Things to do in Auckland this long weekend

Looking for fun things to do in Auckland this Easter long weekend? From immersive theatre and glowing light festivals to carnival thrills and family-friendly egg hunts, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our pick of the best events happening from April 3–6.

Swimming with Sharks

When: Friday, April 3 | 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Auckland Museum, Central Auckland
Ages: All ages

Dive into the depths of the ocean without getting wet! Swimming with Sharks is a theatrical, immersive experience created with the internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth. Discover the diversity of sharks in New Zealand waters, from the bioluminescent kitefin shark to a five-metre-long great white, all brought to life through expressive puppetry.

Shows run for 20 minutes, with children invited to get up close on floor cushions and adults welcome to enjoy from sofas at the back.

Dreamer: Auckland’s New Indoor Light Festival

When: Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 12 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), Central Auckland
Ages: All ages

Step inside a glowing world of colour and imagination at Dreamer. This immersive indoor light festival transforms the NZICC into playful illuminated spaces designed to spark curiosity and creativity. With sessions every 30 minutes from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm, families can wander through large-scale installations and interactive displays, all fully indoors with no weather worries.

Tickets: $22.54 for adults, $15.85 for children, under-fives free. Family passes: $43.04.

The Easter Show 2026

When: Saturday, April 4 – Monday, April 6 | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where: Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom
Ages: All ages

The Auckland Easter Show is back with carnival rides, farm animals, extreme sports, and sideshows. Highlights include:

Farmworld with farm animals and sheepdog trials
Mahons Amusements’ Mega Carnival, including the Ferris Wheel and Turbo Boost
FMX and BMX action featuring Levi Sherwood and Jed Mildon

Entry: $10–$15 per person. Optional ride and family packs available.

Golden Egg Hunt at Butterfly Creek

When: Saturday, April 4 – Monday, April 6 | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Butterfly Creek, 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport
Ages: All ages

Join the Easter fun at Butterfly Creek’s Golden Egg Hunt. Find nine hidden golden eggs and solve the mystery word to win prizes. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny, who will be hopping around with treats!

Tickets: $33 for adults, $16.50 for children, $89 for families.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Good Planet

When: Friday, April 3 – Monday, April 6 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Good Planet, Auckland
Ages: All ages

Bring the whole family to Good Planet for a day packed with Easter fun:

FREE hourly Easter Egg hunts (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) with chocolate treats for all
Scenic train rides spotting hidden eggs
Meet the Easter Bunny and receive a chocolate egg
FREE Pony rides and face painting on Easter Sunday

Explore Good Planet’s adventure park, meet alpacas, pick-your-own strawberries, and enjoy the café and ice cream shop. Activities are weather dependent.

Howick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza 2026

When: Sunday, April 5 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Howick Historical Village, 75 Bells Road, Auckland
Ages: All ages

The Howick Historical Village is bringing back its Easter Extravaganza with a full day of family-friendly fun:

Follow a trail through historic cottages and gardens and solve clues to earn a chocolate egg
Meet the Easter Bunny and watch a live show featuring the Easter Fairy training aspiring bunnies
Crafts, face painting, gelato cart, sausage sizzle, traditional games, races, and a Bunny Boogie dance-off

Tickets: Adult $23 ($20 + $3 fees), Child $12.30 ($12 + $0.30 fees), Child under 1 year free.

Visitors can also explore the Village Farmers Market at Bell House, featuring local artisan food, handmade goods, and seasonal treats. Booking is recommended, as limited door sales are available.