The Best Art House Cinemas in Auckland, New Zealand

Academy Cinemas

The Academy Cinemas is an underground theatre in every literal sense. There’s a set of stairs right next door to the Auckland Public Library on Lorne Street that will take you to this art house movie mecca. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by a cosy venue with a boutique 16-seat cinema and a larger-sized theatre for major screenings. Wednesdays are five-dollar ticket nights and the cinema hosts a number of special documentary showcases and events thoughout the year.

Academy Cinemas, 44 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. +64 9-373 2761

Academy Cinema, Auckland | © russellstreet/Flickr | © russellstreet/Flickr

Lido

Located in the inner city suburb of Epsom, Lido Cinema is as true to art house conventions as it gets. You can catch a small selection of mainstream flicks, but the focus is definitely on the lesser-known films that we should be talking about. The cinema’s classic atmosphere, a lavish waiting lounge, La-Z-Boy-type seating and generous screen sizes also make for a memorable movie-watching experience.

Lido Cinema, 427 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand. +64 9-630 1500

🇳🇿📽🔥🤵👓🎩🍷 Waiting like a Kingsman at this movie lounge with a fireplace…

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Rialto Newmarket

Out of all of Auckland’s art house cinemas, Rialto Newmarket is the biggest — boasting seven massive theatres with plenty of luxurious seating. Naturally, this chic Newmarket venue also comes with an extensive movie list. Regular promotions include Ladies’ Film Nights, a series of advanced screenings and its famous Films for Foodies sessions.

Rialto Cinema, Rialto Centre 167 – 169 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1642, New Zealand. +64 9-369 2417

Rialto Newmarket, Auckland | © russellstreet/Flickr | © russellstreet/Flickr

The Vic

If you’re on your way to Devonport, this iconic theatre is not to be missed. The Vic is more than just a boutique cinema, it’s also a place that prides itself on its live performances and community-driven events. Music, comedy — anything goes! Visiting film buffs will be treated with a blend of art house must-sees, mainstream hits, documentaries and the occasional classic.

The Vic, 56 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand. +64 9-446 0100

#영화관

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Waiheke Island Community Cinema

Waiheke Island is most famous for its vineyards, but it’s also home to a thriving artistic community. For those who love their moving pictures, the Waiheke Island Community Cinema has earned a reputation for bringing forth a variety of cinematic greats and a wonderful assortment of international films. What makes this theatre unique, though, is the fact that every screening is accompanied by a short documentary feature made by local filmmakers with full funding from the Cinema Trust, a testament to this venue’s enduring community spirit.

Waiheke Island Community Cinema, 127-129 Oceanview Rd, Oneroa, Auckland 1081, New Zealand. +64 9-372 4240

Cinema Projector Film | © Pixabay