Armageddon is back in Tāmaki Makaurau this October 24 -27 at Auckland Showgrounds. If you consider yourself a movie, anime and gaming geek like our Storme Hitaua, it’s basically your Super Bowl.
This year is set to be the BIGGEST yet, with more Hollywood stars, gaming icons, cosplay competitions, game zones and loads more than ever before, celebrating its big 30th anniversary!
We asked Storme to share his ultimate must-do guide for his favourite event - from a cosy place to stay to how to put a head-turning costume together, convenient foodie stops, other activities, and hidden scenic gems around the city to keep you busy.
So, if you’re looking to make the most out of a weekend in Auckland, Storme has all the tips and tricks to make sure you're all sorted!
Must-do activities
“Honestly, the best way I can explain Armageddon is that it’s like a portal that turns my 33-year-old self back into a 13-year-old again, pause. Simply put, Armageddon is New Zealand’s biggest ode to one of the world’s most misunderstood subcultures, the GEEKS!
“It houses all things pop and geek culture; anime, gaming, cosplaying, movies and more. So as a fan of pretty much all of those things, I get excited for the sensory overload because I live and breathe THIS LIFE!!!
“If you’re not already stoked, you’ll be fizzed about celeb appearances from Elijah Wood (‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Yellowjackets’) appearing Saturday and Sunday, and Evangeline Lilly (‘The Hobbit’, ‘Ant-Man’, ‘Lost’) appearing Sunday and Monday.
“While you’re up here, it might seem weird, but I’ll normally take people on a 09 tiki tour which includes driving down Tamaki Drive, hitting up Mission Bay and St Heliers, then we’ll go to Devonport and look at the city skyline, which is GAAAAWJUS at nighttime.
“As far as activities are concerned, I love taking the fams to Escape Masters in the CBD.
Accommodation
“If it ain’t on my couch, for which I only charge a feed of KFC, Parnell Pines Hotel! Parnell is such a beautiful spot to walk around in the morning or in the evening, and it’s quite convenient with Newmarket just down the road, plus it’s easy to get on the motorway to travel around Auckland.
“Another, which is my preferred, because of how conveniently it's located, is Horizon by SkyCity, located in the SkyCity precinct. I have no shame in admitting that they have the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on, and you can go to the Korean BBQ right at the base of the Sky Tower.
Eating and drinking
“So here's my pre-Armageddon plan: Wake up, shower and get dressed (arguably the most important part). After that, sustenance is key, so on the way we normally pull up to Blue Rose Café in Sandringham and I get a Palusami pie, because slaaaay.
“If you’re looking for a food spot post-Armageddon, I’ve got one hell of a feed for ya. One Tree Buffet is, in my opinion, a criminally underrated buffet here in Tāmaki.
“It’s a premium seafood buffet, and it's literally a 5-minute walk from the doors of Armageddon. They do seafood, sushi, roast meats AND MORE. There’s no better way to tie a bow on any day than going to One Tree Buffet.
Costume shopping
“Here is the BEST idea/fit that has left literally so many speechless, even had soooo many people come up to me and my crew asking where they buy it, BUT the catch is you can’t, 'cos my wife made it.
“My wife makes 'plumbobs' from The Sims video game. A plumbob is the green diamond thing that floats above your Sim's head during the game.
“But I won’t leave you without options, there’s plenty to choose from, but a go-to of mine is heading to Smoove on K’road to grab a lil vintage shirt or hat to wear!
“They've got the coolest and most random hats that would go OFF at Armageddon.
“So, what are you waiting for? There’s plenty to get up to, and I can’t wait to see all the costumes you lot come up with while you’re here.”
This article was written alongside aucklandnz.com.
