We know how hard it is—getting back into the swing of things after a couple of long weekends and a short week in between.
But as always, we've got your back, and we've only gone and put together the very best things to do in Auckland, so that you might take on another week with a very big grin.
From hot-to-trot exhibitions to a few boogies and enough budget-friendly events to make a banker ball, it's another week, baby, and we're here for it.
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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
FAM — Food. Art. Music.
3 May And Every First Saturday Thereafter | Karangahape Road | Free
Image credit: Karangahape Road | supplied
Here's our hot pick from a stellar selection of Auckland events this week—Karangahape Road is about to transform into a full-sensory playground with the launch of —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, shifting one of Auckland's most iconic streets into its very top gear.
Free & Budget-Friendly Events
Samsung New Zealand’s E-Waste Collection Drive
3 & 10 May | Eden Park Carpark & Smales Farm Carpark
The infamous Junk Drawer—we all have one, we all wish we didn’t, and we now have a chance to say goodbye forever. Samsung New Zealand has partnered with Echo to host (Eden Park & Smales Farm), offering a chance to declutter unwanted electronics and keep e-waste out of landfills. Last year’s drive saw over 1,240 cars across two locations and diverted an impressive 32,839 kgs of e-waste from landfills and this year they’re after even more of ya junk. Heaps of stuff is accepted and Samsung will be providing $50 e-vouchers to spend on for it. How good.
Morning People New Zealand Music Month Party feat. Pixie Lane x Kazi Flip
7 May | Il Brutto | Free
Our fave morning rave is heading to one of our favourite dance dens. From 6.30-8am, you'll bounce, shimmy and groove to the genre-hopping, percussion-filled energy of Pixie Lane x Kazi Flip. They’re fresh from crushing Synthony and they’re here to help celebrate NZ Music Month with a down at Il Brutto. Start your day right with a solid dose of big basslines, plus complimentary Altezano Brothers Coffee, All Good bananas and Karma kombucha. Alcohol free, dress to sweat. Consistently one of our favourite free things to do in Auckland.
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, presents the Sculpture Trail— 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.
Lucky Tiles - Social Mahjong in the Alley
30 May | Bar Beluga | $
Image credit: Lucky Tiles Social Club | Instagram
Join the community for an arvo of . This Wednesday is the latest iteration of their Social Mahjong series that looks to spread the beloved pastime, offer a chance to reconnect with community and culture and provide a space for a bit of good ‘ol fashioned hanging out. $15 scores you a seat at a table, a non-alcoholic drink and two hours of getting lucky (not in that way!). Running 7-9pm at Bar Beluga.
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 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 .
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 ' 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
Crayfish Nights At Eight
Every Sunday, While Stocks Last | Eight at Cordis Hotel | $$$
Image credit: Eight Restaurant | supplied
Love a Sunday roast but craving boujee? Eight Restaurant at Cordis is doing the Lord’s work on the Sabbath, with their delicious and new . Running every Sunday (skipping Mother’s Day) while stocks last, for $129, enjoy half a premium New Zealand crayfish alongside an interactive dining experience that’s already impressed connoisseurs throughout the isthmus. And with little foodies 12 and under eating half price, and under-fours dining free, why not upgrade the dining room table to something a little more fancy?
Mozzarella & Co.'s Chocolate Wheel Prepared Chocolate Pasta
‘Til 30 April | Mozzarella & Co. | $$
Image credit: voco Auckland City Centre | Instagram
How do you feel about ? 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 | $$
Image credit: Rooftop at QT x Herradura Tequila | supplied
The nights are turning colder, and that calls for a quick retreat to a cosy corner of cactus country (complete with more margaritas than you can tipsily shake a wedge of lime at). Enter: , where Herradura Tequila has sashayed into Rooftop at QT to bring you six limited-edition margs and a tasting flight. Want more food news? Right this way.
Arts And Culture
Ngā Hau e Whā | Tāmaki Makaurau
Preview ‘Til 29 April, Exhibition From 1 May | The Pavilions & Föenander Gallery | Free
Four boundary-pushing artists have joined creative forces in a celebrating the winds that draw people to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland—a place where people, ideas and energies from far and wide converge. Israel Tongaroa Birch, Anton Forde, Professor Robert Jahnke ONZM FRSNZ and Graham Tipene present works inspired by Te Hau Raki (the northerly), Te Hau Rāwhiti (the easterly), Te Hau Tonga (the southerly) and Te Hau-ā-uru (the westerly)—Ngā hau e whā, the four winds—in this powerful showcase that explores movement, memory, resistance and Auckland's enduring vibrancy as a cultural melting pot. Preview exhibition finishes 29 April, with the main exhibition opening at on 1 May.
