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
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
Monterey Cinemas
Howick’s historic Monterey Cinemas has been marvelling its patrons since 1929. It was originally called La Scala Theatre before re-branding as The Monterey in 1930. These days, the homey suburban theatre is renowned for hosting a trove of special screenings as well as showcasing a nice variety of blockbusters and international films. There’s also a cafe on-site if you want some hot food to complement your spectator experience.
Monterey Cinemas Howick, 4/2 Fencible Dr, Howick, Auckland 2145, New Zealand. +64 9-532 7034
Film | © Pixabay
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
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
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