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From beers the size of your head to chowing down on mouthwatering bratwurst, these spots are bringing vibrant and authentic...
The city centre is your one-stop-shop for all things fun and fabulous!
Maximise your weekend with pop-up markets, live music, free events, family fun and more happening throughout our city centre, read on to see what's not to be missed this weekend.
Labour weekend
24 - 27 OCT, 2025:
Play Week | 20 - 26 OCT | Free
Step into a week where play meets creativity! As part of Play Week, Creative Playground 2025 turns Silo 6 and the surrounding Wynyard Quarter area into a lively, hands-on playground for all ages.
Seaside Shanty Singalong | 24 OCT | $35pp
Knock off work, grab a drink, and raise your voice in a sea shanty (or three). Join The Wellington Sea Shanty Society for a raucous evening of rollicking tunes, served alongside hot ham rolls, and rum cocktails inspired by the high seas, from of The NZ Rum Co.
Halloween DIY Jewellery Cocktail Workshop | 25 OCT | $95pp
Calling all Halloween enthusiasts and jewellery lovers. Whether you’re a crafting pro or a total beginner, this workshop is the perfect way to tap into your spooky(special) creativity and create unique, Halloween-inspired jewellery that’s sure to turn heads.
Roses & Canapes in the Laneway | 24 - 26 OCT | $39pp
Soak up spring evenings at kingi with a glass of The Landing Rosé and a trio of elegant seafood snacks for $39pp. Sip, snack, and you could even win a Wine Tasting and Lunch at The Landing.
Captain Morrow & The Sands of Time | 24 - 26 OCT | $25 - $42.50
In just 60 minutes, two actors and one musician unleash over 40 characters in a wild, fast-paced pirate adventure packed with sea gods, monsters, and mayhem. Award-winning writing and nonstop comedy make this an unmissable romp on the high seas.
Pop Anthems Beats Bingo at The Pav | 25 OCT | $15 - $25
Hosted by Splits Dan, fresh off Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this isn't your average bingo night, it's bingo remixed with the biggest pop hits of all time. From 90s throwbacks to today’s chart-toppers, get ready for sing-alongs, big laughs, dancing, and plenty of prizes.
Your foodie journey starts here
31 OCT - 2 NOV, 2025:
Urban Art Village | 30 & 31 OCT | Free
Urban Art Village returns this October in a new home at Takutai Square, Britomart, featuring ten creative and interactive installations by emerging architecture and design students. Across two vibrant days (30–31 October, 10am–10pm), you can explore, play and join free guided Art Walks celebrating the next generation of urban designers.
ABBA Thank You For The Music | 1 NOV | $55 - $89
Get ready for a dazzling two-hour live concert celebrating the music and magic of ABBA, featuring all the hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen. Performed by Narelle Ryan, Michelle Birmingham and a full live band, it’s a glittering tribute that brings the golden era of disco back to life.
Jack Ansett | 1 NOV | $27 - $30
Fresh from a sell-out run at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, Jack Ansett returns with his best jokes and brand-new material. This will be his biggest New Zealand show yet — don’t miss it!
Cirque du Soleil Corteo | from 30 OCT | $79 - $330
Experience Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo at Spark Arena from October 30 to November 2, 2025, a joyous and theatrical parade imagined by a clown blending comedy, acrobatics and music. With a unique central-stage setup giving a performer’s-eye view, grand hand-painted sets and over 12 million spectators worldwide, Corteo is a magical celebration of humanity, humor and wonder.
Auckland Walks | 30 & 31 OCT | Free - booking required
Discover artworks across Britomart with free guided walks showcasing diverse art and creative expression.
Finish your tour at Takutai Square to explore the Urban Art Village, but book quickly as spaces are limited!
Hotel Britomart celebrates 5 years | 30 & 31 OCT | Various
Last chance to make the most of The Hotel Britomart 5 year celebrations - five years, five great promotions to celebrate their fifth birthday - think discounts, staycations, shopping and so much more!
New in the city
New Zealand’s first-ever hotpot train — where sizzling broths and fresh ingredients glide past your table on a sleek conveyor...
ONGI offers Korean flavors reinterpreted with a modern, sophisticated twist, blending tradition and innovation in every dish...
