Parnell Village and Newmarket, New Zealand's best shopping and gastronomic centres are within walking distance of your accommodation. There are restaurants, shops, theatres, art galleries, cinemas, swimming pool and fitness centre.

Major city venues within walking distance of Ascot Parnell include the Aotea Centre, the IMAX and Civic theatres, the University of Auckland, Village 8 cinemas, the Olympic Pool on Broadway, the ASB Tennis Centre, Carlaw Park (rugby grounds), Auckland Hospital, the Auckland Museum, the Maritime Museum and 277 Broadway shopping centre.

In the Domain the Winter and Fern Gardens are open to the public from 10am to 4:30pm every day. There is no charge for entry.

The Auckland Museum provides a window on New Zealand's cultural and natural history and houses a fine collection of Maori treasures. The Discovery Centres – Weird & Wonderful and Treasures & Tails are places for fun and exploration of the natural world and human culture for children of all ages.

The twice-daily Maori Show at the Auckland Museum is interesting and entertaining. Every Sunday afternoon during summer, there is Jazz in the Park. Every January & February there are free concerts in the domain, like Opera in the Park and Symphony Under the Stars.

Winter Gardens