You loved our last ‘cool things to see and do’, so here it is again. Our top pics of what is coming up over the summer in Auckland and Sydney. We have got you covered on what to see, where to dine and how to get that ‘‘I need to cut some shapes’ fix this summer. We’ve hand-picked a few events, restaurants and moments you simply can’t miss.

Zeenat Wilkinson & Liam Sharma shares the city guide of things to do in Auckland & Sydney.

Stay saucey
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Auckland

Festivals around New Zealand this summer -

SPLORE is happening again in February 2023 and tickets are about to sell-out. Rounding off Splore’s music programme is Aotearoa’s internationally chart-topping Drax Project, UK’s Dillinja and Seanie T plus Berlin’s DJ Franca. These last acts make up over 125 music and visual performances set to entertain the 10,000-strong crowd at Splore. To balance the stimulating festival content is a wellness programme containing invigorating wellness workshops from breathwork, acro and laughter yoga to prosperity hypnosis, sound journey, and the art of a good foot massage.

Rhythm and Vines celebrates 20 years and it’s back this year with a line-up of artists such as Chase and Status, Dimension, CamelPhat, Cosmos Midnight and Alison Wonderland, with Dizzie Rascal and Sir Dave Dobbyn. This annual music festival will be held at Waiohika Estate vineyard outside of Gisborne, December 29th – 31st.

Summer Haze festival in Tauranga on the 29th of December. A fleet of iconic Aotearoa icons are bringing their unique sounds to Tauranga for a one-day concert to celebrate the sunshine and overall immaculate vibe.

Dining in Auckland -

Bivacco Bar & Griglia has become one of the best spots in iconic Viaduct Harbour to drink, dine and celebrate during the holidays. The best part – the outdoor setting with a view of the Harbour. Perfect for summer!

Lunch at Swings - I am addicted to Swings! Korean toasties, natural wines or perfectly-brewed coffee – you can’t go wrong with a brunch or lunch at Swings. Tie it in with your visit to Auckland Art Gallery or a stroll at Albert Park.

Feel like a bit of old school rock?

If Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Radiohead are some of the iconic acts you’ve been following and listening to, I am guessing Pixies are high up on your list too. One of the most influential bands of the 80s Pixies are showing on December 15th & 16th, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland.

A luxe cinema experience in Auckland

Ponsonby Central has its own boutique movie theatre now. Silky Otter is also a sleek restaurant and bar area along with state-of-the-art auditoriums, each seating 28 people. The perfect way to make up for all the movie nights we’ve missed out on over the last two years.

Feel like celebrating the holidays with a holiday classic?

If you’re a sucker for Love Actually during the holidays then this is the perfect way to elevate the experience to a whole new level. Add a little bit of festive spice to your movie night with a full symphony orchestra that will perform the hit soundtracks live while the film is being projected onto a huge screen. Love Actually, at The Civic on 17 December

Sydney

A must-watch show

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Sydney Theatre Company - For two hours, actor Eryn Jean Norvill kept audiences spellbound as she performed not one but 26 characters on stage. Bringing each charactor to life in the style of Oscar Wilde’s famous 1891 novel.

Fri 3rd February, 2023 – Sat 18th February, 2023, Roslyn Packer Theatre

Dining out in Sydney

10 William Street is the summer destination for an afterwork spritz, martini and delectable pretzel. Located in the heart of Paddington. And guess what, Yu Mei has launched its first digital lounge exclusive to Australia and to celebrate is offering every customer who shops over the next month a complimentary cocktail and pretzel at 10 William St for them and a guest when they book in for dinner or lunch. How good.

A cool concert in Sydney

The unanimously adored and loved Florence + The Machine is coming to Sydney for a one-night show on March 13th but tickets are selling out quickly. The band last toured Australia and New Zealand in 2019 to much acclaim, wowing audiences with breath taking vocals, spellbinding choreography and moments of aural captivation that can only be experienced live. Australia was one of the first countries outside the UK to adopt Florence + The Machine as their own, landing a spot in the line-up at Laneway Festival in 2010.

Words: Liam Sharma & Zeenat Wilkinson

Sauce Shares : Auckland & Sydney city guide - Summer edition