Wander through Bar Ziti and you'll find Flush Golf, an urban golf club where you can sharpen your swing, share a meal, or...
Perfect for a pick-me-up, find EBIKEN on Wellesley Street serving up premium Japanese-inspired Takeaways.
Discover your new go-to for Italian flavours—relaxed bites, refreshing drinks, and now, Britomart’s latest hotspot for...
Step into TAIER for delicious Suancai & Fish (Sauerkraut Fish), and all kinds of classic Szechuan cuisine!
Taikin dishes out Takoyaki, Teppanyaki, and cold beer in a laid-back, interactive setting that invites you to join the fun.
Pie Rolla's crafts authentic, hand-made pies with rich all-butter pastry, blending time-honored recipes with a fresh, modern...
Check out this cosy capybara-themed ramen shop, where delightful decor meets delicious, flavorful bowls of ramen.
Your destination for extraordinary, New York Style cookies.
Get inspired
7 - 9 NOV, 2025:
Echoes of Pink Floyd | 8 NOV | $44 - $92
Get ready for a mind-blowing musical journey as Echoes of Pink Floyd brings six decades of Pink Floyd’s iconic sound to life! From trippy ‘60s psychedelia to epic stadium anthems, this all-new concert production captures every era of the legendary British band with stunning visuals and pitch-perfect performances.
Japanese Film Festival 2025 | 6 - 9 NOV | Free
Get ready for six amazing movies that will take you on a rollercoaster ride—edge-of-your-seat thrills, laugh-out-loud moments, and stories that will touch your heart. All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles.
Curators in Conversation: Pop to Present | 8 NOV | Free
Discover the curatorial vision behind Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in this special conversation between the VMFA’s Alexis Assam and Kenneth Brummel, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki co-ordinating curator.
Local histories hīkoi with Rowan Light | 8 NOV | Free
Join Historian Rowan Light as he leads a hīkoi around local sites of historical significance in the city-centre. Departing from Gus Fisher Gallery, this walking tour will examine the complex histories of our city, including discussions of the Albert Barracks Wall, Government House and Albert Park monuments in situ.
Tales of Tīkapa Moana | 8 &9 NOV | Free
Enjoy Hauraki Broo, a gentle, inspiring tale by Nikki Slade Robinson exploring life in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana and the challenges our whales face — sparking big ideas for little ocean lovers.
NZ-VR: Dive Beneath the Surface | 8 & 9 NOV | Free
Developed by BLAKE NZ in partnership with New Zealand Geographic, the award-winning NZ-VR experience takes you beneath the surface to experience firsthand how pollution, overfishing, and climate change are impacting life in our oceans and what we can all do to protect it.
Get lost in a market
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From artisan fares to the best Auckland night markets, enjoy the city centre's diverse outdoor market culture.
More to see, do and love...
Auckland Theatre Company's 2025 Programme
Auckland Theatre Company’s 2025 season is a thrilling showcase of storytelling, blending iconic works like Romeo and Juliet and Murder on the Orient Express with bold new voices and Kiwi narratives. With six dynamic productions spanning mystery, history, comedy, and drama, this programme promises to captivate and challenge audiences throughout the year
Auckland Philharmonia 2025 Programme
The Auckland Philharmonia's 2025 season is a vibrant celebration of musical diversity, featuring world-class debuts, returning maestros and a rich blend of classical masterpieces and cinematic scores. From the fiery drama of La traviata to the sweeping sounds of Hans Zimmer, this programme promises unforgettable experiences for every kind of music lover.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet's 2025 Programme
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2025 programme is a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing timeless classics like The Nutcracker alongside powerful new works rooted in Aotearoa’s stories and landscapes. Under the visionary direction of Ty King-Wall, this season promises to enchant, challenge, and connect audiences through world-class artistry and uniquely Kiwi storytelling
Hey Weekend Lover!
Check back in with us regularly as we keep this Weekender page up to date with all of our top picks for your weekend want-to-do lists, from events through to markets this is your ultimate planning guide to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Enjoy two hours of free parking or $5 evening and weekend rates. Find out more.
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Last updated:
26 August 2024