Overview
It's time to liven up your week, throw caution to the wind and go beyond your everyday. Make this year about embracing new experiences and out-of-the-box adventures that are easy to knock off during the week. There are plenty of options to get you started in Auckland, including late-night art galleries, bustling hawker markets and street art tours. Together with Tiger, we've rounded up four events to help fearless explorers unleash their creative side in Auckland.
HIT THE PAVEMENT ON A ROAMING STREET ART TOUR
Street Artearoa is Auckland's first dedicated street art tour company, created by local street artists. The tours are run by street painter Jesse Jensen (Ares Artifex) and graffiti artist Gary Silipa. On each two-hour tour the pair provides authentic on-the-ground experiences across across four locations in Auckland, which have been chosen for the high-quality and volume of street art in the area. Once some of that inspiration has set in you can unleash your creative side by joining Street Artearoa for an engaging workshop using street art techniques and materials.
CATCH UP-AND-COMING ACTS AT THIS SUBTERRANEAN BAR
Karangahape Road is the beating heart of Auckland's live music scene, particularly the venues directly surrounding and beneath St Kevin's Arcade. Dimly-lit subterranean venue Whammy Bar is where you should head to catch the best emerging electronic, punk and hip hop talents in the country. The intimate capacity and low stage means that it's ideal for getting up close with artists. Also below ground is Wine Cellar which hosts a diverse spread of gigs under the indie banner, plus the neighbouring Neck Of The Woods, a venue previously home to the 'Filth' club night where dancehall and reggaeton shine in a fluid all-inclusive environment.
WANDER THROUGH THIS LATE-NIGHT GALLERY SPACE
There's no reason for your next art gallery visit to be restricted to daylight hours. Auckland is home to New Zealand's first dedicated Lightworx Gallery, showcasing unique kaleidoscopic installations by award-winning light artists. Open until 9.30pm daily, the space is the perfect alternative to a stuffy art gallery and provides the opportunity to browse hypnotic neons after hours. You'll find captivating light columns alongside vibrant multi-coloured X-shaped mirrors, geometric artworks and compelling light boxes.
HOP BETWEEN STREET FOOD VENDORS AT AUCKLAND'S NIGHT MARKETS
The free and mostly undercover Auckland Night Markets have been running everywhere between Henderson and Hamilton for ten years now. You shouldn't expect your typical mellow farmer's market once you arrive; each spot is a bustling melting pot of culture and has its own unique and treasured food item. Pakuranga has the blooming onion, Papatoetoe has its creamed paua, and Glenfield comes through with mouthwatering dim sum. Each market features over 100 stalls of well-priced international snacks and hopping between stalls it's not uncommon to see island doughnuts next to Japanese takoyaki and Hungarian fried bread. The markets often serve as a launching pad for new vendors, too, hawking unconventional creations like ugly hotdogs and hot pressed croissants.
For more inspiration, visit instagram.com/Tigerbeernz.