Pre- and post-event things to do around Go Media Stadium

Go Media Stadium is one of Auckland’s biggest event venues, hosting everything from rugby league and football to international concerts and community festivals. But the action doesn’t start and stop at the gates. Whether you’re in town for a game, a gig, or a family day out, there’s plenty to eat, drink, see, and do nearby.

Where to eat and drink near Go Media Stadium

Located right at the stadium, Lilyworld is the obvious meeting point before or after an event. With its garden bar, BBQ-inspired menu, outdoor seating, lawn games, and live music, it feels like an extension of the stadium atmosphere. It’s casual, fun, and open for all major events.

Don’t be fooled by the name, Big Fish Eatery isn’t just about seafood. This Penrose favourite gives classic Asian flavours a modern Kiwi twist, with everything from beef and chicken dishes to plenty of options for vegetarians. It’s polished enough for a sit-down meal, but relaxed enough to make it an easy pre-game dinner spot (or a take-away if you’re rushing to catch the first whistle).

For a down-to-earth pre-game vibe, The Good Home Onehunga, a spacious gastropub with a generous terrace, is ideal for gathering a crowd. Expect pub staples, hearty meals, and plenty of taps, exactly what you want before a concert or to debrief after a big match.

And if you want a local institution, The Landing Restaurant and Bar has been serving Onehunga since 1865. After its recent glow-up, with polished kauri floors and timber salvaged from old outbuildings now lining the bar, it’s a stunner. Choose your vibe: two bars for a casual pint and snacks, or the dining room for a full meal.

If you need a pre-gig pick-me-up, head to Onehunga’s Sweet and Me. This isn’t your average cakery; here, desserts carry a sense of home, heritage and island pride. Expect Fiji Pineapple Pie (an Iconic Auckland Eat), Noqu Viti Cake, Koko Samoa Brownies, and their ever-popular Coconut Buns: soft brioche filled with fresh coconut milk and topped with toasted coconut.  

For beer lovers, Epic Taproom is hard to beat. Just a short trip from the stadium, Epic Taproom pours 10 rotating brews straight from the source. The warehouse-style bar pairs its beer with pizzas, calzones, and platters, and keeps things fun with old-school arcade games. They’re often hosting pre-match functions with live music as the ideal spot to warm-up for your event.

Fans of Japanese food will want to head to Mr Tanaka’s, an Ellerslie favourite that channels the energy of an izakaya with a modern twist. Try bacon-wrapped prawns, sticky pork belly in nori jam, tuna tataki, chicken katsu, and more, all made for sharing, and matched with sake, Japanese spirits, and rotating beers. 

When cocktails are calling, head to The Bramble. Stylish without being stuffy, it’s known for inventive drinks and late-night atmosphere and is an easy step up from the usual post-game pint.

Of course, sometimes only fried chicken and burgers will do. Lowbrow delivers both, with a menu that elevates fast food into something a bit more punchy and satisfying. Perfect for lining the stomach before a big night.

Likewise, Saltwater Burger is a casual favourite with a backyard-style terrace out back. The burgers are the drawcard: juicy, stacked, and ideal for a quick bite before heading into the stadium. Sides like loaded fries and onion rings seal the deal for a proper pre-game feed.  

For atmosphere, Doolan Brothers Ellerslie never misses as an easy crowd-pleaser. Pints, pub food, and plenty of screens mean you can warm up for the match surrounded by like-minded fans. There’s often live music or quiz nights too, so it’s buzzing even when there’s no big game on. 

Tucked just down the road from GO Media Stadium, The Springs Tavern serves up classic pub comfort with a laid-back local vibe. Kick back in the all-weather courtyard with friends, grab a family meal while kids play in the sandpit, or bring your dog for a relaxed session. Big screens and cold beers on tap make it a great spot for pre-match pints or post-event hangouts.

And if you’re after something a little more elevated, Cornwall Park Bistro is worth the short drive. Housed in a restored 1908 building, Cornwall Park Bistro pairs leafy park views with a seasonal menu built on local ingredients, including line-caught fish from Leigh, Chathams shellfish, and South Island game. It’s known for polished brunches, relaxed dinners, and a popular high tea served six days a week. 

