There’s a right proper celebration happening this Queen’s Birthday Weekend at Auckland’s spectacular waterfront spot, Queens Wharf.
The Great Queen’s Birthday Market will see lower Shed 10 transformed into a thriving hub of stalls and performance, where you can stock up on specialty imported British and Scottish products and London bus signs, along with countless New Zealand treasures thanks to popular local craft, art, fashion and accessories vendors.
The Auckland Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating Queen’s Birthday with a very special preview of their upcoming Last Night of the Proms’ Best of British show. Be transported through time with this sing-along musical journey of British pomp and ceremony, including much loved popular and classical concert hits performed by the 80-strong orchestra.
For the kids, there'll be a heap of fun carnival fare with classic seaside carnival games including laughing clowns, High Striker and rides. The little ones can get crafty at the Famous Five and royal crown-making workshops, and for the real kooks in the family, try the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Performances from The Puppet Man marionette show and the Travelling Punch Show will also be on offer - these are side-slapping shows neither you or the kids will want to miss.
Vintage car displays will be revolving daily, with a selection of historic motor-cars that would do James Bond proud! Thanks to MG Car Club, Humber-Hillman Car Club, Daimler Lanchester Owner's Club, Land Rover Owner's Club, Jowett Car Club and Jaguar Drivers Club Auckland plus luxury British cars from Giltrap Group, including a brand new McLaren. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Robbie's Double-Decker Bus rides touring the downtown area throughout the weekend .
When it comes time to relax a little, park up to enjoy the three great family films on show over the weekend. Meander down the rabbit-hole with Alice in Wonderland (1951), to a land of chocolate rivers and snozzberries with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), and then enjoy the fuzzy adventures of iconic British bear Paddington (2014). There’ll even be a Teddy Bears’ Picnic to enjoy while you watch.
For a sit-down and a breather from all the activity, there’s an array of refreshment options at Queens Wharf this Queen’s Birthday weekend. For the royalty of the family, try the decadent expanded High Tea offering upstairs at the Cloud, or the more relaxed bar and restaurant downstairs at the Cloud, delivered by the award-winning catering team at Mint Kitchen. If you fancy soaking up the view from the water’s edge, hit the Seaside Bar. Auckland looks great on a winter’s day - set yourself up with your favourite British beverage and make an afternoon of it.
Flat fee of $7 per day on weekends at Fanshawe Street carpark. Find out more.
Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more.