25 SEP - 11 OCT, 2026
Meet Peep, Pop, Zig, Bloop, Mmph and Oof. Each POP has its own colour, pattern and personality, from sunny and smiling to...
We The Young, the festival of arts, imagination and adventures, returns this September for Aucklandâs Tamariki and Rangatahi!
This inclusive festival organised by Auckland Live will feature over 25 performances, events and experiences for Tamariki aged 0-12 and their whÄnau. With more than half of the programme completely FREE, families are invited to build their own festival adventure through an inspiring mix of local and international theatre, music, circus, puppetry, immersive experiences and creative play.
The festival will transform Aotea Centre into a celebration of children's natural playfulness and imagination, while encouraging their capacity for curiosity, creativity, wisdom and adventure.
Motuhake| 8 - 10 OCT | $15 - $65
When a young boy discovers some marionettes in his grandfatherâs attic, the dusty puppets suddenly spring to life! Armed with a magical umbrella and a set of mighty moves, his newfound friends lead him on a transformative journey to overcome his fear and conquer his dreams of being on the stage. Stronger together and best friends forever!
Betsy Balloon and the Very Great Terrible Flood| 10 - 11 OCT | $12 - $45
Welcome to the island of Helium where Betsy lives with her balloon-factory-owning family. Theyâre cheerful, a bit money-mad and life is on the up. But when the tide turns against balloons, their world pops. Betsy must start a new life in a faraway city with her eccentric uncle, Hercules Snark, an inventor of mostly half-finished things. Betsy Balloon is a rambunctious modern fable with original music and illustration based on a story by Bill Manhire.
The Imaginarium | 10 - 11 OCT | $12 - $45
The Imaginarium returns after a sold-out run last year, now expanded into special two-day experience. This year's theme, Our Natural World invites you to forage, adventure, dream, and connect with the beauty and possibilities of the world around us, as you explore interactive sensory environments and hands-on creative experiences.
25 SEP - 25 OCT 2026
Windows of the Imagination brings to life 179 artworks created by Auckland tamariki during the construction of the City Rail...
25 SEP - 11 OCT, 2026
Enjoy a mix of creative and interactive experiences at Aotea Square from 25 September to 11 October 2026.
25 SEP - 17 OCT 2026
POPS Pinball has transformed Te WaitematÄ Station into Auckland's biggest playable pinball machine.
Discover more We The Young events, here.
Family-friendly dining
A go-to dining and hospitality destination in the heart of Commercial Bay.
Social gatherings are great fun at Elliott Stables'. The Elliott Stables Epicurean Village philosophy is "Come in and sit...
Al Brown has put his spin on Jewish deli food - go here for the best Reuben sandwiches in town, and New York cheesecake.
The iconic Auckland Fish Market has recently been refurbished with eight new eateries, courtyard bar and a world class...
SKYCITY offers a deliciously Americana burger menu.
A bold restaurant serving simple unfussy Italian food built from locally sourced ingredients.
Lumi cafe is a careâdriven space that serves thoughtfully prepared meals, precisionâcrafted coffee, and premium drinks...
Challenge the kids to a friendly showdown
This is bowling in style, and is fun for all ages and abilities.
Timezone makes a triumphant return to Queen Street. This vibrant social and entertainment hub marks a highly anticipated...
Come and visit New Zealand's largest amusement games arcade with four rooms of arcade games
Thrillzone is the only place in the world where you can experience both the worldâs leading Virtual Reality experiences with...
Holey Moley is perfect for a unique, hilarious night out with friends.
More things to do
A fully guided, state-of-the-art, interactive experience celebrating the All Blacks and our national teams in black.
Step into a fantastical film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making.
Article
See the new transformed space in the city centre. The swimming pools at Karanga Plaza Tidal Steps, in the Viaduct Basin are...
Whether itâs to borrow a book, swap a book, bestow your books or to just burrow down and read in the sun - the container...
With our finger on the pulse for the best parking rates and tips, plus details on public transport, click here to learn more.
Last updated:
03 August 2026