How good's a short week? About as good as another long weekend, we'd say.
And along with a chance for remembrance, there's a whole damn smorsgaboard of good stuff to occupy you all the way to Sunday and beyond.
From chocolate pasta that will either delight your taste buds or horrify your Italian ancestors, to a competition aimed at the undiscovered dissectologists within us—we've got enough culture, cuisine, and curiosity to keep even the most discerning urban explorer thoroughly entertained. So grab your diary, prep your wallet (or not), and dive in.
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Jump to:
- Don't Miss
- Free And Budget-Friendly Events
- Food And Drink Events
- Arts And Culture
- Rainy Day Activities
- Uniquely Auckland Experiences
- Coming Soon
Don’t Miss
Bluey's Big Play—Extra Tickets Released
26 & 27 April | Spark Arena | $$
Image credit: Bluey | PhotoCo
BAFTA & Emmy award-winning children's TV series Bluey has been adapted into a stage show, Bluey's Big Play, and it's coming to Aotearoa. The show, set to tour Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland, will feature Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and Mum and Dad with music by Bluey composer Josh Bush. Tickets go on sale at 12pm on 23 October, with presales available to One NZ customers, Mastercard cardholders, My Live Nation members, and Westfield members.
Free & Budget-Friendly Events
Art of Remembrance 2025
24 April | Kāhui St David's | Free
Image credit: Kāhui St David's | supplied
Now, in its 10th year, the free, whanau-friendly ANZAC Eve tribute 'Art of Rememberance' honours the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, and this year's iteration will see a special bronze plaque unveiling by Lieutenant Colonel David Foote. This musical evening of remembrance will swell throughout the stunning Kāhui St David's with performances by soprano Felicity Tomkins, taonga pūoro, and the Off Broadway Big Band. After the Veterans' Parade and moving ceremonies, warm your soul with ANZAC biscuits and soup in the Great Hall. A perfect evening for reflecting before the dawn service.
PieceHouse Speed Puzzle Competition
‘Til 31 May | Online | Free
Image credit: PieceHouse | supplied
For the dissectologists among us (there’s a word you might want to add to your arsenal), PieceHouse has teamed up with the NZ Jigsaw Puzzle Association for a thrilling speed competition featuring their new Feast & Fizz 500-piece puzzle. Simply grab a copy, time yourself completing it, and submit your time only by 31 May for a chance to win. There’s a $100 gift card for the fastest puzzler and spot prizes up for grabs, and you can find out all about it here.
Bobo Doodles x Mor Bakery: Mini Art Print Vending Machine
'Til 26 April | Mor Bakery | $
Image credit: Bobo Doodles | supplied
Here's something delightfully different for your Easter weekend—a mini art print vending machine is popping up at Mor Bakery. Imagined and manifested by local illustrator Bonnie, AKA Bobo Doodles, this charming collaboration is as simple as it is adorable: simply buy a token, twist the dial and receive a mystery mini art print to take home. It's the perfect excuse for a weekend pastry that we think pairs quite fantastically with a surprise piece of art. Bonnie’s machine will be there Friday (7.30am-2.30pm) and Saturday (8am-2.30pm), with Easter Sunday, too.
Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail
'Til May 14 | Viaduct Harbour | Free
Image credit: Aotearoa Art Fair | supplied.
Just when you thought the waterfront couldn’t get any more stunning, Viaduct Harbour presents the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail—nine jaw-dropping sculptures for your perusing pleasure. This free open-air exhibition features works by Aotearoa's very finest, including Lisa Reihana's acclaimed Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, making its Auckland water debut. Pro tip: Download the trail map at viaduct.co.nz for maximum sculpture-hunting efficiency.
The Lost Dogs' Disco
4-25 April | Te Komititanga and Takutai Square | Free
Image credit: Auckland Live | website
Aotea Square is going to the dogs—in the most spectacular way possible. From 4-25 April, 16 luminous canine giants—some towering 5.5m tall—will transform the heart of the city into a free, immersive doggy disco. These light-up pups come alive when you near them, including a custom electronic soundscape of joyful barks, growls and howls that'll have you questioning whether you've slipped into a very furry (virtually, of course) fever dream. Perfect for school holiday entertainment, and yes—your actual four-legged friend can join (on leash only, no doggy disco dancing).
