A Jam-Packed Program Has Been Announced for Aotea Square's New Winter Hub

Ever year the folks at Auckland Live and Aotea Square do their best to inject a little bit of seasonal magic into the CBD. At the newly coined basecamp, Elemental Hub, this year's winter lineup will welcome entertainment, food and interactive experiences.

The Aotea Square Ice Rink is back for its seventh year and will bring a winter wonderland vibe to the central city for four weeks. From 21 June until 28 July, the ice rink will take over the square with themed parties, skating lessons and the 35-metre ice slide.

After working up an appetite on the ice, hungry visitors should look no further than new private dining experience, The Snugs. Five transparent igloo-style geodesic domes will be kitted out with furniture, blankets and heaters providing a cosy spot for up to eight people to share a platter over wine or craft beer. There is a minimum spend of $50 for sessions up to 5.30pm and $100 for sessions after 6pm.

For those who would prefer to walk and eat, the iconic Auckland Night Markets will also make its first appearance in Aotea Square. The vendor list is being kept schtum but you can expect more than 40 stalls serving some of the tastiest street snacks in town, as well as all the usual suspects. Auckland Live's bright red container bar will round things off serving drinking snacks a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Auckland Live Digital Stage will screen local and international live arts and entertainment throughout the day and into the evenings. The stage's program of short films and video content offers a view into the worlds of dance, music, visual arts, theatre, and film and literature.

Elemental Hub is part of the Elemental AKL program run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). It will be located in Aotea Square from 1–28 July.