SKY’S THE LIMIT
From the awe-inspiring views to the stylish suites, The Pinnacle Tower takes guests to new heights of luxury. It’s just one of the top attractions Auckland has to offer.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the most standout feature of The Pinnacle Tower, a newly built 17-storey tower at 5-star hotel, Cordis Auckland. Is it the spectacular 360° views of the city skyline that gaze out to landmarks like Rangitoto and the Harbour Bridge? The impressive art collection – one of the largest locally curated art collections in the country – with 40 pieces on display? Or the 244 luxurious suites and rooms, each carefully designed to bring guests the ultimate level of comfort? It’s safe to say, this is definitely one of the most exciting additions to Auckland’s accommodation line-up.
The idea for the Pinnacle Tower began when the Cordis Auckland team saw an opportunity to develop a parking area right next to the existing hotel. Seeing the potential to innovate the Cordis Auckland 5-star experience, they set about building the 17-storey tower, taking guests, quite literally, to new heights of luxury. “Guests are invited to experience heartfelt service with a renewed sense of Kiwi spirit in a fully immersive local experience,” says Franz Mascarenhas, Managing Director of Cordis Auckland.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Led by the renowned New Zealand architects Jasmax, the interiors at The Pinnacle Tower seamlessly bring together the feeling of luxury, warmth and contemporary styling. The 244 new rooms and suites – designed by award-winning interior designers Space Studio – range from premier rooms that can be interconnected for families and groups, to the spectacular Chairman Suite, one of the largest suites you’ll find in Auckland. Situated at the highest level of the Pinnacle Tower, the Chairman Suite boasts an abundance of space at 252m2 , and features its own private terrace with fire pit, a marble bathroom with circular soaking tub, Cordis’ signature Dream bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views.
DESTINATION DINING
Matching Cordis Auckland’s impressive accommodation and art spaces are the equally impressive hospitality offerings. Head to the hotel’s new destination bar, Our Land Is Alive to discover bespoke Kiwi-inspired cocktails and bites in a stylish indoor space or leafy courtyard. The hotel’s Eight Restaurant has undergone a major expansion and has become known for its interactive dining experience that showcases flavours from eight international cuisines. Meanwhile, the stylish new Cordis Club Lounge, boasting fantastic views from the 14th floor, offers an exclusive retreat where members can enjoy complimentary drinks, canapés and breakfast. cordishotels.com/en/auckland
IMMERSIVE ART
Art is a big part of Cordis Auckland, and it makes sense given the fact the hotel is situated in the thriving creative neighbourhood of Karangahape Road, rubbing shoulders with contemporary art spaces, music hubs and theatres venues. Cordis Auckland has established itself as a patron of local art, with one of the largest commercially curated and commissioned art collections in New Zealand. Unique Māori concepts underpin the collection of 46 works by nine leading New Zealand artists, centred on the concepts of Te Whai Ao (light before the dawn), The Manawa Line (a heartfelt connection) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the natural world).
Connecting the Pinnacle Tower to the hotel is the Art Promenade, a walkway where these local artworks are exhibited. Created by artist Lonnie Hutchinson, the promenade offers guests an abstract nature walk through the landscape of Auckland, featuring native flora of the earth, sea and volcanoes. Along with the promenade, artwork can be found on each floor of the Pinnacle Tower, as well as the hotel’s reception.
WORLD-CLASS EVENTS Doc Edge
A highlight for cinephiles around Aotearoa, the Documentary Edge International Film Festival returns in June with a host of exciting screenings in Auckland and Wellington, as well as a full online programme. Now in its 17th year, the Academy Award-qualifying film festival runs from 1 June to 10 July, once again showcasing diverse stories, gripping journeys and off-beat tales of people and the planet. Making its world premiere at the festival is The Other Fellow, an enthralling film by UK director Matthew Bauer that tells the story of a group of people around the world named James Bond, chronicling what it’s like to live in the shadow of 007. Framed by the hit 1980 comedy 9 to 5, Still Working 9 To 5 takes a frank look at the workplace inequality that is still prevalent to this day, while Nascondino (Hide and Seek) takes you to the streets of Naples, following a street kid as he fights for freedom. This year, the festival continues its hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual screenings so that all film lovers in Aotearoa don’t miss out. “This will be our third year of offering virtual screenings, and we are excited to be able to continue bringing more films to people all over Aotearoa for a longer time,” says General Manager, Rachael Penman. “The beauty of our hybrid model is that we can also welcome audiences and filmmakers back into the cinema, making our 2022 programme multifaceted for all levels of participation.” docedge.nz
Comedy Gala
The Best Foods Comedy Gala is back this September, featuring a fantastic line-up of talent, including host Rhys Mathewson, Tofiga Fepulea’i, Justine Smith and Chris Parker. It’s not only a great chance to enjoy some laughs from top comedic talents, but to support the New Zealand Comedy Trust’s work to develop the local comedy industry. comedyfestival.co.nz
Elemental AKL
Auckland’s bespoke festival of arts and culture, Elemental AKL, returns this July for 18 days of immersive experiences that celebrate the culture, cuisine and creativity of Auckland. Discover live music gigs, outdoor art installations, tantalising dining experiences and thrilling performances of theatre, opera and dance. aucklandnz.com/elemental
AUTHENTIC CUISINE Milenta
A new opening in Auckland sure to intrigue is Milenta, a South American bistro that prepares dishes over wood coals in an open, outdoor kitchen. The menu is built around the best seasonal produce available.
Spiga
Who can go past perfect handmade pasta? Those looking for a neighbourhood Italian should head to Spiga, a pizza/pasta joint that opened in Remuera. This is the ideal spot for intimate, authentic Italian dining. spiga.nz
Waku Waku
Waku Waku is a new restaurant led by award-winning chef Makoto Tokuyama and famed restaurateur Jason Lee. Here you’ll find authentic and approachable Japanese cuisine. instagram/waku.waku.modern_japanese
The Heke
Situated on four acres of beautiful gardens, The Heke kitchen is a fantastic place to enjoy tasty Kiwi cuisine while sampling craft whiskies and beers from their distillery and brewery. theheke.co.nz
SHOP Faradays
Faradays is a new luxury department store in Parnell, bringing brands such as Givenchy, Loewe, Christian Louboutin and Alaïa to New Zealand for the first time. Situated in a gorgeous historic building and boasting luxurious interiors, the retail destination has the extra appeal of an in-house bar. faradays.store
Westfield Newmarket
Balenciaga, Burberry, Moncler, Michael Kors, Mulberry and Saint Laurent are some of the coveted international luxury brands opening their flagship stores at Westfield Newmarket, with more iconic brands to come. westfield.co.nz/newmarket
Commercial Bay
Situated in the heart of the city, Commercial Bay is a beloved destination for shopping, beauty and dining. Browse the latest looks from cult brands like Aje, COS and Kate Spade and pamper yourself at Skintopia and Lovely by skin institute. commercialbay.co.nz