The snow gods heard your cry for alp. Take your mittens out of hibernation and pop on your warmest beanie because Auckland is getting a whole lotta snow. As part of Elemental AKL, the winter wonderland at Aotea Square is back bigger and better than ever with the return of the ice rink along with its infamous ice slide and this year, snugs and night markets.
Open daily until August 1 Aotea Ice Rink is welcoming all to glide like a penguin—or, if you're like us—fall on our butts, and are open til 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights and 10pm Sunday to Thursday. Score. Also back this year is the beloved 35-metre ice slide to get the adrenalin pumping.
Round up the crew because in further news just announced, Cosy Winter Snugs will be descending on the square from July 14 until August 1, available to be booked for up to eight people. Kitted out with comfy furniture, blankets and—very important—heaters, you'll be able to drink and dine from a selection of platters and enjoy an intimate soiree.
But wait, there's more. If all that slipping, sliding and general good winter vibes has you feeling a little peckish, none other than the legendary Auckland Night Markets will be popping up at Aotea Square from midday til late every day until August 1. Load up on dumplings, Hungarian fried bread, dim sum, Japanese street food, French Crepes, Spanish churros, bubble tea and more so you won't go hungry this winter.
Plus, the Auckland Live Digital Stage will be screening highlights from Go Further South, following an extraordinary icy expedition island-hopping across the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica. It’s time for Aucklanders to get a taste of the winter season the real, icy way!
So what are you waiting for? Get those mittens on and get lit at Aotea Square this winter.
THE DEtails
What: Aotea Square Ice Rink tickets Open daily until August 1
Snugs tickets From July 14 - August 1
Auckland Night Markets From July 14 - August 1
Where: Aotea Square, Auckland CBD
Fill your diary with the best events hitting Auckland this July.
Image credit: Auckland Live