The Cinema Experience in Auckland
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to go on date night, a place to take the whole family, or just something to do by yourself, the cinema is always a good choice.
Auckland is home to many cinemas, from large chains to small boutique theatres. If you want a big screen experience, Auckland city has you covered.
These are some of the best cinemas in Auckland, but they are by no means the only ones!
Bridgeway Cinema
The Bridgeway is an arthouse cinema that has been open since 1927, so it has a rich history. This is a great cinema to go to if you want an intimate experience. They have four screens, including one boutique cinema with 18-seats. You’ll definitely want to book ahead of time if you want to see a film, but the experience is worth it!
This cinema is focused on arthouse films, but they also show the latest upmarket commercial releases. They also host special events such as Girls Night Out and Babies on Board, as well as film festivals. No matter what film you’re seeing, you’ll love the relaxed atmosphere this cinema offers.
All cinemas at the Bridgeway have easy wheelchair access. All except for one also have assistive listening devices for people with hearing aids. If you need assistance or more information about disability access, just contact the box office and they will be happy to help.
The Bridgeway also has a cafe/restaurant where you can get sweet treats such as a chocolate dipped ice cream cone!
What They Play
- new release arthouse films
- commercial releases
- special film events
- festivals
Contact & Operating Hours
Website: https://www.bridgeway.co.nz/
Phone: (09) 481 0040
Email: info@bridgeway.co.nz
Address: 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland
Hours of operation vary depending on the releases available each week.
Silky Otter Cinemas
The Silky Otter is one of Auckland’s best cinemas. This is a franchise cinema with locations in Nelson and Christchurch as well. The Auckland city cinema is located in Remuera.
Silky Otter Cinema offers a modern viewing experience. All their cinemas have state of the art laser projection, as well as full surround sound. Each theatre has comfortable leather recliners, so you can kick back and enjoy your movie in comfort.
Silky Otter Cinema also has a full-service kitchen and a selection of wine and beer. You can order food from the kitchen and have it delivered right to your seat, so you won’t have to miss a single minute of your movie.
What They Play
- the latest commercial releases
- the cinema is also open for private events
Contact & Operating Hours
Website: https://www.silkyotter.co.nz/
Phone: 64 9 523 0400
Email: Use the contact form on their website.
Address: Unit 13B&C, 228 Orakei Road Remuera, Auckland, 1050
Regular hours of operation are Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm.
The Capitol Cinema
The Capitol Cinema is one of Auckland’s most iconic arthouse cinemas. It is a boutique cinema that features an old-style lobby and a charming, comfortable theatre.
The cinema features special film events, such as Friday Night Frights and From The Vault, where they host classic films. They also offer Pitchblack Playback, an event where they host album releases. Guests can sit back in the dark theatre and enjoy a unique listening experience. They even offer blindfolds to block out any lights from the lobby or fire exits!
Whether they are seeing the latest commercial release or enjoying a classic film, guests love the unique cinema experience The Capitol offers. Guests enjoy the comfortable seating, the old-fashioned feel, and the great customer service.
What They Play
- arthouse films
- commercial releases
- special film events
- film festivals
Contact & Operating Hours
Website: https://www.thecapitol.co.nz/
Phone: (09) 623 2000
Email: cinema@thecapitol.co.nz
Address: 610 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland 1041
Hours of operation vary depending on the releases available each week.
Lido Cinema
Lido Cinema is a small theatre that offers an intimate cinema experience. It caters to adults, so you aren’t likely to see any children’s films playing here. It also mostly plays English language films, but they host events such as the French Film Festival as well.
Lido Cinema has three screens. Every theatre has large seats with plenty of legroom. Before your movie, you can also enjoy the comfortable couches and open fireplace in the theatre’s lounge area.
The Lido serves wine, coffee, ice cream, popcorn, and a selection of snacks that you can enjoy during your film. They also have a loyalty card, so be sure to pick one up if you intend on visiting this cinema often!
What They Play
- arthouse films
- commercial releases
- film festivals
- fundraising movie nights
Contact & Operating Hours
Website: https://www.lido.co.nz/
Phone: 09 630 1500
Email: info@lido.co.nz
Address: 427 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
Hours of operation vary depending on the releases available each week.
Academy Cinemas
Academy Cinemas is known as “Auckland’s underground movie theatre”. It’s a hidden gem that you can find underneath the Auckland Central Library in Auckland CBD!
Academy Cinemas has two theatres, a full-size 211 seat theatre and a 16-seat boutique theatre. The boutique theatre offers an intimate experience you can’t get at chain movie theatres.
You won’t find large Hollywood releases here. Academy Cinemas is focused on providing movies for film lovers. The type of crowd this cinema tends to attract are hipsters, film enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a meaningful cinema experience. This is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for indie gems.
This cinema also offers a selection of craft beer, New Zealand wines, specialty cocktails, and NZ Coffee Company beverages. You can also enjoy snacks such as hand-rolled, chocolate-dipped ice cream and fresh popcorn.
One of the draws of Academy Cinemas is their $5 Wednesdays! Each Wednesday you can enjoy any film for $5. For more deals, you can also become an Academy Member.
What They Play
- American indie films
- foreign films
- documentaries
- local films
- film festivals
- special events
Contact & Operating Hours
Website: https://academycinemas.co.nz/
Phone: (09) 373 2761 (dial 1 for sessions or 2 to speak with the front desk)
Email: cinema@academycinemas.co.nz
Address: 44 Lorne Street, Auckland City
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