Easter Weekend Fun Around New Zealand
17th April 2019
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The long weekend over Easter is always a popular time for Kiwis to take a break, as it’s the last long weekend before the cooler weather of autumn and winter sets in. In 2019, Easter is observed from Friday April 19 to Monday April 22, with school-age children also being on school holidays at this time.
Eventfinda have rounded up some great Easter weekend activities from popular holiday spots around the country, along with some year-round attractions.
We've selected some that sound pretty cool! Click on the link below for your area or ALL EVENTS if you want to find something else to do this Easter -
NORTHLAND
AUCKLAND
WAIKATO
WELLINGTON
CANTERBURY
ALL EVENTS
NORTHLAND
Music In the Vines - Easter Weekend Special
Te Whai Bay Wines, 367 King Road, Mangawhai, Kaipara
Saturday 20 April 2019 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Website: Te Whai Bay WinesLive music Saturday afternoon. Come and enjoy a glass of wine or beer while listening to local musicians with free entry.
Kick back and relax and listen to the chilled sounds while sipping away on some of our boutique wines and beers in the vines. Platters and other food available all day.
Pavilion area available in case of wet weather. Bring your family and friends along! All welcome.
- Te Whai Bay Wines - including, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sav Blanc, Merlot, Chambourcin and Syrah Blend
- Craft Beers
- Cider & other Beers
- Non-alcoholic Drinks
- Cheese, cured meat or antipasto food or street food options available.
No BYO alcohol or food.
Easter Family Fun Day
Otehei Bay, Corner of Williams and Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Saturday 20 April 2019 8:30am – 6:30pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Website: Otehei Bay
Otehei Bay's Easter Family Fun Day is back again this year. This free event is packed with loads of activities and games to suit the whole family!
The day will include:
- Kid's activities
- Games and activities will be run by Project Island Song for the kids. Lots of fun to be had!
- Face Painting
- Get your face all done up at the face painting station.
- Live Music
- The very talented Moondog Bluez will be playing throughout the day. The beach and blues music, what a combo!
- Plus and all the regular activities available at Otehei Bay - Island walks, kayaks, giant jenga and more!
Time: Kids events start from 11.30am
Transport: Book the 8.30am or 10.30am ferry over to Otehei Bay. Boaties are welcome to make their own way over
Ferry tickets: https://www.exploregroup.co.nz/destinations/urupukapuka-island/otehei-bay/otehei-bay-ferry/
Important: Please bring a gold coin donation with you - all proceeds will go towards Project island Song.
Waipu Easter Carnival
Caledonian Park, The Centre, Waipu, Bream Bay, Whangarei District
Saturday 20 April 2019 9:00am – 2:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Websites: Carnival Website | Facebook Page
Not to be missed, the annual Waipu Easter Carnival is always a fun-filled day out for the entire family!
Come and experience the fabulous community spirit that brings this event to life.
Kids of all ages will have a blast on the great range of rides and carnival games. The petting zoo and pony rides add to the country feel of the day and there will be plenty of opportunity to hunt out a bargain at one of the many stalls.
Try your luck at the quickfire raffles, or simply relax, enjoy the entertainment and sample from the feast of delicious food on offer.
Koha entry.
Look forward to seeing you there on Easter Saturday!
Parking is available in the park and at designated areas off the main street. Caledonian Park has a no dogs policy.
CLICK to see more Northland events
AUCKLAND
The Amazing Maze N Maize Giant Easter Eggstravaganza 2019
Amazing Maze 'n Maize, 833 Kingseat Rd, Karaka, Auckland
Friday 19 April 2019 – Monday 22 April 2019 11:00am – 2:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
- Adult Pass: $15.00
- Student/Senior Pass: $12.00
- Child Pass: $10.00
- Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): $45.00
- Family Pass Extra Child: $8.00
The Giant Easter Eggstravaganza is held during the 4 days of Easter. The Easter bunny will be found running around hiding and placing around 45,000 eggs throughout the 4 days in the maze, and the mission is to find the bunny, find the eggs, and then find your way out of the 6 hectare or 8kms of paths in the maze.