Things to see and do around Go Media Stadium

Get behind the wheel, right on site at the stadium with Go Karting at Go Media Stadium. The Supertop carpark has been turned into an outdoor track by ACE Motorsport, Auckland’s only one of its kind. Strap into a fast Rimo Evo 6 kart, hit speeds of up to 65 km/h, and take on the 360-metre circuit with plenty of room for overtaking. It’s a full-throttle way to add some adrenaline to your day  

If you’d rather slow the pace, visit Cornwall Park, the green heart of Auckland. Walk the trails through farmland, climb Maungakiekie One Tree Hill for sweeping city views, or enjoy a picnic before heading to the game. Also at One Tree Hill, Stardome Observatory and Planetarium offers shows, telescopes, and star-gazing experiences. Check the schedule for themed shows and telescope viewings that make the experience even more memorable.

Join a guided food tour around Auckland with Foodcraft Tours, sampling everything from street eats to artisan producers. Design your own tour based on your tastes, or choose one of their pre-selected food tours. Along the way, you’ll also get insider stories and local history that bring the food scene to life. 

Need to quiet that ringing in your ears from the big event? Find some peace at Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park, perfect for a short walk among native bush and open farmland, just a quick drive from the stadium.

If retail therapy sounds more like your speed, Sylvia Park, Auckland’s biggest shopping mall is only 10 minutes away. Ideal if you want to squeeze in some retail therapy or grab a pre-event meal with plenty of choice. From international brands to a cinema and dining precinct, it’s easy to fill a few spare hours here. 

If you’ve got kids in tow, Panmure Basin is an easy win for a pre-event family activity. The 3km loop walk hugs the water, with wide sealed paths that are pram- and scooter-friendly, and three playgrounds dotted along the way. Extend your outing with a climb up nearby Maungarei / Mt Wellington for some impressive volcanic views.

And if you’re chasing calm, rather than chaos, Eden Garden and Cafe is the perfect finisher. Set in a former quarry, the 5.5-acre garden is run by volunteers and showcases a huge range of native and exotic plants. After wandering the paths, stop in at the café for coffee and a snack. It’s a calm counterpoint to the intensity of game day. 

Where to stay near Go Media Stadium

If you’re planning to make a night of it, there are plenty of hotels near GO Media Stadium that suit every budget and travel style.

A short drive from Go Media Stadium, La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie offers modern, well-equipped rooms that work for both quick overnight stays and longer visits. Expect clean design, comfy beds, and handy extras like kitchenettes in some suites. It’s a solid all-rounder for visitors who want easy access to events without sacrificing comfort.

Sitting on the edge of a peaceful lagoon, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre is a popular choice for groups. Rooms are spacious, the facilities include a pool and fitness centre, and the lake views add a resort-like feel. Being close to the airport, and 15 minutes from the city centre, it’s a convenient base for those heading to stadium events.

Novotel Auckland Ellerslie offers modern rooms, comfortable beds, and reliable service just a short drive from GO Media Stadium. The in-house restaurant and bar make pre-event dining simple, and the location between the CBD and the stadium makes it an easy base whether you’re in town for a game, a gig, or a weekend away. 

Not far from the Novotel, Ibis Auckland Ellerslie provides an affordable option while still delivering comfort and convenience. Rooms are compact but modern, with everything you need for a short stay. Perfect if you want to stay close to the stadium without blowing the budget.

Best Western Ellerslie International boasts roomy suites, a pool, and on-site dining. It’s not flashy, but the service is warm and reliable, making it a good fit for families and regular travellers. Being only a short drive from the stadium adds to the appeal.

Edit Auckland Greenlane keeps things simple: smart design, fast Wi-Fi, and a great night’s sleep without the fluff. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with thoughtful details that make travel feel easy. If you want an affordable stay near Go Media Stadium that’s stylish but straightforward, this is it.