Want to experience a ‘true’ winter this year? Luckily you don’t have to venture far to experience the gleeful joy of gliding on ice.
Whether you’re a born figure skater or one of those people who fall flat on their butt (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), these rinks will provide the perfect entertainment on a winter’s (or summer’s) day in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Without further ado, here are the best places to go ice skating in Auckland.
Paradice Ice Rink
Avondale
Whether you’re a novice, beginner or somewhere in between, Paradice in Avondale is the prime place to lace up your skates. First opening in the early 1980s, this is Auckland’s oldest and biggest indoor ice rink. There are regular public skating sessions throughout the week with late nights including CheapSkate Wednesdays and Blackout Friday. Check out the online timetable here. All sessions are run with music, special effects, and games so you can find your groove while having a laugh. If you'd like to take your skills to a new level, Paradice is home to several ice sports clubs, including ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and curling. The venue also has an aptly named De Frost cafe for you to grab a fresh batch of hot chips after you’ve skated yourself out.
Paradice Ice Rink
Botany
On the other side of town, Paradice has a second rink for East Aucklanders to show off their tricks. The indoor ice rink hosts public skating sessions from Monday to Sunday with a timetable for mid-term and school holidays. Much like the Avondale location, you’ll find late-night events including the famed CheapSkate Wednesdays and Blackout Friday. To plan your visit, view the online timetable here. The rink is also home to several ice sports clubs. Channel your inner ice queen or king and sign up for the Paradice Skating Academy. The programme has a pathway to take you from total beginner to competition level in your choice of ice sport. If you discover ice skating isn’t for you, both Botany and Avondale Paradice are also home to laser tag.
Aotea Square Ice Rink
Auckland CBD
The much-loved Aotea Square Ice Rink is back again for 2022 from June 24 to July 31. Located in the heart of the city, the ice rink allows you to experience a winter wonderland surrounded by the lively bustle of city life. This year, the rink features a magical lighting installation designed by Auckland-based lighting artist Jonny Cross. Show off your tricks as you glide around the rink or brave the slippery slope of the 35-metre ice slide. Afterwards, cosy up and refuel in The Snugs. The Insta-worthy snow globes are kitted out with blankets, heaters and comforting food. They’re designed for up to six people so enjoy a night out with your besties, after-work drinks with colleagues, or opt for a date night to remember. Aotea Square Ice Rink is open daily from 10am to 10pm. There’s an extra hour of icy fun on Friday and Saturday nights with the rink open until 11pm. For more info on tickets and session times, click here.
Bring The Ice Rink To You!
Throw a really, really cool party (pun intended) with a portable ice rink. Whether you’re hosting a memorable work do or living out your dream of a winter wonderland wedding, Paradice Events has options for all. They’re the team behind the Avondale, Botany and Aotea ice rinks so you know you’re in expert hands. The portable rinks feature either real or synthetic ice as well as wintery add-ons including an ice slide, snow dome, and cosy igloos. There’s even the option of an ice bar with everything made entirely out of ice. From the bar itself to the frosty drinking glasses, it’s (literally) the coolest bar around.
Afterwards, warm up with the best hot chocolates in Auckland.
Image credit: Auckland Live, Paradice, Auckland Live.