Lost & Found Outdoor Galley
Now Showing | Upper Federal Street, free
Image credit: OurAuckland | website
One for the art lovers and urban explorers—Joe Sheehan's 'Lost & Found' has transformed the once quiet urban backyard of Upper Federal Street into an extraordinary outdoor gallery. If you fancy an evening stroll in balmy autumn Auckland, then you might as well take a detour through eight-million-year-old boulders intricately carved with everyday objects like sneakers and backpacks, all illuminated by archaeological-style lighting.
Food And Drink Events
FAM — Food. Art. Music.
3 May And Every First Saturday Thereafter | Karangahape Road | Free
Image credit: Karangahape Road | supplied
Karangahape Road is about to transform into a full-sensory playground with the launch of FAM—a bold celebration of Aotearoa's finest food, art, and music. From noon till 6pm, this pulsing street party will showcase local talent across multiple disciplines, turning one of Auckland's most iconic streets into the ultimate cultural playground. Whether you're a foodie, art lover, or music head, this is one Saturday takeover you don't want to miss.
Mozzarella & Co.'s Chocolate Wheel Prepared Chocolate Pasta
‘Til 30 April | Mozzarella & Co. | $$
Image credit: voco Auckland City Centre | Instagram
How do you feel about chocolate pasta? We're not entirely sure either, but there's only one way to find out, and that's by ordering a bowl of this controversial dish from Mozzarella & Co., located inside the voco Auckland City Centre hotel. Now before you start crying blasphemy or worse, accusing any Nonnas of rolling in their graves, listen up: These strands of handcrafted pasta are not only made with chocolate, they're also swished around a giant wheel of chocolate in the same way certain pasta dishes are with cheese, then garnished with white chocolate crumbs. The end result is described as rich, velvety, and delicious... and we might just be here for it.
Rooftop at QT's Casa De Tequila
'Til 12 May | Rooftop at QT | $$
Image credit: Rooftop at QT x Herradura Tequila | supplied
The nights are turning colder, and that calls for a quick retreat to a cosy corner of cactus country (complete with more margaritas than you can tipsily shake a wedge of lime at). Enter: Casa de Tequila, where Herradura Tequila has sashayed into Rooftop at QT to bring you six limited-edition margs and a tasting flight. Want more food news? Right this way.
Arts And Culture
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (Auckland Theatre Company)
22 Apr–10 May | ASB Waterfront Theatre | $$
Image credit: Auckland Theatre Company | supplied
The second tantalising instalment of Auckland Theatre Company’s ‘25 run is a ride as thrilling as it is infamous. Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunnit Murder on the Orient Express hits the stage later in April adapted by Tony-nominated Ken Ludwig, whilst Cameron Rhodes steps into the shoes of the brilliant Hercule Poirot. Joined by a stellar cast including Rima Te Wiata and Sophie Henderson, with eight suspects, one murder, and a plot that’s anything but straightforward, this classic mystery is a masterclass in suspense. Directed by Shane Bosher, it’s a must-see for fans of intrigue, drama, and a killer twist.
Iliza: The Get Ready Tour
26 April | Bruce Mason Centre | $$$
Comedy queen Iliza is hitting our shores with her brand-new show, and her die-hard fans (you know, the ones who craft their own Iliza merch) are already buzzing. With six Netflix specials under her belt—including Hot Forever Unveiled and the cult-favourite Elder Millennial—this sharp-witted comedian brings her signature blend of observational brilliance and physical comedy to Auckland. If you've been binge-watching her sketch show or 'fan-u-mentary', now's your chance to experience the real deal live.
Overload NZ Anime & Manga Convention
26-27 April | The Cloud & Shed 10 | $$
Image credit: Overload NZ | Instagram
It’s time to assemble—New Zealand's largest anime and manga convention is taking over Queens Wharf for two days of spectacular, unapologetic enthusiasm this April. International guests, fierce cosplay competitions, stunning art exhibitions, itasha displays, and enough collectible merch to absolutely demolish even the most disciplined fan's savings account. Overload promises a colourful escape from the ordinary that's absolutely worth the inevitable post-con blues.
Public Record at Silo 6 + Hau
30 April-4 May | Silo 6 | Free/$$
Image credit: Public Record | supplied
A bit of a calendar clearer if we’ve ever seen one—Public Record is taking over iconic Silo 6 with a free multi-disciplinary exhibition featuring nine local and international artists, including Japanese ceramicists and Kiwi textile and flax weaving masters. But the real showstopper happens Friday 2 May with Hau (you'll need to book for this one), an immersive evening where sound, fashion and movement collide, featuring music by renowned composer Eve de Castro-Robinson.
