Talking Takapuna - August

The weather may still be cold and damp, but there are plenty of opportunities to keep warmth and fun flowing in Takapuna this month.

One of the gems of Takapuna, The Elephant Wrestler, underwent some great renovations last month and is definitely worth another visit if you haven’t been already! They are also the place to be this winter, with events like Drag Queen Bingo, Drag Queen Bottomless Brunch, Bottomless Beer, Bubbles and Fried Chicken and their new GET TRUNKED Golden Hour session on Saturday 13 August! Along with a fantastic new menu and of course your favourite refreshing beverages a-plenty, The Elephant Wrestler is Takapuna’s winter go-to!
Keen for some summer beach vibes and views this winter? Regatta Bar & Eatery on The Strand is bringing the Amalfi Coast to you with their Malfy Summer Gin Bar-set up, featuring wicked tunes after 5pm every Friday, plus several Malfy goblet specials. Enjoy a taste of the tropics right here on Takapuna Beach at Regatta Bar.
Make sure you check out the Bruce Mason Centre website for all the upcoming shows and events on offer – and if you’re planning on heading along to one, why not make a night of it and head in to Takapuna early for a bite to eat, or head out after for some late night snacking?
Takapuna lends itself well to the perfect date night location – treat your significant other to a show at the Bruce Mason and dinner at one of the 150 different places to eat and drink!
Closest to the theatre are the likes of Taylors on Hurstmere offering tapas and easy sharing plates, as well as Nanam where you can find Filipino cuisine at its finest! Heading down Hurstmere there are local favourites like The Elephant Wrestler and Aubergine, with hearty, casual meals that definitely hit the spot, or Tok Tok for some delicious Asian fusion.  Or if you’re after dinner and a view, head to Regatta Bar & Eatery, Tokyo Bay or Franc’s for the best views of Takapuna Beach, while enjoying some of the finest meals in Takapuna! We also can’t go past other gems like Madam Woo, Smokepit & Buoy, Nam Nam, Al Forno or Sake Bar Nippon, all in the heart of Takapuna.
Despite the lingering chill in the air, you still can’t beat a walk along Takapuna Beach to clear the mind, refresh the soul – and to meet all the dogs that also love the beach! Rug up warm, grab a hot beverage from one of the great cafés around, and head along the beach. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll be in your element meeting all the good boys and best girls frolicking around with their owners.
If it’s warming activities you’re after, check out Escape HQ for escape room puzzles, Thrillzone Takapuna for virtual reality and adventure games, Monterey Cinema for some relaxing escapes to fictional worlds, or shop up a storm at Shore City Shopping Centre!
There’s something for everyone in Takapuna, all year round – from outdoors, to dining, to retail therapy, dining and everything in-between. Head in to Takapuna today!
Whatever you’re up to in Takapuna this Winter, we’d love to see it (or places and businesses you love to visit!), so please tag us:
@ilovetakapuna when posting on social media and we might just re-share your snaps! 


August-September Events in Takapuna

  • 1-7 Aug: The PumpHouse: The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie
  • 8 Aug: Bruce Mason Centre: Lisa Lorrell & James Harrison – Morning Melodies
  • 13 Aug: The Elephant Wrestler: Get Trunked
  • 25 Aug: Bruce Mason Centre: Max Amini LIVE in Auckland
  • 28 Aug – 3 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: APO for Kids – In Space
  • 30 Aug: Bruce Mason Centre: The Boss – Bruce Springsteen Tribute
  • 2 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: Afrikaans is Lekker
  • 7-18 Sept: The PumpHouse: The Campervan
  • 12 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies – Musical Classics
  • 14 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: Kevin Bloody Wilson F.U.P.C NZ Tour
  • 16 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: The Bee Gees Night Fever
  • 17 Sept: Bruce Mason Centre: Hotel California – The Eagles Experience
  • 24 Sept – 15 Oct: The PumpHouse: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

Issue 133 August 2022