The Amazing Maze features lots of fun games, activities, mini mazes and an amazing giant water slide that is free of charge so bring your togs and a towel.
During the average 50 minutes in the maze you will come upon more than 100 kernels of knowledge, or trivia signs giving you an insight into "Shipwrecked", the theme of this year's maze. These signs will also have colourful Easter egg pictures attached to them. Match the post numbers with the pictures on the game sheet and claim another Easter egg at our Maze Shop.
A quiz can also be completed about the theme "Shipwrecked" to fill in the time while you're being happily lost. This is wonderful Easter weekend entertainment for all family members. You can also purchase some pretty exciting Easter Baskets to collect your eggs.
Don't worry, you won't be entirely lost! The giant corn maze is cut into a design featuring the "Shipwrecked" theme. Visitors take a flag into the maze with them and wave it to attract help from the lifeguards. They can also opt to buy a maze map for $2 to take with them with an unconditional money back guarantee if it is returned unopened.
There are many different ways for different age groups to experience the mazes, with something to appeal to everyone.
Pre-pay your tickets online or door sales are available at the event on the day!
Food Options:
- You can bring your own lunches and drinks with plenty of shady picnic spots
- You can order pizza, fish, hot dogs, nuggets and chips and more from our cafe at Spookers
- Sausage sizzle available everyday at the Amazing Maze
The Maze is open from 10am with last entries at 4pm, closing at 5pm. The Easter Eggstravaganza is between 11am-2pm.
Royal Easter Show
ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland
Thursday 18 April 2019 – Monday 22 April 2019 10:00am – 10:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Website: Royal Easter Show 2019
Coinciding with school holidays, this year’s event brings a massive line-up of entertainment, circus acts, FMX shows, Looney Tunes Live Show, carnival rides, sideshows, exhibits, plus an A&P Show that has been running for more than 175 years. The Royal Easter Show has a special place in the hearts and minds of many New Zealanders.
The main stage will be jam-packed with all types of exciting free entertainment, for the entire family, with world-class acts from Tiki Taane, Jason Kerrison and Laughton Kora.
Mahons Amusements will be returning and bringing their exhilarating rides to the Royal Easter Show, including rides for the whole family and the little ones.
An essential feature of the Royal Easter Show, the celebrated Zirka Circus returns with a brand new, never before seen in New Zealand act that will have the audience at the edge of their seats. Their death-defying feats of skill and strength must be seen to be believed.
Freestyle New Zealand returns with a show that is sure to astound, demonstrating some of the most dangerous and difficult tricks in FMX sport, bringing a high adrenaline and edge of your seat experience.
And stick around for the free fireworks display, lighting up the sky above the ASB Showgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening’s blasting off at 9pm.
The Royal Easter Show is New Zealand's largest and most loved family show, an annual must-see for everyone.
The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg Hunt
SKYCITY Auckland Main Plaza, 90 Federal Street, CBD, Auckland
Wednesday 17 April 2019 – Tuesday 30 April 2019 12:00am – 11:55pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Website: SKYCITY Auckland
Join The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg Hunt this April and go in the draw to win one of five ultimate family prize packs valued at $2,000 each.
Each package includes two nights accommodation plus breakfast in a Premium Suite for two adults and two children at SKYCITY Hotel, a $1,000 SKYCITY Gift Card, a family pas up the Sky Tower with a Magic memories photo pack to take home, plus valet parking during your stay.
Simply pick up an entry form from the SKYCITY Atrium and go on the hunt for the giant Easter eggs located around SKYCITY for your chance to win.
Four eggs have a letter or symbol, write them on your entry form to complete the special phrase and drop your form in the draw box in the Atrium.
