Catching Olivia Dean In October? Make A Weekend Of It With This Auckland Itinerary
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
If you've never staycationed in Auckland before, this is your sign. From its buzzy laneways and excellent coffee to waterfront bars, destination restaurants and a thriving cultural scene, New Zealand’s biggest city is made for a long weekend.
Have we convinced you yet? Together with Oaks Hotels, we’ve rounded up the places worth knowing about, from a central stay that puts you within easy reach of the action to the restaurants, wine bars and coffee spots you’ll want on your itinerary.
Jump ahead:
Where To Stay In Auckland CBD
Oaks Hotel
40 Beach Road
When it comes to a city stay, a central postcode can make all the difference. Oaks Auckland Hotel sits on Beach Road, putting you within easy reach of Britomart, Commercial Bay, Spark Arena and the waterfront, with Auckland’s restaurants and bars all within striking distance.
The recently refurbished hotel offers everything from standard rooms and studios to one- and two-bedroom suites, making it equally suited to a quick concert trip or a longer Auckland escape. Many of the suites come with full kitchens, laundry facilities and private balconies, too, giving you a little more room to spread out and make yourself at home. And if you need to squeeze in some work before or after your stay, or are looking for somewhere to host a special occasion, the on-site premium meeting and event facilities have you covered.
Wine And Dine In Auckland CBD
Pici
183 Karangahape Road
Tiny in size but mighty in reputation, Pici is a neighbourhood restaurant that makes you want to become a regular. Tucked into St Kevin’s Arcade, the intimate spot is known for its handmade pasta, Italian-inspired plates and lively atmosphere.
Our rec? Put yourself in the chef’s hands and order a few dishes to share, then make room for the EVOO cheesecake. Yes, olive oil and cheesecake really do belong together. If you’re not ready to call it a night, wander next door to Tappo for a glass of wine.
Hazy Tiger
22 Durham Street West
Follow the glow of the giant neon tiger and you’ll land at Hazy Tiger, a maximalist spot bringing Korean-inspired food and creative drinks to the city. Come hungry: the menu jumps from crispy chicken skin and street-food-style tteokbokki to generously loaded share plates. Matcha cocktails, elderflower martinis and a dessert selection that deserves its own round of applause make this one to visit on your trip.
Apéro
280 Karangahape Road
If your ideal evening involves a cosy corner, a good bottle of wine and something delicious to snack on, Apéro should be high on the list. This Karangahape Road favourite channels the easygoing charm of a neighbourhood wine bar, with exposed brick, dim lighting and a French-leaning menu. Order a glass (or commit to the bottle) to toast your Auckland staycay.
DASH
40 Beach Road
All you need to do is walk downstairs, and you'll stumble across DASH, Oaks Auckland Hotel's hero restaurant. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, this alfresco-style restaurant and bar is an easy option when you’re fuelling up between city adventures. It’s family-friendly, with a menu spanning brekky boards, croissants and smoked salmon bagels in the morning to yakitori, chicken wings and grass-fed Scotch fillet come dinner time. Add beer, wine and spirits to the mix, and you’ve got an easygoing spot to return to throughout your stay.
BOSSI
10 Commerce Street
Founded by Jenna Carter, BOSSI pays tribute to her Italian heritage, with details throughout the space that nod to her late Nonna. The menu moves between comforting Italian classics and more contemporary takes, with executive chef Shaun Dowling and his team regularly switching things up. It’s a place for a long lunch, celebratory dinner or simply a top-notch bowl of pasta.
Wake Up And Go In Auckland CBD
Kompass Coffee
2 Kitchener Street | 22 Fanshawe Street
Matcha lovers, this one’s for you. Korean-influenced Kompass Coffee has made a name for itself with a considered matcha menu, whether you like yours hot, iced or varying degrees of sweet. For something beyond the classic, try the strawberry matcha or go straight for the einspänner: your choice of hot or cold matcha finished with a velvety layer of house-made sweet cream.
Receptionist Cafe
Exchange Lane, 95 Queen Street | Unit 7, 59-67 High Street,
With two inner-city locations, this cafe takes its receptionist theme all the way, from the sharply dressed staff to the tiny details scattered throughout the space. Coffee is made using locally sourced Eighthirty beans, while the pastry cabinet is packed with house-made treats. Our picks? The pain au chocolat or almond croissant, ideally enjoyed alongside your morning coffee while admiring the sleek interiors.
Score An Overnight Stay And Olivia Dean Tickets
Ready for an Auckland escape?
To celebrate its recent relaunch, of the newly refurbished Oaks Auckland Hotel on October 7, we've teamed up to give one lucky winner the chance to score a one-night stay plus two tickets to see Olivia Dean at Western Springs Bowl on 17 October 2026.
Just 10 minutes from the venue, Oaks Auckland Hotel puts you close to the concert action while also giving you an easy base for exploring the city before and after the show.
Visit @urbanlistnz on Instagram for more.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Oaks Hotels and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied