This month we have a selection of ideas to help you get the best out of the chilly winter season. Winter doesn’t have to be dreary, get out there, get active and most importantly have fun.

Waiwera hot pools

Looking for a place to warm up on a nippy winter day? Relax aching and tired muscles at Waiwera Thermal Resort. Take a warm dip in one of the natural thermal hot pools, enjoy a film while you soak in the movie pool or release the big kid in you and try out one of the super swift hydroslides.

If you’re after something a little more indulgent, treat yourself to a luxury spa and sauna, a massage or one of the many treatments designed to truly pamper.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and power up one of the available BBQ’s or you can buy a variety of food and drinks from the licensed café.

There’s also a range of accommodation on offer for those keen to make a short break of it.

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Snowplanet

Give those energy levels a boost and hit the slopes this winter at Snowplanet. Experience the thrill of snow sports in the atmosphere of an alpine village at Auckland’s indoor snow resort. Whether you’re a seasoned snow bunny or a total first timer this is a great place to enjoy a fun day out.

If you don’t want to go it alone join the Alpine Club for adult group lessons or check out the High Performance Centre to master ski racing or freestyle skills. You could be conquering rails, jumps and slaloms in no time.

When it’s time for a break, warm-up in the restaurant and bar with a hot chocolate and enjoy watching your fellow snow buddies hurtle down the slopes through the panoramic windows.

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La Cigale French Markets

Do you like the sound of enjoying a warm croque monsieur filled with ham, French emmental cheese, béchamel sauce and mustard on a chilly winter morning? Or fancy biting into a crunchy buttery croissant with a steaming cup of your favourite coffee in hand? Then a weekend visit to the La Cigale French Markets is in order.

There’s a great selection of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce from local growers on offer, so you’ll be able to whip up a tasty meal back at home. But if like us you just can’t resist the fantastic aromas in the air, then try Toulouse sausage ficelles, grilled prawn skewers, BBQ smoked sausage rolls, savoury crêpes and freshly made paella. Need we say more?

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East Day Spa

What better way to dust off those winter cobwebs than with a relaxing spa treatment at Auckland’s East Day Spa. Treat yourself to authentic Eastern therapies that will relax the body, calm the soul and clear the mind. Bathe in a romantic Cleopatra Milk Bath or enjoy one of East’s signature body scrubs prepared from the natural goodness of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and essential oils. There are heaps of exotic treatments to choose from.

This winter indulge in the ultimate heat experience with East Day Spa’s Winter Warm Up special which includes a Sand and Stone massage and an Elemis Taster Facial. Sounds like pure bliss.

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Winter treats

Treat yourself to great organic food and cocktails fireside at The Grange. Warm up with hot buttered rum or an apple brandy hot toddy from the Winter Warmers menu. With lots happening this month including two for one meals, live jazz and quizzes it’ll make for a lively night.

Be spoilt for choice by the fabulous winter cocktail menu at award winning Agents & Merchants. Soak up the atmosphere outside in the private lane with the warm glow of the fireplace and the twinkle of the fairylights. Choose from the smoky tastes of Fog Over the Highlands, the honey and clove flavours of Winter Picador or dare to try a Widow’s Kiss.

To find out more information about dining in Auckland click here »

Wrap up warm and enjoy the perfect winter escape to Matakana. It’s a fantastic all weather destination and winter is no exception. If you’re a lover of delicious local food and wine and beautiful countryside then Matakana is a must.

Matakana Farmers’ Market

Rain or shine a trip to Matakana Farmers’ Market is a fantastic way to kick-off your weekend. Start your Saturday with a scrumptious morning breakie at the markets. Try the new stall ‘JamaicanMeHungry’ which offers a delicious porridge using coconut milk.

This winter there’s music, plenty of yummy fresh organic food and even an outdoor chimney to warm away winter chills. And a trip to the market is never complete unless you sample the fabulous crêpes, whitebait fritters and award-winning sausages. It’s easy to see why the markets were asked to supply produce for Rick Stein’s show in Auckland! You certainly won’t be leaving hungry.

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Matakana Cinemas

For something a little different take in a movie at the local Matakana Cinemas. With three individually designed theatres this boutique cinema is the perfect date night venue.

Wow your partner with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest chandelier and beautiful domed ceiling in the Tivoli Theatre, or get cosy under the 32,000 paper flowers and native birds that frame the ceiling of the Paradiso theatre. Alternatively kick back and relax in the fabric boudoir of the Roxy theatre.

At the Matakana luxury cinemas you can catch a range of screenings from the latest blockbuster movies to broadcasts from National Theatre Live and art house films. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a glass of fabulous local wine from neighbouring wine bar The Vintry.

