Auckland and Around Entertainment

Entertainment in Auckland means more than handles at the corner pub. From ballet to underground theater, its local art scene makes Auckland the culture capital of New Zealand. Check out The New Zealand Herald for entertainment info or pick up the monthly Real Groove ($3.50). Live music energizes many local joints throughout the week (see Nightlife). When big bands pass through Auckland, they take the stage at the North Shore Events Centre (☎443 8199; www.nseventscentre.co.nz ). Check at the mother of all record stores, Real Groovy, 438 Queen St., for schedule and ticket info. (☎302 3940; www.realgroovy.co.nz. Open M-Sa 9am-9pm, Su 9am-7pm.)

The highbrow highlights of Auckland’s entertainment scene cluster around centrally located Aotea Sq. off Queen St.; known as the Edge (☎309 2677; www.the-edge.co.nz), the complex includes the Aotea Centre, the Civic, Auckland Town Hall, and the Force Entertainment Centre. In the Aotea Centre, the 2256-seat ASB Theatre is the regal home of the New Zealand Royal Ballet, the New Zealand Philharmonic, and world-class productions; the 186-seat Herald Theatre and the Ticketek box office are also on site. Opposite Aotea Centre, classical music emanates from the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber, home to the Auckland Philharmonic. Other entertainment options are listed below.

• Waikaraka Speedway (☎636 5014; www.aucklandspeedway.co.nz), on Neilson St. in Onehunga, next to Manukau Harbour. Join locals in watching the minor stardom of New Zealand’s stock car scene, or as Kiwis call it, the “Big Smoke.” The grandstand hosts frequent demolition derbies and “Dirt Cups.” Races most Sa and some Su throughout summer.
• SkyCity Metro Center, 291-297 Queen St. (☎979 2400; www.villageskycity.co.nz). Hollywood films are shown at this complex which houses Megascreen, cinemas, restaurants, bars, and arcades. Tickets $15. SkyCity (☎912 6000) has casinos for both seasoned and novice gamblers. Staff obliges gaming ignorance.
• The Classic Comedy and Bar, 321 Queen St. (☎373 4321; www.comedy.co.nz), serves up good laughs. Shows range from amateur open mic on M ($5) to the musings of seasoned pros later in the week. Live shows W-Sa start at 8pm and 10:30pm. Cover $5-25. Open Tu-Sa 7pm-late. Student 2-for-1 drink special on W. Backpacker discounts F-Su.
• Civic Theatre (☎817 6001), at the corner of Queen and Wellesley St., hosts music and theater functions, including a range of classic films; the opulent interior is worth a peek.
• Maidment Arts Centre, 8 Alfred St. (☎373 7599; www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz), opposite the Auckland University Library. Theater, dance, and music performances are often being performed. The Auckland Theatre Company makes its primary home here, but also performs at the Herald and the SkyCity Theatre. Tickets $15-49.
• Ponsonby Pool Hall, 106 Ponsonby Rd. (☎360 2356). The classiest pool hall in Auckland, with 2 full-size snooker tables, 4 American 9-ball tables, and 10 English pool tables. $12 per hr. Open daily 11am-1am. Reservations necessary at night.