Aotearoa Art Fair 2025
1-4 May | Viaduct Events Centre | $$
Image credit: Aotearoa Art Fair | Instagram
45 galleries, over 150 artists and as much painting, photography, sculpture, digital and interactive contemporary art that you can look at before you turn into a bottle of paint. 2025’s Aotearoa Art Fair is about to be unleashed at the Viaduct Events Centre and is poised to be the grandest of all years so far; there’ll be talks programmes, interactive booths, activations and workshops to attend alongside the endless perusing. Luckily for your legs, it’s spread across four days with opening night this Thursday, so you won’t need to get to everything in one go. You will, however, need to and get working on that four-day itinerary.
NAOMI FAIFAI Inner Workings
1-17 May | The Frame Workshop and Gallery | Free
Hailing all the way from little ‘ol Timaru, Naomi Faifai is bringing her vibrant exploration of identity to the chic streets of Auckland, in her first-ever solo exhibition. Through a riot of colours and mixed media, Faifai weaves together frangipanis, fish, cell phones and daisies—symbols that reflect her journey as a Māori-Samoan New Zealander. Pop over and peruse 30 large-scale works celebrating self-acceptance and personal connection to place, and if you can, catch the opening night and artist talk on 1 May.
2025 Best Foods Comedy Gala
2 May | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$ / $$$
It’s a funny time of year, ain't it? Well, that might be because the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival kicks off this weekend, and to warm everyone's funny bones up, Hayley Sproull is hosting the always hilarious for 2025. Friday’s the day, but trust us when we say there are quite literally only a couple seats left. If you manage to nab one, then remember to pack tissues for the best kind of tears.
NZ International Comedy Festival 2025
2-25 May | Various Locations | Various Pricing
Image credit: Joanna Cosgrove | supplied
Which brings us to the main course. Sponsored by a jar of mayo and back every year to remind us what life's all about, the launches this weekend. It's three weeks of sore ribs and soaked tissues—and we've got it sussed.
The Jungle Giants
2 May | The Powerstation | $$
They’re back, baby. Certified indie dance royalty AKA Ozzy darlings The Jungle Giants are bringing the energy back to NZ shores for the first time in over two years. Celebrating their brand-spankin new single Hold My Hand, the groovy four-piece are tearing up one of our most-favourite venues , and we reckon it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (Auckland Theatre Company)
'TIl 10 May | ASB Waterfront Theatre | $$
Image credit: Auckland Theatre Company | supplied
The 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.
Public Record at Silo 6 + Hau
30 April-4 May | Silo 6 | Free/$$
Image credit: Public Record | supplied
A bit of a calendar clearer if we’ve ever seen one—Public Record is taking over iconic Silo 6 with a featuring nine local and international artists, including Japanese ceramicists and Kiwi textile and flax weaving masters. But the real showstopper happens Friday 2 May with Hau (), an immersive evening where sound, fashion and movement collide, featuring music by renowned composer Eve de Castro-Robinson.
Speed is Emotional
'Til 3 May | Q Theatre | $$
Jo Randerson ONZM—one of Aotearoa's most celebrated artists—is bringing her exhilarating new comedy about life with ADHD——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 | $$$
Egg-cellent news for art lovers—Sanderson Contemporary is presenting from Julia Holderness's celebrated Free Range exhibition. These charming breakfast-themed works—appropriately titled Breakfast Party, Oeuf à la coque #1, #2, #3, #4—will make for the perfect addition to your art collection or a rather sophisticated Easter gift for the design enthusiast in your life. Egg not included.
DARKLIGHT: A Descent Into Colour
Tickets Live/Event 2-4 May | Brad’s Warehouse | $
Image credit: DARKLIGHT | supplied
Prepare your senses for a mind-bending journey through light and shadow. DARKLIGHT, a first-of-its-kind exhibition in New Zealand, is transforming Brad's Warehouse into an audio-visual playground where you'll be completely enveloped by interactive installations. The brainchild of Angus Muir and Dan Move (LUMA legends), with collaborations from creative heavyweights Lakshman Anandanayagam and Simon Holden, this immersive light show rivals international sensations like teamLab. Slots are strictly one hour—though you'll wish you could stay forever in this technicolor dreamscape. .
