Winter in Auckland calls for a great excuse to stay inside, and these cinemas, from boutique dine-in luxury to century-old picture palaces, are exactly that.
Movie cinemas aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days of a semi-comfortable seat and a cup holder wedged into the armrest –
these days, going to the movies means La-Z-Boy-style recliners, gourmet meals, and a drinks list longer than your arm. When the weather is doing its worst, there’s no better excuse to disappear into a plush seat with a glass of something good and the big screen.
From boutique dine-in cinemas serving restaurant-quality food to heritage picture palaces with cult followings, these are Auckland’s best, most interesting theatres to wait out winter.
The Hollywood
Auckland’s most characterful cinema occupies a beautifully restored Art Deco theatre dating from 1915. Alongside new releases, expect cult classics, film festivals and live events. Reputedly the oldest cinema site in the country, its claim to fame was a visit from film-maker Quentin Tarantino, who dubbed it the “best cinema in New Zealand”. You can even pick up some Hollywood merch on the way out.
20 St Georges Rd, Avondale
The Library at Event Cinemas
The Library, at Newmarket’s Event Cinemas. Photo / Event Cinemas
The Library is one of Auckland’s most luxurious – and Instagrammable – cinema experiences, pairing oversized recliners and arty decor with an in-seat food and beverage service. Before your screening, enjoy the private lounge before settling in when the lights go down for blockbuster premieres to arthouse releases. Tucked inside Event Cinemas Newmarket, The Library is on an intimate scale and feels more private members’ club than it does movie theatre. Peruse the Boutiqueeats menu (think prawn skewers, sliders, Moroccan lamb pizza) and pair it with a glass of something from the extensive drinks list.
Westfield Newmarket, 309 Broadway, Newmarket
Silky Otter Cinemas
Silky Otter Ponsonby.
With multiple locations across Auckland, Silky Otter has become a favourite for its deep leather recliners, generous legroom and an elevated food-and-drink offering that goes well beyond popcorn. The boutique chain also offers wine, signature cocktails and premium snacks – think truffle-and-parmesan fries and a glass of Champagne. A Silky Otter Club membership unlocks benefits such as discounted Monday tickets, bottomless popcorn and birthday bonuses. The brand has six cinemas nationwide, with three of them here in Auckland (Ōrākei, Ponsonby and Takanini), plus outposts in Christchurch, Queenstown and Nelson.
Ōrākei Bay Village, 228 Orakei Rd; Ponsonby Central, 11 Richmond Rd; and Takanini Town Centre, Derby Square
Capitol Cinema
The Capitol Cinema in Balmoral. Photo / Dean Purcell
Beloved by film buffs, Capitol specialises in independent, international and documentary films that often don’t make it to more mainstream cinemas. An Auckland heritage icon, Capitol has been screening films since 1923 and still wears its neo-Greek grandeur well. You might not find a gourmet dinner menu here, but you will find stunning interiors, a sense of history and a dedication to arthouse films and cult classics you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, there’s Dominion Rd’s epic dining strip just steps away for pre or post-film feasting.
610 Dominion Rd, Balmoral
Bridgeway Cinema
The Bridgeway Cinema in Northcote.
Cross the Harbour Bridge, and you’ll find the Bridgeway, housed in a 1920s building brimming with old-school character. Mainstream releases sit alongside documentaries, foreign-language films and special screenings, including the upcoming International Film Festival. Don’t miss the cinema’s Films and Fizz nights, where you can celebrate the opening night of a film with a glass of bubbles included in your ticket. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it as much a meeting place as a movie theatre for Northcote locals.
122 Queen St, Northcote Point
Hoyts Lux
Hoyts Lux elevates movie night with fully reclining leather seats, a dedicated lounge, gourmet dining and cocktails delivered to your seat. Favouring luxury over capacity, the space allows you room to spread out and offers privacy, too. Sink into your extra-comfy premium recliner, order from the menu and have it delivered to your seat. With package options including tasting plates, a “dinner for two”, or a grazing board, Hoyts Lux is an easy choice for date nights.
Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, Mount Wellington
The Victoria, Devonport
The Victoria Theatre, Devonport. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Another North Shore institution is The Victoria, the oldest purpose-built cinema in the Southern Hemisphere, screening films continuously since 1912. This beautifully restored Edwardian theatre in the heart of Devonport pairs the latest releases and curated arthouse titles with live performances and special events, all enjoyed with a glass of wine, the “best choc tops in town” and fresh gelato. The Vic also offers membership specials and Cheap Tuesdays. If Devonport is a little out of your way, make a day of it with a wander down Victoria Rd beforehand, or take a stroll along the waterfront after the credits roll.
48 Victoria Rd, Devonport
Matakana Cinemas
One of Matakana Cinema’s three theatres boasts an 800kg chandelier.
A little further afield, north of Auckland, this trio of cinemas is worth the drive. In the heart of Matakana Village, they screen new releases, documentaries, festival favourites and special events in a relaxed village setting that’s ideal for combining with lunch or a weekend escape – and if you’re going to make the trip, you might as well visit some wineries along the way. Don’t miss Flicks and Sips, the Wednesday-night deal that bundles a movie ticket with a wine, beer or dish from The Vintry next door.
2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana
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