7 of the best cinemas
In this modern age you can watch movies on your telephone. Yet, Auckland is spoiled for gorgeous places to indulge your fondness for films ( and this is a far- from-complete list).
1 The Capitol Cinema
610 Dominion Rd, Balmoral. Ph ( 09) 623 2000. capitolcinema.co.nz We adore this lovingly restored, single- screen cinema. It has a licensed bar/ cafe and the area itself is fabulous for seeing a movie and having an affordable meal afterwards, the perfect date. The Lido, the Capitol’s cousin, is also a beauty and the ‘‘ see 10 movies, get 1 free’’ card thrills us every time we are rewarded for our loyalty.
2 The Bridgeway
122 Queen St, Northcote Point. Ph ( 09) 481 0040. bridgeway.co.nz This four- screen arthouse cinema is the best little cinema on the North Shore. In 2013 it was named Best New Zealand Cinema by the Australian Independent Distributors Association and Best Independent Cinema at the NZMPIC Awards. Fair enough, too.
3 The Hollywood
20 St Georges Rd, Avondale. Ph ( 09) 828 8393. hollywoodcinema.net.nz Built in 1915, in a neo- classic style, this single- screen cinema has had a long and colourful history. Most famous for playing The Rocky
Horror Picture Show from 1978 to 1988, and for its Wurlitzer Organ, which is still used for special screenings today, The Hollywood is affordable and fabulous.
4 Matakana Cinema
2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana. Ph ( 09) 423 0218. matakanacinemas.co.nz Further out of town, this threescreen cinema is very elegant. Smack bang in the middle of picturesque Matakana village, it was established in 2007, so is just a baby. In its short life, it has won many accolades, including the 2011 NZ Cinema Award Winner for People’s Choice Award for Best Indie Cinema.
5 The Hawkins Theatre
13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura. Ph ( 09) 297 7712. hawkinstheatre.co.nz Aside from putting on a wide range of live performance events, including comedy, music, theatre and dance, the darling Hawkins also hosts regular films, with a particular focus on locally made, festival and arthouse. Its youth theatre is also very strong.
6 Waiheke Island Community Cinema
2 Korora Rd, Waiheke Island. Ph ( 09) 372 4240. waihekecinema.co.nz Playing a wide range of films, from local to arthouse, mainstream to niche interest, the Waiheke Island Community Cinema lets audiences recline comfortably on couches — just be careful you don’t drop off. With a maximum of 50 punters a screening, bookings are recommended.
7 Victoria Theatre and Cinema
At 48- 56 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Auckland. Ph ( 09) 446 0100. thevic.co.nz This historic facility was nearly lost to developers but, happily, locals said no, and now it’s as charming as ever. Built in 1912 and refurbished in 2010, The Victoria is New Zealand’s oldest operating purpose- built cinema. And as well as films it presents live performances and performing arts courses.