NZTrio He Taonga Wairere 2025 Programme—Magnifique
11 May | Auckland Town Hall (+ Various Dates and Locations) | $$$
NZTrio's 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 | $$$
Image credit: Turua Gallery | website
Ever wondered what those delightful trips to the gallery would be like with just a few fewer people in the way? Well, your dreams can come true with . With bubbles in hand and not another soul in sight, you'll be free to judge art like the sophisticated critic you pretend those Tinder pics portray you as. Book your exclusive after-hours session (5-8pm weekdays), then pop next door to for complimentary prosecco. Private art viewing with a side of Italian? It’s about time you live the life you’ve always deserved.
Rainy Day Activities
Marvel 'Imagine the Adventure' With Westfield Manukau
‘TIl 4 May | Westfield Manukau | Free
Calling all superheroes-in-training: is taking over Westfield Manukau with their exclusive Marvel HQ Immersive Pods. Experience the origin stories and defining moments of fan favourites like Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther in this interactive installation that brings superhero magic to life. The experience has captivated other Auckland Westfield locations throughout April, and you’ve got ‘til 4 May to jetpack down to the last Auckland spot. Perfect for keeping your little Avengers entertained—particularly the ones that turn supervillain as soon as cabin fever sets in—no cape required, but absolutely encouraged.
Autumn At Stardome
April & May | Stardome | $
Following the smash hit Pink Floyd experience, is rocking the cosmos again with an epic . Blast off to iconic anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You, paired with mind-bending visuals in glorious 5.1 surround sound. And for the dino-obsessed, two new prehistoric planetarium shows are dropping this April— (narrated by our very own Sam Neill) and . Both were filmed right here in Aotearoa, and they're guaranteed to be roarsome.
Unique Auckland Experiences
Wings for Life World Run
4 May | Mt Smart Stadium | $$
How about a (nearly) midnight run for a great cause? This Sunday at 11pm, we sleepy Aucklanders can join the world’s largest running event—right on home soil. is a worldwide jog where people pop on their trainers and all run at exactly the same time. Sounds a bit strange? It’s about to get stranger: there’s no finish line—instead, a virtual Catcher Car chases you down. So why on earth would you want to stay up way past your bedtime just to get run over by a ghost-mobile? It’s all for a good cause, of course—100% of ($40) go to spinal cord injury research. All the very best run clubs will be down tying their two bunny ears over one another, and under the stadium lights and energy that Mt Smart is known for, this will be one for the books.
DARKFIELD
7 May | Aotea Square | Free
“The darkness surrounds you. You are completely alone, together, as a strange new world unfolds around you. Welcome to DARKFIELD…” Sound like fun?
A boundary-pushing, sensory expedition— is making its debut come 7 May in Aotea Square with two mind-bending experiences. Set inside custom-built, pitch-black shipping containers and using 360-degree binaural sound with special effects, and will challenge your senses with an immersive experience that explores the depths of human psychology and perception. Each trip lasts 20-25 minutes and will have staggered starts, meaning you can move between the two while experiencing a delightful evening in our city’s arts quarter.
Coming Soon
Auckland Live Cabaret Festival
3-15 June | The Civic, $$
Image credit: Auckland Live | supplied
Winter may be coming but it's set to be bedazzled. And hella steamy. The hugely anticipated return of the is finally here, once again filling The Civic with a packed lineup that's sure to enchant. From a sexy-dangerous global cabaret/circus sensation La Clique to the supernatural pop concert-meets-dungeon night club Monster Songs, an interactive Disco Inferno and a whole lot more (including the much-frothed Piano Bar), be ready to snag tickets when they drop on 17 April.
Roger Hall’s End of Summer Time (Auckland Theatre Company)
17 Jun–5 Jul | ASB Waterfront Theatre | $$
New Zealand’s favourtie playwright, Sir Roger Hall, is bringing back his loveable grump, and he’s here to steal the show again. Directed by Alison Quigan and starring Andrew Grainger, is a hilarious solo play following retired cow cocky Dickie Hat, as he moves to the big smoke to be closer to his grandkids. Packed with Hall’s signature wit and heart, it’s a laugh-out-loud exploration of family, aging, and the chaos of life.
Dracula's
26-28 June | The Civic | $$$
Image credit: Dracula's | supplied
There comes a time when you realise your soul is yearning for a vampire pulling off gravity-defying contortions in silks. And fortunately, this June, the universe is delivering. Yep, cult-favourite cabaret, , is coming to Tāmaki. With two shows already sold out, they're releasing a third on Friday 28 February. Ninja skills at the ready.
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE!
28 & 29 June | Sky City | $$
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 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. 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 . 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 .
Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.
Main image credit: Charlie Hardy | Instagram.
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