This is a really wonderful venue with the primary function of a performing arts school, rehearsal…read morespace and performance venue. It also runs seminars, has a café and is now home to The Actors Programme. It runs a full range of evening and weekend part time classes, with programmes covering all the performing arts with everything from acting for screen and stage, singing, dance and if you want to run away and join the circus, you can learn the tricks here. There's something for every age group and a lot of well respected industry professionals run workshops out of here. It's a really wonderful space that is intrinsic to Auckland's artistic community and even if you are more of an observer than a participant, TAPAC has something for everyone, so at least come and see a show. There's school holiday programmes as well as term time programmes and the facilities and tutors are top class. Bloody marvellous!

TAPAC is a bit of an Auckland institution. Virtually any kid growing up in central Auckland with an…read moreinterest in the performing arts will have heard of TAPAC, even if they didn't attend any classes there. TAPAC is recognised as one of the best performing arts facilities in the area, with an extensive range of classes available -for all ages and abilities - as well as great studios and mini theatres for rehearsals and performances. In my early teens I participated in an acting class at TAPAC. The class was great. It covered a variety of styles of acting, whether for screen or the stage, and it was really good for boosting my self confidence and leadership qualities - though I didn't realise it at the time of course! Whether dancing, acting, singing or even circus skills and acrobatics are your forte, or you've just always wanted to give them a try - TAPAC is the place for you. Tip: TAPAC also host school holiday programmes, so if your child is unsure about signing up to regular lessons this is a good way to see whether they want to pursue these classes any further!

Five stars? The Peace Place really deserves much more. It is also a difficult subject to to…read morecategorize, but it deserves a mention to get their name out there. It is a place of sanctuary in the centre of the city, to pray, meditate, research or find like minded people. I attended there through the Auckland Spiritual Discussions Group, they use the space to meet on the 27th of each month, in the evenings, having different speakers give talks and/or lead practices. The peace place is utilized by several different groups of different religious views,but all supportive of the same values. Pax Christi, an international peace movement being one of them. The venue has a large range of interesting books, a library that you can borrow from, on many esoteric subjects and/or about the peace movements, advocates past and present, religious orders, etc. I have not been able to add the opening hours as it really does depend on several factors, however I can tell you that Monday's at 5:30pm they offer a space for meditation and occasionally lunchtimes too; and on Sat's they celebrate the Eurachrist, you don't have to be catholic to attend. Have a look at their website and/or contact them directly if you want to know more.