Here's to another long weekend, where the weather might not be playing nice. Oh well, ANZAC is a reminder for remembrance, and a chance to be more mindful.
And whether you're rising at dawn or just making it to bed, there's a bit of everything for everyone this ANZAC, come rain or shine. From a giant orange octopus that's taking over the harbour, to a cosplay convention that'll teleport you straight to Tokyo—consider this your ultimate guide for making every hour of our three-day weekend count.
Here are 22 epic things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this beautiful Anzac weekend on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and all weekend.
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Friday 25 April
Take A Thursday Moment To Remember
Image credit: Kāhui St David's | supplied
This one’s for what we call ‘Net Friday’—the Thursday evening before a long weekend—and we thought it was well worth including. Now, in its 10th year, the free, whanau-friendly ANZAC Eve tribute ' honours the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, and this decennial iteration will see a special bronze plaque unveiling by Lieutenant Colonel David Foote. Thursday will be a musical evening of remembrance, swelling 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 Friday’s dawn service.
Rise Early For Those Who Fell Too Soon
If you’re central, then often the Auckland War Memorial Museum is the on ANZAC Day, and this year is no different. After brewing a quick cuppa before rushing out the door to catch the 6am service, stick around for soul-stirring Rewaken Polycation Choir from Manurewa High School, join guided WWI and WWII tours throughout the day, or dig into your family's military history at the Memorial Discovery Centre. The kids can create pinwheel poppies, while poetry competition finalists share moving works on this year's theme: 'Resilient Bonds: War's Human Legacy.' There’s also the Field of Remembrance installation to witness—a sea of white crosses honouring our fallen soldiers.
Get Your Puzzle On, At Pace
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 .
Fulfil Your Private Gallery Fantasies
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.
Finally Find Out Whodunnit
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 hit the stage this week, 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 literally killer twist.
Discover These Lost (And Kinda Massive) Diggity Dogs
Image credit: Auckland Live | supplied
Aotea Square is going to the dogs—in the most spectacular way possible. , 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).
Saturday 26 April
Twist A Dial For Something Delightful
Image credit: Bobo Doodles | supplied
Here's something delightfully different—a has popped up at . Imagined and manifested by local illustrator Bonnie, AKA , 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 ‘til Saturday, so go have a little fun.
Welcome Back One Glamorous Gal
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 for all the goss. Open only ‘til Sunday.
Grab These Extra Tickets So Your Sprogs Don't Get Blue-y
Image credit: Bluey | PhotoCo
BAFTA & Emmy award-winning children's TV series Bluey has been adapted into a stage show, , 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. If you missed out on tickets initially, never fear, extras have been released for this weekend's shows.
Learn Of A Very Tasty Tequila Tale
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.
Experience The Elder Millennial IRL
Comedy queen Iliza is hitting our shores with her , 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.
Sunday 27 April
Overload On Epicness
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 weekend. 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. promises a colourful escape from the ordinary that's absolutely worth the inevitable post-con blues.
Have A Bloody Good Time
Image credit: Auckland Museum | Instagram
Sink your teeth into Auckland Museum's latest international special exhibition:. 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.
Visit The Only Place With Stars, Stegosauruses And Freddy Mercury
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.
Disgrace Your Italian Ancestors
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.
Enjoy Some High-Voltage 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.
All Weekend
Discover Some Seriously Impressive Sculptures
Image credit: Luke FM Photography | 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.
Score Some Free Range Art
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 gift for the breakfast enthusiast in your life. Egg not included.
Pop Into This First-Ever Ethical Pop-Up
After years of being online-only, ethical retailer is finally, and very stylishly, stepping 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. Running ‘til Monday, so this weekend is likely your last chance to check it out.
Round Up Your Very Best Turtle Rescuers
Image credit: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's | supplied.
For the umpteenth time, our good friend KT has us sorted on days when cabin fever threatens, coming in clutch with their . Running through to this Sunday, 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.
Assemble Your Restless Avengers
Calling all superheroes-in-training: is taking over Westfields Albany & Newmarket 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. Running ‘til this Sunday at Albany and 4 May at Manukau, there’s still a bit of time to unleash your inner superhero. No cape required, but absolutely encouraged.
Take A Wander Through This Epic Outdoor Gallery
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 a Sunday 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.
All that weekend planning left you hangry? Check out The Feed.
Main image credit: our Auckland | Website.
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