Aotea Square ices over

Auckland's CBD will become cooler this winter, with an ice rink to be installed at Aotea Square.

The frozen body of water will be run by Paradice Ice Skating, a local, family-owned business with ice rinks in Botany and Avondale.

The venue will be the focal point of The Edge's Winter Showtime programme and The Edge spokesman Robbie Macrae says the ice rink is an exciting way to activate Aotea Square during the colder months.

"We're used to many people enjoying their lunch or playing a game of touch during the summer, and this gives people a chance to enjoy Aotea Square in winter."

Mr Macrae says visitors won't need to worry about temperamental Auckland weather as the rink will be covered. Parking will be handy at the Civic car park.

Paradice general manager Chris Blong, a former national figure skating champion, says the venue will be suitable for novices as well as experienced skaters.

His company suggested the temporary rink to The Edge a couple of months ago and they liked the idea.

"It's the best setting in the CBD - there's enough space, it's relatively level and there's high foot traffic,'' he told The Aucklander.

Mr Blong says the 27m X 15m ice surface will sit at the foot of the Aotea Centre stairs on panels imported from the United States. There'll be a different theme each weekend - including ice sports, snow-making competitions and

a mid winter Christmas.

He says the venue will be suitable for novices as well as experienced skaters.

"We're working to create a place where beginners and experienced skaters can have a great time this winter, with the same kind of feel as the outdoor rinks in places like New York and Toronto.

"There'll be lessons available and we're working on a calendar of themed events."

The rink will open on Saturday June 23, with an official opening event Thursday June 28.

Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day. They are $15 for children, $20 for adults and $55 for a family of four.