The ‘silly season’ is almost upon us which means it’s time to let your hair down a little and celebrate another year of work at the long-awaited work Christmas party. The city centre is brimming with fun things to do as well as exceptional places to dine and drink. Here are some great ideas to help you get planning.
Get cocktail creating at Bellini Bar
Bellini Bar at the Hilton Hotel isn't just a great place to head for a drink with five-star service and breathtaking views out to the Viaduct Harbour, it's a great place to go with small groups for fun (and delicious) cocktail classes. Choose from a selection of classic drinks before delving into their fascinating history and the techniques needed to master the perfect cocktail. Then, jump behind the bar to create your own cocktail creation and even compete with friends.
Cook up a storm at Auckland Seafood School, followed by drinks at Auckland Fish Market
Getting cooking in the kitchen at Auckland Seafood School is a fun way of doing something different with your colleagues this year, with classes running during the week and at weekends. Learn some great techniques and cook some delicious food, and when that's done, head to the revamped Auckland Fish Market for some drinks - their courtyard is a great spot in summer for large groups, and does some epic happy hour deals too.
Auckland Fish Market
Get competitive with some adult mini-golf at Holey Moley on the Viaduct
Holey Moley will undoubtedly be a popular attraction for Christmas parties this year - and for good reason. It brings a distinctive style of fun in the form of a multi-sensory labyrinth mini golf course, combined with an extensive range of drinks (including lolly themed cocktails) and delicious food. Enjoy 27 themed golf holes with live DJs performing, while two bars will serve the best craft beers and mouth-watering cocktails. What's more, Holey Moley has also recently opened a new private karaoke room - the perfect place to move to later on in the night!
Indulge your creative side at Paintvine
Find out who the Picasso of your colleagues is, while having a fun and creative painting experience with a glass of wine in hand! The Paintvine events take place at Spitting Feathers on Wyndham Street, or the team can come to your office and set up from there. The relaxed environment of Paintvine will encourage you to test out your painting skills and even pick up a few useful tips along the way.
East Day Spa
Unwind in luxury at East Day Spa
Although it might seem a little different to the traditional staff Christmas party, celebrating the end of a big year with a luxurious spa treatment sounds like our idea of heaven. East Day Spa has 12 individual treatment rooms (5 of them being double suites) as well as a group mani and pedi lounge and wonderful area designed for ultimate relaxation. Toast with your colleagues to letting all the year's tensions and deadlines melt away!
Head to a Christmas show like A Frickin Dangerous Space-mas
Basement Theatre returns with its annual Christmas Show written by dynamic comedy trio Frickin Dangerous Bro (Pax Assadi, James Roque and Jamaine Ross). A Frickin Dangerous Space-mas invites audiences along for a wacky space adventure featuring a bounty of bizarre and hilarious cosmonaut characters who star alongside some of Aotearoa’s most beloved household names and local celebs. It’s going to be out of this world! Literally!
Kick back with beers, cocktails, pizzas and bowling at Dr Rudi's
The atmosphere at Dr. Rudi's personifies the classic European Beer Hall with lots of open space for beer, wine, cocktails and snacks. The menu consists of sharing platters and pizzas, and the large deck overlooking the stunning Viaduct Harbour offers the perfect place to enjoy a cold brew and plenty of sunshine with your colleagues. This is a great place for a casual Christmas party that promises a great night ahead, with DJs on the decks from Wednesday to Sunday and well as an awesome tenpin bowling lane for a very original time out.
Get cocktail making with fun Margarita Masterclasses at Mexico
Mexico like to think they know a thing or two about tequila. Whilst your current dealings with this delightful drop may be limited to cheap shots at 4am, they can introduce you to a new world of tequila, by way of their Margarita Masterclass! Get schooled on all things Tequila with their expert barmen – they’ll teach you how to make the perfect Margarita, and they’ll even let you personalise it with a range of ingredients. The class runs for 90 minutes and is $40 which includes making (and consuming) 3 Margaritas.
Complete one more problem solving exercise of the year at Escapade
Escapade is a great activity for groups and work teams, offering five unique problem solving games which require you to come together to decipher a range of puzzles in order to gather clues, to ultimately allow you to escape the room! Each room's theme is different and will have you discovering how yours and your colleague's brains work differently to solve situations.
Toast to a big year with champagne at Tommy's Champagne Parlour
Nothing says celebration, beit Christmas or the end of another working year than like a glass of cold champagne. Tommys Champagne Parlour is a champagne lover's heaven, located on the sixth floor of the Seaferers Building in Britomart and home to more than 10 champagnes by the flute and 30+ varietals. In addition to a stellar champagne and sparkling wine list, a full bar and menu of cocktails and small plates is also available. In the heart of Britomart, Tommy's is also a great place to start a Christmas bar crawl if your office is that way inclined, or stay in the Seafearers building and make the most of their Christmas lunch & dinner packages available for groups of 10 or more.