Speed is Emotional
'Til 3 May | Q Theatre | $$
Jo Randerson ONZM—one of Aotearoa's most celebrated artists—is bringing her exhilarating new comedy about life with ADHD—Speed is Emotional—to Q Theatre's intimate Loft space. With outrageous humour and surprisingly tender vulnerability, Randerson weaves punk poetic magic into a beautiful show about living life with a voltage so high it might just blow the mains. Presented in collaboration with Pōneke-based Barbarian Productions, this is theatre that transcends labels and conventions with a gloriously chaotic energy that perfectly mirrors its subject matter.
Shop Julia Holderness's Breakfast Party, Oeuf à la coque
Now Available | Online | $$$
Egg-cellent news for art lovers—Sanderson Contemporary is presenting four delightful new editions from Julia Holderness's celebrated Free Range exhibition. These charming breakfast-themed works—appropriately titled Breakfast Party, Oeuf à la coque #1, #2, #3, #4—will make for the perfect addition to your art collection or a rather sophisticated Easter gift for the design enthusiast in your life. Egg not included.
DARKLIGHT: A Descent Into Colour
Tickets Live/Event 2-4 May | Brad’s Warehouse | $
Image credit: DARKLIGHT | supplied
Prepare your senses for a mind-bending journey through light and shadow. DARKLIGHT, a first-of-its-kind exhibition in New Zealand, is transforming Brad's Warehouse into an audio-visual playground where you'll be completely enveloped by interactive installations. The brainchild of Angus Muir and Dan Move (LUMA legends), with collaborations from creative heavyweights Lakshman Anandanayagam and Simon Holden, this immersive light show rivals international sensations like teamLab. Slots are strictly one hour—though you'll wish you could stay forever in this technicolor dreamscape. Tickets already live.
NZTrio He Taonga Wairere 2025 Programme—Magnifique
11 May | Auckland Town Hall (+ Various Dates and Locations) | $$$
NZTrio's 2025 season of live contemporary classical music blends French Romanticism with bold new sounds in a three-part concert series: Magnifique (with Matthias Balzat), Fantastique (with Callum Hall), and Hypnotique (guest cellist TBA), where you can experience composers like Schubert, Saint-Saëns, and John Psathas. Beyond the series, they're hitting WOMAD and collaborating with Black Grace, Finn Andrews, and the Manukau Symphony Orchestra, and you can catch founding cellist Ashley Brown's final performances in the Groove Café series. Next up in Auckland is Magnifique, going down at Auckland Town Hall on 11 May.
Turua Gallery's Twilight Viewings
Bookings Open | Turua Gallery | $$$
Image credit: Turua Gallery | website
Ever wondered what those delightful trips to the gallery would be like with just a few fewer people in the way? Well, your dreams can come true with Turua Gallery's Twilight Viewings. With bubbles in hand and not another soul in sight, you'll be free to judge art like the sophisticated critic you pretend those Tinder pics portray you as. Book your exclusive after-hours session (5-8pm weekdays), then pop next door to Semplice for complimentary prosecco. Private art viewing with a side of Italian? It’s about time you live the life you’ve always deserved.
Rainy Day Activities
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Turtle Bay & Turtle Rescue
‘Til 27 April | SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s | $$
Image credit: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s | supplied
For the umpteenth time, our good friend KT has us covered school hols, coming in clutch with their new offering for budding conservationists. From 12-27 April, the wee ones can become certified Turtle Rescuers while discovering fascinating insights into these magnificent creatures and the vital work happening at the on-site Turtle Hospital. Kids will receive an official patrol booklet and get up close with the Turtle Rescue artifact table—a collection of fascinating items gathered during years of turtle rehabilitation. With the aquarium recently caring for its largest number of rescue turtles ever, there's never been a better time to shell-ebrate these amazing animals.
Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches
'Til 27 April | Auckland War Memorial Museum | $$
Image credit: Auckland Museum | Instagram
Sink your teeth into Auckland Museum's latest international special exhibition: Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches. This fascinatingly spooky showcase explores the biology of blood and the creatures that crave it. From taxidermy birds, fossilised insects, mosquitos and ticks to bloodsucking vampires and other legends of myth and pop culture, “come face to face with the fearsome creatures that have played friend—or foe—to mankind for millennia.” With larger-than-life sculptures, interactive displays, and even a few games, this exhibition is a bloody good time for the whole whānau. And for their final week? Buy an entry and you'll score another for free. Bloody good.
