Located at the western edge of Aotea Square, off Queen Street, the centre provides a cultural, entertainment and conventions venue space in the heart of the city, and is managed by Auckland Unlimited (which also operates the Auckland Town Hall and The Civic, both in the vicinity of the Square).

Due to poor acoustics, the main auditorium required a refit in the mid-1990s and underwent refurbishment in 2012.

The Centre has hosted the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

[8] Several significant New Zealand artworks are on display in the foyers of the Aotea Centre, including the acclaimed digital work, Ihi, by Lisa Reihana, or the very artistic Aotea Cartouche by Dennis O'Connor made from Eritrea marble and Mt Somers limestone.

‘Waharoa’ is a seven metre high gateway and stands at the entrance to Aotea Square, transforming it into a marae or meeting place.