Overview
Auckland winters read more like torrential rain and drenched footwear than mountains of fluffy white stuff and all the joyus activities that come with. Kudos to the folks at Auckland Live and Aotea Square who do their best to inject a little bit of seasonal magic with the Aotea Square Ice Rink.
Back for its seventh year, the ice skating rink will bring a winter wonderland vibe to the central city for five weeks. From 15 June to 22 July, skaters and spectators will be treated to a lineup of themed weekends and parties, including the Fourth of July party, an ice carnival and a winter sports weekend.
This season will also see the return of the popular ice slide that wraps around the outside of the rink and surrounding area. The ice bar is another feature to tick off. The experience has room for only 15 people to wrap up warm and enjoy cocktails in sub-zero temperatures. Tickets include entry for up to 25 minutes and the beverage of your choice.
In celebration of Māori new year, Matariki, a series of free-standing light structures will be erected in the square. Designed by Storybox in collaboration with visual artist Desna Whaanga-Schollum, the light podiums are inspired by pouwhenua (land symbols of support), representing creative wairua (inspiration) which is generated from te taiao (the environment).