Calendar of events

There’s no time like summer to get out and about and enjoy events around Auckland. Make the most of the barmy summer temperatures and plan to visit some of these fabulous events in the upcoming months. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

12 December
Grab a bargain at the Browns Bay Craft Market in Bute Road, Browns Bay. There will be lots of great crafts for sale – perfect for that special gift and a great place to bring the kids for their Christmas shopping.

10-12 December
Bring the kids to watch all-time favourite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road Manurewa. Four shows only at a very low cost of only $7. Find out more at www.manukau.govt.nz.  

12 December
The Otara Leisure Centre is hosting a free youth forum targeting 13-18 year olds, to inspire youth and promote lifestyle and health choices. For more information, contact janine@phab.org.nz.   

12 December
Come along to the annual Youth and Family Festival at the Ngati Otara Reserve. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the uniqueness and strength of Otara with Otara families and to encourage and build positive relationships. For more information, contact moe274yc@hotmail.com.  

13 December
The Titirangi Village Market is a lively expression of the heart and soul of Titirangi culture. Come along on Sunday and experience what makes it so special. More than 130 stalls of arts, crafts, produce and information plus live music from some of Auckland’s best folk musicians.

4 January
Be at the Pukekohe Park Raceway for the Kids in Cars family day out. There will be a variety of fun rides, bouncy castles, chair-o-plane rides, mini jeep rides – and the best part – rides in cars and trucks around the track. Find out more at www.kic.org.nz.

18 – 21 January
Discover the fun of badminton at the Badminton North Harbour Centre in Bond Crescent, Forest Hill. The centre’s holiday programme is a fantastic way to learn to up-skill in this fun game. For more info visit www.badmintonnh.co.nz.

22-31 January
If you’re a motorsport fan, be at the Pukekohe Park Raceway for the biggest ever gathering of iconic, historic and classic racing cars at the New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing.

29 January – 1 February
Be a part of Auckland anniversary weekend. There is always plenty to see and do with activities to suit everyone in family. Find out more at www.aucklandnz.com.

30 January – 1 February
Attention seafood lovers! It’s back; the annual Auckland Seafood Festival will once again be held at Auckland’s viaduct. Indulge your taste buds with fresh seafood delights and enjoy a relaxed day of entertainment and family fun. For more info visit www.aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz.

1 February
The annual Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is the biggest day in Auckland’s sailing calendar. The Waitemata Harbour comes alive in a celebration of the city’s maritime history.  Hundreds of boats, from tall ships to tiny dinghies, will take to the water. Find out more at www.regatta.org.nz.

6 February
Bring the family to a free family day out this Waitangi Day. The Waitangi Day Festival ’10 will be packed with family events, culture, food, art and live entertainment. The event is a zero waste, alcohol, drug and smoke free family day out.

Until 7 February
Don’t miss your chance to see Sir Edmund Hillary’s axe at the Auckland Museum. Hillary’s axe is a unique installation, focusing on an object that will surely become a future symbol of perseverance and success for New Zealanders around the world. Alongside the axe, the exhibit includes a display of images and footage from Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s extraordinary climb.

Until 14 February
Discover the Stoneleigh Sculpture in the Gardens at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Twenty talented, well-known up and coming New Zealand artists will exhibit large-scale sculptures on a 2km trail through the gardens. The outdoor exhibition will be accompanied by a gallery show of artists’ drawings and smaller indoor works. Admission is free.

10 – 14 March
The Auckland International Boat show at the Viaduct will once again have a great range of beautiful yachts on display as well as launches, super yachts, and classic yachts restored to their natural beauty, plus much more for a great family day out.

12-13 March
The Pasifika Festival at Western Springs Lakeside Park is a vibrant and enriching day out for the family. There’s always lots of fabulous food and entertainment and a fabulous community atmosphere.

27 – 28 March
The Auckland International Cultural Festival in May Road, Wesley is a free festival that celebrates Auckland’s richness and diversity of cultures. In 2010 it will also incorporate the increasingly popular Ethnic Soccer Cup tournament – fostering friendship through sport. Find out more at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz.