This August, premier waterfront precinct Viaduct Harbour transforms into the city’s ultimate winter destination with By the Fire, a curated, precinct-wide celebration of warmth, ritual, and connection, all inspired by the elemental power of fire.
As the final month of winter sets in, By the Fire invites you to embrace the season’s glow through immersive light installations, invigorating outdoor rituals, flame-licked menus, spiced cocktails, and soul-warming spa and stay-cay escapes.
Here's what to expect:
Precinct-wide light installation by Angus Muir | 1 – 31 AUG, 2025
Viaduct Harbour will be transformed into a glowing, fire-lit landscape, with ambient lighting woven throughout the waterfront. At its centre, Market Square will feature a striking sculptural bonfire, animated by soft light, drifting smoke, and the soothing crackle of flames. Surrounded by log seating, it offers a warm, inviting space to pause, connect, and take in the scene.
SALA x Viaduct Harbour: Free outdoor wellness sessions every Saturday in Augus
Viaduct Harbour and SALA invite you to move, stretch, and sweat under the winter sky. Every Saturday morning in August, join complimentary outdoor sessions including HIIT pilates, dynamic yoga, and run club. Wellness gift bags are available for all participants, with run club members enjoying a free drink at The Pantry, Park Hyatt. Check out the session schedules and book your spot here.
Flame and flavour take centre stage at Viaduct Harbour with Hello Beasty’s fiery food cart
Hello Beasty is turning up the heat this winter with a flame-fuelled food cart in Market Square. Serving hibachi-grilled chicken skewers and prawns, it’s street food with serious sizzle—right beside Angus Muir’s bonfire installation. Catch it on 15, 16, 22 & 23 August, from 4–7pm.
Flame-kissed menus and cocktails
Viaduct Harbour’s restaurants are firing up bold, winter flavours with limited-edition menus inspired by flame and smoke. From chargrilled mains to smoky cocktails, each dish celebrates the season’s warmth. Featured restaurants include Esther, Frida Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar,Grape & Olive | Heart of the City, La Marée, Bivacco, Portofinoand Hello Beasty
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour warming spa ritual
Step out of the cold and into the calm of a winter-ready treatment from Sofitel Spa with their Hot Stone Winter Reset ($135). This 45-minute massage uses hot stones in flowing strokes, perfect for melting away tension and embracing the slower pace of the season.
QT Auckland revitalising stay-cay and wellness package
Check in and bliss out with QT Auckland’s Nama-stay package—your winter escape designed to realign and recharge. Enjoy a soul-soothing stay with in-room treatments by Spa Nomad, yoga, breakfast at Esther, and parking included. Choose from two 30-minute treatments for two or one 60-minute treatment for one. Click here to book.
Flat fee of $7.50 per day on weekends at Fanshawe Street carpark. Find out more.
Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more.