PLus, there's a special fifth golden egg hidden somewhere. Find it, write it's location on the entry form and you'll get an extra entry in to the draw.
Hint... it's Sky high.
The Great SKYCITY Easter Egg promotion runs from 9am on 1 April 2019 to midnight on 30 April 2019. Limit one entry per visitor. Five winners will be drawn at 10am on Thursday 2 may 2019 and notified using the contact details on the entry form.
Each winner must claim their prize within 24 hours of being notified or another winner will be drawn. SKYCITY employees are not eligible to enter.
For full terms and conditions please visit the website.
CLICK to see more Auckland events
WAIKATO
Easter At the Hamilton Farmers' Market
Claudelands, Gate 4, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton, Waikato
Sunday 21 April 2019 8:00am – 12:00pm
This Sunday wear your funny Easter Hat to the Hamilton Farmers' Market and win gift vouchers. Kids can make their hats at the market, join the Easter Egg Hunt or guess how many eggs are in the Easter Egg Jar!
We also have an Easter Stall Hunt for adults: Name the neighbours of selected vendors and be in to win a Farmers’ Market Merchandise Pack ($50 value).
Pick up Easter Recipes and shop for bold ingredients at the market, try samples and have breakfast while enjoying live music and giant games for the kids.
Make arrangements with family and friends now and meet us at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market this Sunday, 8 am till noon - nothing will get you more in the mood for Easter!
Museum Easter Hunt
Waikato Museum, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton, Waikato
Friday 19 April 2019 – Monday 22 April 2019 10:00am – 5:00pm
Find the hidden egg stickers in our free galleries to receive a free Easter treat.
Easter Sunday Brunch
Wairakei Resort, State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Sunday 21 April 2019 11:00am – 2:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
- Children under 5 yrs: $0.00
- Children 5-12 yrs: $15.00
- Adults: $45.00
- Door Sales Only
Website: Wairakei Resort
Come together with family and friends to celebrate the long weekend at Wairakei Resort Taupo’s delicious Easter Sunday Brunch.
Begin your day with a delectable brunch featuring savoury and sweet items like beef bourguignon, eggs benedict and waffles, traditional hot cross buns and chocolate Easter eggs, and a live carvery with orange and honey glazed champagne ham to top it off.
The buffet price includes bubbles for those of drinking age or a mocktail as a non-alcoholic option. Enjoy the wide variety of flavours, sweet, savoury, hot and cold and spend your Easter Sunday morning leisurely munching and brunching.
Book ahead to secure your seats our brunch is always popular and you don’t want to miss out! Book before 12th April and be in the draw to win a night at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel for two.
Phone Oveen on +64 7 374 9625 or email - oveen.yee@wairakei.co.nz
WELLINGTON
Nga Manu Easter Celebration
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, 74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, Waikanae, Kapiti Coast
Friday 19 April 2019 – Monday 22 April 2019 10:00am – 5:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
- General Admission for children (0-15 years): $0.00
- General Admission for adults: $18.00
- General Admission for NZ students or SuperGold Card Holders:$10.00
- Door Sales Only
Website: Official Ngā Manu Website
Celebrate Easter at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve and have fun with all the family. Free admission for children throughout the long weekend!
Take part in the Golden Kiwi Egg Scavenger Hunt to enter our prize draw to win a wonderful Easter Prize pack. Visit our Easter Zone on the Robin's Nest Lawn and while you are there, be sure to snap a family photo with our Easter Bunny and enter it into our Eggcellent Easter Photo Competition for another chance to win an Easter Prize Pack.
On Easter, Saturday and Sunday children can hunt for our ‘Ngā Manu Easter Rocks’ and exchange them for Easter eggs in our Easter Zone (limit of one egg per child).
On Easter Sunday there will be some special Winner Eggs hiding in the Reserve and whoever finds them will instantly win a prize! Claim your prize at our Visitor Centre - limit of one per family. Thank you to all our sponsors who have kindly donated prizes.
Waikanae Easter Market 2019
Waikanae Easter Market 2019 Waikanae Town Centre, Waikanae, Wellington Region
Saturday 20 April 2019 9:00am – 2:00pm
Restrictions:All Ages
Ticket Information: Free Admission
Welcome to another vibrant, colourful Waikanae Easter Market on 20 April between 9.00am and 2.00pm!
We have over 90 stalls again, two music stages, Lynn Strickland's children's entertainment and The Mobility Company's older children's entertainment (eBikes!), Andy's spit roast outside his Waikanae Butchery again.
Clucky the Chicken
Cable Car Museum, 1 Upland Road, Kelburn , Wellington
Friday 19 April 2019 – Monday 22 April 2019 9:00am – 12:30pm
Clucky the Hen, the famous Kirkcaldie and Stains Easter Chicken, has flown the coup! She’s scheduled to appear at the Cable Car Museum during Easter Weekend 19-22 April, but someone left her gate open and she’s gone! Will she be found in time to bring Easter treats to kids of all ages?
Join search parties at the top of Wellington Botanic Gardens to see if you can find her.
Gold Coin donation.
CLICK for more Wellington events
CANTERBURY
Easter Weekend Show - West African Music and Dance
A Rolling Stone, 579 Colombo St, Christchurch
Sunday 21 April 2019 8:00pm – 10:30pm
Restrictions: R18
Ghana Grooves – Easter Weekend
Take the time out for yourself this weekend and enjoy the electrifying rhythms and dance of West Africa.
Koffie Fugah (Ghana/NZ), a well known ambassador of West African music, culture and leader of Kadodo Drum and Dance Group and has a special treat for the New Zealand audiences: This Easter Weekend, joining Koffie will be internationally recognized dancers, Kwame Tosuma, Kofi Shabba (Ghana/Australia) and fellow master drummer, ABLI from touring music ensemble Wala, for one night of pure energy.
If you have not travelled to Africa or would like to experience these amazing sounds in their purest form then you are in for a treat.
These amazing musicians are here in Christchurch to perform a one-off, live floor show at Christchurch’s live music venue, A Rolling Stone.
In the heart of the ever-emerging CBD this Colombo Street venue will be electrified in a once in a lifetime event not to be missed.
Supported by Kadodo Drummers (NZ) you will be taken on a journey into the sights and sounds of West Africa rhythms as you witness the agility, strength and acrobatics of these dancers and mesmerizing speed and musicality of the master drummers at work.
So, what are you waiting for? Let yourself go and get lost in the rhythm.
See you there!
Easter Weekend Community Events
Cathedral Square, Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Friday 19 April 2019 12:00pm and Sunday 21 April 2019 7:00am
The two events on Good Friday and Easter Sunday are multi-ethnic, inter-church community events with inspiring music, powerful messages by local ministers, singing of songs and hymns including the Hallelujah Chorus along with the Salvation Army Band.
The Museum Egg Hunt
Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch
Wednesday 17 April 2019 – Sunday 28 April 2019 9:00am – 5:00pm
South Island Giant Moa were huge birds and they laid huge eggs! Moa eggs could weigh up to 4 kg, as much as a cat.
We've hidden between five and 12 moa eggs in the Museum for children to find. Kids who count them all go in the draw to win a fantastic prize.
Collect an entry form from the Museum foyer to get started on this Easter egg hunt with a difference!
See our website for more information.
CLICK for more Canterbury events
source: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/search?q=easter+weekend
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Whatever your plans are this Easter - we hope you have a wonderful time, please stay safe on the roads, and try to make some amazing new memories and maybe even traditions with your loved ones this year!
Happy Easter from the LifeLot team X
Related: Plan Time With Your Loved Ones | 25 Holiday Traditions To Start This Year | 22 Things To Ask Your Parents These Holidays
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