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Planning a day of discovery, a big night out, or a full 18 days of Festival immersion? Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival is yours to explore, with a mix of ticketed events and free experiences across the city.

This page is primarily focused on planning your Festival experience in central Auckland, including key venues, transport, dining, and accommodation. If you're looking for information on regional venues outside the city centre, head to our venues page for more details.

For 2026 the Festival will have a box office in Aotea Square where you can purchase all Festival tickets and find out important information.  Come and see us, we would love to see you there.

Navigating to the the Festival is straight forward with various transport options available:

Please visit our accessibility page for accessible parking and drop off options. 

Public Transport: Auckland's extensive network of buses, trains, and ferries makes commuting convenient. The CityLink bus offers a quick and affordable way to travel within the city center, connecting key areas and festival venues. For schedules and routes, visit Auckland Transport's website or use the AT Mobile app. - at.govt.nz

Cycling and Walking: For those nearby, consider biking or walking to the festival. Auckland provides numerous bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly paths, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly commute.

Driving and Parking: If driving, several parking facilities are available near festival venues such as Millennium Hotel carpark which is less than 5 minutes walk to Aotea Centre. Jellicoe Street Car Park at 65 Jellicoe Street is a short walk from the ASB Waterfront Theatre. Pre-booking is recommended to secure a spot. The closest car park to Aotea center is the civic carpark, easily accessible via Grey's avenue and offer early bird and all-day pricing. 

Please note that the AT Carpark located at the beginning of Greys Avenue is closed until December 2026. The carpark opposite Basement Theatre is also currently closed.

Plan your journey in advance to ensure a stress free experience at the Auckland Arts Festival.

The Terrace Cafe: Located inside the Aotea Centre, it is the perfect spot for a relaxed bite before your show. Offering a selection of fresh, seasonal dishes, light snacks, and barista-made coffee, it’s an easy and convenient dining option for festivalgoers.

Hours during the Festival are:
Mon - Tues, 7.30am - 3pm
Wed - Fri 7.30am - 8pm
Sat 12.30pm - 8pm
Sun 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Stark's Bar & Espresso is a place to meet - after work, before a show or when you’re winding down your night, it is open 90 mins before shows and events taking place in The Civic.

Container in the Square Café is the bright red, pop-up container in Aotea Square, specialising in offering snacks and drinks against the lively backdrop of the Festival garden.

Located less than 5 minutes away from the Spiegeltent and the ROVA Sound Graden, Grand Millennium Auckland offers a variety of dining experiences:

Ember: A contemporary bistro blending global culinary styles with New Zealand's seasonal ingredients.

Katsura Japanese Cuisine: An immersive dining experience featuring authentic Japanese dishes, including teppanyaki and fresh sushi.

Dans le Noir? :  A unique sensory experience where guests dine in complete darkness, enhancing taste and smell.

The Aviary: A sophisticated bar offering a range of beverages, from morning coffees to evening cocktails. Choose from a range of classic cocktails or indulge in the specially created AAF cocktails available. 

Make your festival experience seamless with a stay at Grand Millenium Auckland, just a short 5-minute walk from Aotea Square, the heart of Auckland Arts Festival.

This premium hotel offers modern comfort, excellent dining options, and top-tier amenities, ensuring a relaxing retreat after a night of performances. Plus, with festival venues like Q Theatre and The Civic so close by, you’ll be right in the center of the action.

Book your stay and immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere!