which is accessed by a single lift is a bit of a disaster - beautiful with huge windows but tiny. When I went for the fashion show everyone was held in the foyer which got full to bursting and then on exit there is a massive queue for the lift. Not exactly brilliant design. There is another lift on the other side but I've never seen it in use. The main auditorium just feels like a lost opportunity. In terms of functionality it's fine but I just don't understand why there isn't an outdoor terrace or some other way of maximising the amazing views (I'm assuming they would be amazing because you really can't see much from inside - it's all about the wavy ceiling). I'm no engineer so maybe there's good reasons but it just feels like it could be anywhere - there's no connection to the city and the fact that it is sitting right on top of one of our most commanding buildings. Anyway it's not the kind of thing that will stop you from having a good time here and the gleeful shenanigans at O'Party were unhindered to be sure.

Like most folks in auckland it have heard of Mantells for some many years now but never really had…read morean occasion ... That was until we had the opportunity to photograph a wedding that was held here. The wedding itself was just simply fabulous. The bride and groom and family and guests were fantastic and really made the day. Being part of the "service" folks we got to see first hand all the things that happened in the background. The staff at Mantells worked tirelessly to ensure that the event went as slick as possible. The kitchen was running implacably and kept churning out fantastic dish after dish! The waiters and front staff were smooth and paid attention to all the details. The venue itself was well kept, groomed, and had this air of magnificence! I can go on and on about this place and how wonderful it is ... The 5 stars is truly well earned!

I've been hearing about this spot for years so when I attended a wedding at Mantells recently I was…read moreall curiosity and was not disappointed in the slightest. Tucked behind the old post building on Mt. Eden Road this intimate function venue is all class - you actually feel as though you're at a beautiful private residence somewhere in France. Wedding ceremonies can take place in either the courtyard or the indoor lounge and dining room areas. If the weather permits it the courtyard area with its amazing stonework and pillars and outdoor fireplace is probably the pick of the spot. The food was amazing and the service very, um, effiecient, no mucking around on eating your meals or they were gone before you knew it! I'm personally not a fan of pork-belly but I heard more than half the guests palpitating over it. A really stunning place.

Despite my distaste at their $5 parking fee (ended up parking on the road instead), I enjoyed…read moreattending a Breakers game here last night. The staff were super friendly and helpful, and although the place is a bit rough around the edges, it's still a good venue for this kind of affair. Loads of room, good seating arrangements that aren't too far from the court despite being in what my Dad calls 'the nosebleed section', an unusual but workable system for the café, and generally good vibes, it's got a lot going for it!

The church I attend recently started using Hub West as a venue for our Sunday services. The venue…read moreis absolutely beautiful as it incorporates Maori art in side the building and on the outside. The venue is not only perfect for church services but for other events such as weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries. The price for hiring the venue is also very affordable and there is plenty of parking on the side of the building and in front of it. The service from the staff is amazing and they are there every Sunday morning to ensure that everything is running smoothly and to open the doors for us where the chairs are located. They are more than happy to reply to any queries and are excellent communicators.