Easter long weekend promises to deliver entertainment for all ages across New Zealand, with events ranging from traditional agricultural shows to modern jazz festivals filling the autumn calendar.
Families in the Waikato can explore the invisible force of air at Hamilton's Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum, where the interactive Air Playground exhibition runs until April 19. Children can launch paper planes, test aerodynamics and challenge friends to 'aircade' games in this hands-on experience developed by Scienceworks experts at Museums Victoria.
Sports fans can catch the Gallagher Chiefs take on the Waratahs under lights at FMG Stadium Waikato on April 4, with kick-off at 7.05pm. The match promises to deliver speed, skill and an electric home-game atmosphere as the Chiefs look to convert pressure into points.
Rotorua offers farm fun and mini golf
In Rotorua, families can experience two unique attractions perfect for the school holidays. Mini Golf Rotorua with Rabbits combines 18 holes of putting with friendly Flemish rabbits hopping around a whimsical garden setting, complete with waterfalls and native fauna. The course operates day and night, with evening sessions featuring twinkling lights, bubbles and music.
The Agrodome, set on 140 hectares of farmland 15 minutes from central Rotorua, offers hands-on agricultural experiences. The famous Farm Show features sheep shearing demonstrations and clever farm dogs showing off their skills. Visitors can then board an all-terrain tractor for a guided tour, hand-feeding sheep, alpacas and other animals along the way.
Tickets for the Agrodome cost $55 for adults and $35 for children, with infants entering free. Mini Golf Rotorua charges $20 for adults, $16 for children under 16, and $4 for under-fives.
Bay of plenty jazzes up easter weekend
The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival transforms the region from March 27 to April 6, with the Historic Village recreating New Orleans flair on Good Friday. National and international musicians will perform at various locations including Baycourt, while The Cargo Shed hosts the swanky Cocktail Swing event.
Festival-goers can watch the Vintage Car Parade along The Strand, take a sunset cruise on Kewpie, or enjoy 'swim n jazz' sessions by the pool in Katikati. The festival celebrates all jazz styles and attracts visitors from across the country.
Food enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the fifth annual Flavours of Plenty Festival, running from April 16 to May 3 across Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne. With almost 60 events over 18 days, the festival showcases the region's world-class food and beverage producers.
This walk offers stunning views of Te Moana a Toi, with plenty of time to stop and learn about the pā stronghold that protected the local hapū.
Visitors can experience Greek, Indian, Asian, European and Māori cuisines through immersive dining experiences, degustations, cultural events, workshops and demonstrations. Twenty specially designed Plates of Plenty Challenge dishes will be available from April 1 for tasting and voting.
Mountain adventures and craft beer in ruapehu
The annual Ohakune Beer Festival returns to Kings Ohakune on April 4, showcasing small independent breweries alongside slow-cooked barbecue and live music. Early bird tickets cost $50, with general admission at $60 and free entry for children.
Whakapapa at Mt Ruapehu hosts New Zealand's highest Easter Egg Hunt from April 3-19. Families can explore the volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park and ride the Sky Waka gondola to Knoll Ridge Chalet, dining at 2020 metres above sea level. The Easter egg hunt itself is free, though gondola ride pricing varies.
Local breweries including Roots Brewing, Ruapehu Brewing Co, LADS Brewing Co and The Beer Engine will showcase their products at the beer festival, which runs from 2pm until late.
Taranaki celebrates pride and art
Taranaki Pride Week transforms the region from maunga to moana with a 10-day celebration of inclusivity and self-expression from April 10-19. The programme features live music, performances, parties and storytelling across multiple venues, perfectly timed for the Easter break.
Art enthusiasts can explore the boutique Taranaki Art Show at The Collaboration TSB Stadium in New Plymouth from April 10-12. The curated showcase brings together 40 of New Zealand's most exciting artists working in painting, photography, illustration and sculpture.
Sports fans can catch the Anzac Day Classic at Stadium Taranaki on April 25, where The Classics of New Zealand face Classic Australia at 2.35pm. The match features legendary players returning for a fast, entertaining transtasman showdown.
Wairarapa serves up gin and apples
The Greytown International Cocktail Festival shakes things up this autumn with themed drink menus, intimate tastings and workshops. The White Swan Country Hotel hosts 'The Gin Supper' on April 4, featuring four Greytown Distilling Company gins paired with a four-course menu by head chef Tim Stephenson.
The third annual Greytown Apple Harvest Festival at Molewood Orchard offers free entry on April 4 from 10am-3pm. Families can pick their own apples and pears for $3 per kilogram, enjoy cider tastings from local makers, and browse artisan market stalls.
Festival food includes Schoc sour apple bonbons, toffee apples, apple pie cocktails, apple and beef sausage rolls, and roast pork with apple sauce. Activities include carriage rides, live music, games and puppy cuddles.
Cricket action comes to wellington
Cricket fans can catch the White Ferns facing South Africa in the third ODI at Wellington's Cello Basin Reserve on April 4. The 11am match is part of a best-of-three series, with tickets starting from just $5.
Wellington continues to attract major sporting and cultural events, cementing its reputation as the capital of entertainment. The White Ferns match promises powerful batting, sharp bowling and high-stakes action between two world-class teams.
The Mackenzie A&P Highland Show rounds out the Easter offerings, providing traditional agricultural entertainment for those venturing to the South Island. Full event details and ticket bookings are available through official event websites.