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The Vintry

Relax by a real wood fire and enjoy a glass of local wine. The bar is decorated with used barrel staves and the tables are made of rough-sawn rimu beams recycled from an old shearing shed. Join in fun and informative wine tasting sessions or enjoy a light meal from the selection.

The Vintry is proudly New Zealand’s only wine centre and bar dedicated to local wine growers, which means all the wines in its selection are grown within a 14 kilometre radius.

The Vintry is also a two times finalist in the Rodney Manaakitanga Hospitality Awards and this year it’s up for Best Local Wine List and Outstanding Bar Experience.

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Events in August

Check out the Antiques Roadshow in Matakana Village, Market Square on Sunday 8 August from 10am to 4pm. Hamish Walsh from TVNZ’s Auction House will be at the market to assess and evaluate antiques at $5 apiece. Soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy local food, wine and entertainment. Proceeds will go to New Zealand’s Centre for Conservation Medicine at Auckland Zoo.

For art and crafts visit the Piece Gallery which is hosting its 3^rd Annual Winter Candlestick exhibition Fiddlesticks III. View works from local artists Louise McCrae, Lynda Harris, Gary Horton, Morgan Haines, Vicki Fanning and more.

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Grease

It’s still the one that we want! The London West End smash hit is coming to Auckland this August. Packed with explosive energy, London’s high-octane rock ‘n’ roll party is ready to rumble in Auckland.

People the world over have been singing the songs from Grease since it exploded into life nearly four decades ago.  This August The Civic Theatre will be transformed into Rydell High so you can sing along to all the unforgettable songs.

With a spectacular international cast Grease is ready to electrify Auckland – Grease really is the word!

Don’t miss out on this great offer, simply enter the password TAKL when you book and you could save $10 on all Tuesday and Wednesday evening shows.

What: Grease

When: 5 – 29 August 2010

Where: The Civic

For more information click here »

Assassins

America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.  But some sing a different kind of national anthem.

This anarchic show looks at the lives, loves and lunacy of nine ordinary folk – who could have grown up to be President of the United States, but didn’t.  They tried to kill him instead. While their motives range from revolutionary idealism to an upset tummy, we witness their shared belief in their potential magnificence.

They want to grab headlines, get the girl, or see their name in lights. They want a clear shot at the big time. One man’s American dream can become a nation’s nightmare.

Interesting, daring and bound to keep you guessing – Assassins is a show you’ll want to tick-off.

What:  Assassins

When: 23 July – 14 August 2010

Where:  Auckland Town Hall

For more information click here »

Silver Ferns v Australia

The Silver Ferns continue on their build-up for this year’s Commonwealth Games when they take on their fiercest rivals, the Australian Diamonds next month.

Last year the Ferns showed their skills to be superior over the Australian Diamonds in their final match in Auckland, and will be hoping to do the same this year!

In a Commonwealth Games year our Kiwi girls will want to prove they have what it takes to defeat the world champions. Expect an amazing display of skill, athleticism and passion.

Don’t miss this netball event!

What:  Silver Ferns v Australia

When: 5 September 2010

Where: Vector Arena

For more information click here »

Westfield Style Pasifika

Lock it in your diary – Westfield Style Pasifika is an event not to be missed!

This entertainment extravaganza showcases the finalists of New Zealand’s premiere fashion award in an explosion of art and culture.  Designers present their show-stopping creations against a backdrop of performances by top New Zealand artists.

Westfield Style Pasifika New Zealand Fashion Awards 2010 fuses fashion, music, cultural diversity and dance in a mesmerising show. It’s a truly unique night that celebrates New Zealand’s place in the Pacific in spectacular style.

What:  Westfield Style Pasifika

When: 3 September 2010

Where: Vector Arena

For more information click here »

Happy Days

Could the line up get any better?  Directed by Michael Hurst, written by Samuel Beckett and starring the outrageous Robyn Malcolm, this show is bound to be a winner.

Ironic, funny, despairing and courageous – Happy Days will certainly entertain.

Watch Winnie take on each day with vigour. She’s up to her neck in it, but still she greets each day with a smile, rummaging around in her handbag, and nattering away to her husband. She’s always got a loaded revolver just in case it all gets too much. Hers might not be the ideal life but Winnie offers the bravest response possible.

What:  Happy Days

When: 20 August – 18 September 2010

Where: Herald Theatre

For more information click here »

Enter the draw to win one of two fantastic prize packages!

Win a warm milk and sandalwood pedicure for two at East Day Spa, plus a double pass to Westfield Style Pasifika 2010. Or win a great day out for two at Waiwera Thermal Resort complete with a private spa, sauna and steam room, plus a double pass to Westfield Style Pasifika 2010.

Competition Closed, winner will be announced soon!

A big congratulations to July’s lucky winner Duncan Milne from Auckland!