Marvel 'Imagine the Adventure' With Westfield
Various Dates & Locations | Free
Calling all superheroes-in-training: Marvel 'Imagine the Adventure' is taking over Westfield Newmarket & St Lukes this week (and beyond) with their exclusive Marvel HQ Immersive Pods. Experience the origin stories and defining moments of fan favourites like Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther in this interactive installation that brings superhero magic to life. The experience will travel to other Auckland Westfield locations throughout April (Albany and Manukau), so you've got multiple chances to unleash your inner superhero. Perfect for keeping your little Avengers entertained over the hols—particularly the ones that turn supervillain as soon as cabin fever sets in—no cape required, but absolutely encouraged.
Autumn At Stardome
April & May | Stardome | $
Following the smash hit Pink Floyd experience, Stardome is rocking the cosmos again with an epic Queen tribute. Blast off to iconic anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You, paired with mind-bending visuals in glorious 5.1 surround sound. And for the dino-obsessed, two new prehistoric planetarium shows are dropping this April—T REX (narrated by our very own Sam Neill) and Dinosaurs of Antarctica. Both were filmed right here in Aotearoa, and they're guaranteed to be roarsome.
Unique Auckland Experiences
SOPHIE Westfield Newmarket Pop-Up
‘Til 27 April | Westfield, Newmarket | $$
Back by popular demand, baby—the much-adored SOPHIE jewellery has returned to Westfield Newmarket, and a few extra Instagram-worthy offerings grace the gleaming floors of our most favourite mall this time around. forEVER permanent bracelets, best-selling accessories, and coveted embossing service have all arrived in time for school holiday x long weekend retail therapy, plus there’ll be daily activations, a surprise happy hour (10% off welded pieces), complimentary embossing with leather goods purchases, and design-your-own stud sets. Keep your eyes glued to their Tiktok for all the goss. On now 'til 27 April.
Daeda Tyler Street Pop-Up
‘Til 28 April | Spacefor Tyler, 52 Tyler St | $$
Image credit: Daeda Co/Alepp Soap | Instagram
After years of being online-only, ethical retailer Daeda has finally, and very stylishly, stepped into the real world with their first-ever pop-up. For three weeks, you can actually touch, try and fall in love with their carefully curated range of high-quality daily essentials, including Activist Honey, Abel Fragrances and Well Kept Body Care. Founder Cam will be on hand to chat about conscious consumerism, plus there will be brand activations with opportunities to score free products. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm at 52 Tyler St, Britomart, it's the perfect excuse to upgrade your everyday essentials with items that look good, feel good and do good.
Coming Soon
Auckland Live Cabaret Festival
3-15 June | The Civic, $$
Image credit: Auckland Live | supplied
Winter may be coming but it's set to be bedazzled. And hella steamy. The hugely anticipated return of the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival is finally here, once again filling The Civic with a packed lineup that's sure to enchant. From a sexy-dangerous global cabaret/circus sensation La Clique to the supernatural pop concert-meets-dungeon night club Monster Songs, an interactive Disco Inferno and a whole lot more (including the much-frothed Piano Bar), be ready to snag tickets when they drop on 17 April.
Dracula's
26-28 June | The Civic | $$$
Image credit: Dracula's | supplied
There comes a time when you realise your soul is yearning for a vampire pulling off gravity-defying contortions in silks. And fortunately, this June, the universe is delivering. Yep, cult-favourite cabaret, Dracula's, is coming to Tāmaki. With two shows already sold out, they're releasing a third on Friday 28 February. Ninja skills at the ready.
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE!
28 & 29 June | Sky City | $$
Image credit: Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! | Luke Gallagher
Our favourite lil' pig will be filling Sky City with songs, dance, muddy puddles and all manner of wholesome delights as Peppa, her family and friends go to the zoo and the beach for a special party this June in Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! And if you're out of town, you'll be stoked to know she's on tour with additional shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton throughout July. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 2 April at 1pm.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
30 Oct-2 November | Spark Arena | $$$
Image credit: Cirque du Soleil | Maja Prgomet
Cirque du Soleil is returning to Aotearoa this October with the Auckland debut of Corteo. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Corteo is a festive parade imagined from a clown’s perspective, set on a double-sided stage. Expect grace, power, and comedy played out in a liminal space between heaven and earth. Tickets are live.
Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.
Main image credit: Stardome | Supplied.
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