With Auckland’s winter cultural calendar already in full swing, there are a number of exciting happenings inspiring us to step outside of the comfort of our homes and immerse ourselves in the intoxicating nature of live events. And sitting at the top of our list is Synthony Pride — a music event like no other and a world-first new show, reimagining the world’s biggest dance and pop anthems with the power of the Auckland Philharmonia, along with instrumentalists, guest vocalists, dancers, drag queens and kings, and some of the country’s most celebrated musicians.
If you have plans to head along (or now feel inspired to secure tickets), we’ve compiled a discerning list of where to stay, eat, drink and celebrate around the event, encouraging you not just to make a night of it, but an entire weekend.
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SkyCity Synthony Pride Pre-Party
To get you well and truly in the spirit of the evening, SkyCity is hosting a Drag Queen bingo pre-party with Kita Mean. Look to the skies as the Sky Tower dresses in a fabulous dynamic rainbow light display, and start your night right with SkyCity at the official Synthony Pre-party where revellers are invited to make the most of the glam squad station (replete with false lashes, face gems and glitter galore), before partaking in an uproarious round of drag bingo — sure to set the tone for all that follows. There’s also free transportation for attendees, with complimentary buses running to and from Spark Arena for the first 200 people at Flare Bar.
Bar Non Solo
Bar Non Solo not only promises an ever-lively ambience, but also offers a bespoke Pre-Show Menu — perfect for those on their way to an event at Spark Arena. Available between 4pm and 7pm, for a mere $30 guests can dine on a selection of plates that includes marinated olives, whipped ricotta, seasonal arancini, cured meats and cheeses, and two delicious pizzas. It’s the perfect way to ensure you are satiated for an exciting night. Bookings for this experience are essential to ensure you arrive at Spark with plenty of time to spare.
Cafe Hanoi
Cafe Hanoi (only a quick walk from Spark Arena) is open on Saturdays from 12 ’til late, meaning that parking up for an afternoon drink and bite (or convivial long lunch) is not only possible but encouraged. The eatery’s extensive and always delicious menu is filled with fare that will suitably line your stomach for an evening of moving and grooving, while the cocktails — including a bespoke espresso martini with Vietnamese coffee and gingerbread syrup, are sure to get the party started.
Ortolana
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning to in the Britomart precinct. With a delicious edit of sharing plates (and some incredibly tasty pasta options, too), a thoughtfully crafted drinks menu, and service that is always swift (if needed), a pre-event stopover at this stalwart eatery is always a treat.
Cassia
Cassia at SkyCity takes modern Indian to new heights, with a delicious selection of contemporary delights perfect for sharing with a group pre-event. In the most central of locations, with a dimly-lit, vibrant dining space, as well as a number of set menus to choose from for those looking to turn lunch or a pre-event bite into a gastronomic delight.
Synthony Pride Afterparty at SkyCity
Continue the fun post-event and catch the Queens of SkyCity at the precinct’s uproarious afterparty. A resident DJ will keep the party going long into the evening, while the delightfully sinful ‘Queens of SkyCity’ midnight show will feature comedy master of ceremony Kita Mean alongside Tess Tickle and Rita Menu. They’ll be sure to bring their fabulous costumes, dance numbers and cheeky humour, inspiring revellers to finish the night off in style.
Culprit & Little Culprit
While Culprit’s innovative culinary concept is perfect for a pre- or post-show bite, with an ever-changing menu comprising trolleys of snacks to share, the eatery’s ‘mischievous younger brother’, Little Culprit, is a fantastic spot to keep the party going. Quaint and chic, this cocktail bar and wine lounge boats an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, and is perfect for those seeking a nightcap.
The Nightcar
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge — with an impeccably crafted drinks list and late-night contemporary Chinese bites plus a number of tasty desserts. Open until 3am, this subterranean sanctuary is an ideal spot to make a night of it.
Queens Rooftop
Recently opening on a rooftop within the Commercial Bay precinct, Queens Rooftop boats 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, delicious food, and one of the best drinks lists in town. Open from 11am ’til late seven days a week, here, you can grab lunch, a pre-event bite and glass of wine, or a post-event cocktail (or two) — taking in the incredible views from the comfort of the well-heated and always-lively rooftop terrace.
Palmer Bar
Taking cocktail hour to new heights, Palmer Bar is the central city bar and eatery with a positively elevated outlook. Whether you’re seeking a low-key daytime drink or a convivial post-event nightcap, Palmer’s inviting ambience and exceptional drinks menu always inspire another round. With a chic interior and sweeping terrace that provides the perfect alfresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon, and a roaring fire which takes centre-stage as the sun goes down, no matter the hour you visit, this is one spot guaranteed to deliver.
SkyCity
Gastronomic bliss and refined relaxation abound at SkyCity, where a more-than-perfect place to rest your head awaits. From a luxurious, five-star stay at The Grand by SkyCity, to a perfect platform for staying and playing in the city — SkyCity Hotel, to the city’s newest benchmark in luxury accommodation — Horizon Hotel, opening only two days before the event itself, here, there’s something for every kind of getaway.
The Hotel Britomart
Nestled in the heart of Britomart, this chic hotel offers exquisitely designed rooms (plus five suites) designed to provide a calm respite from the bustle of the city. With warm, modern interiors and located within close walking distance to Spark Arena, not to mention the option of ordering room service from none other than Kingi, this centrally-located spot is a delightful place to rest your head.
InterContinental
Globally renowned hotel group InterContinental recently opened an Auckland outpost, occupying a coveted site on Auckland’s waterfront overlooking the harbour and offering guests direct and easy access to some of the best restaurants, bars and retail the city has to offer. But, given the hotel’s utterly luxurious rooms and in-house hospitality with Advieh, there will be little need to leave at all.
