Get ready for a summer of fun as Auckland Council announces its lineup of blockbuster events, and profiles some of the best spots across Tāmaki Makaurau to make this the best summer ever!
Watch the year’s biggest film Barbie on your beanbag at Movies in the Parks, boogie at the beach with Che Fu and King Kapisi as HedLok – dancing shoes not required - or make the most of the longer days on any of our stunning tracks, bush, maunga and walkways.
Auckland Council has a variety of places, parks, pools, walks, community facility splashpads and playgrounds to keep you entertained - whatever the weather.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, believes there’s something for everyone this summer:
“After a tough few years with COVID disruptions and extreme weather events, Aucklanders are looking forward to a well-deserved summer with whānau and friends,” Councillor Hills said.
“There are so many places around Tāmaki Makaurau that the whole whānau will enjoy. Make the most of these amazing events, get outside and enjoy some of our 4000 world-class parks and take in the city lights – without breaking the bank.”
Check out this list of 50 fun free things to do in Auckland this summer, or head to OurAuckland and search ‘summer’ for plenty of ideas on how to make this your best summer yet!
Music in Parks
Summer favourite Music in Parks brings diverse and vibrant local musical talent to Auckland’s coastlines.
With line-ups including Hedlok made up of Kiwi icons Che Fu and King Kapisi, Sola Rosa Sound System and Annie Crummer at locations from Māngere to Snells Beach, this unique fusion of music and nature will transform our beaches and green spaces into not-to-be-missed concert venues.
This year, several shows will be held beachfront at some of the most beautiful seaside parks in Tāmaki Makaurau so you can vibe to the music and the rhythm of the waves all summer long!
Don’t miss the perennial favourite Opera in the Park at two stunning locations – St Heliers and Ambury Regional Park; and be there as Music in Parks heads to a brand-new location - the bustling Ōtara Markets in partnership with Ōtara Music and Arts Centre (OMAC).
To find out which Music in Parks concert is taking place near you, go to musicinparks.co.nz.
Movies in Parks
Experience the magic of outdoor cinema as Movies in Parks returns for another blockbuster season.
This year, we have eight epic free film screenings across Tāmaki Makaurau to make the most of the warm summer evenings.
Hit up the group chat and get the whole gang along for a special screening of 2023’s biggest movie – Barbie - be sure to dress up in pink!
Or bring the whole whānau along for a movie experience to entertain adults and kids alike, the 2023 smash hit - The Super Mario Bros. Movie. And don’t miss family favourites Encanto, Coco and Paddington 2.
To see the full Movies in Parks line-up, head to moviesinparks.co.nz.
Head to the city centre
This summer, Myers Park visitors are ditching their shoes, imagining the thrill of the circus, crafting their backyard football skills in an inflatable arena and dancing with hula hoops!
There are 15 free family events available in Myers Park every weekend from February until April, including Circus in the Park, Nature Play, Hungerball and Pop-Up Play – funded by the city centre targeted rate.
The kids will discover new ways to play, learn new skills, make new friends, form new bonds, and in between the action they’ll grow to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this treasured city park.
For more information click here.
Make the most of what Auckland has to offer
Auckland is the world’s 10th most liveable city according to the 2023 Global Liveability Index, and with an incredible backyard on our doorstep and fun affordable facilities like these available – we can see why!
Get your walking shoes on to explore some of the 28 regional parks available or take a picnic to one of the over 4000 parks, playgrounds, beaches, splash pads or green spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau! Check this map to make sure your track is open before you travel.
If the beach is calling, head to any of the 52 Auckland Council Library locations beforehand to pick up one of our Top 100 Books to read while you lie beachside, poolside, or even couch-side! Just dust the sand out from the pages before you return it.
If the beach isn’t your thing, then Auckland Council has 27 pools for a fun, affordable way to keep busy and cool down this summer. Visit a summer icon, Parnell Baths for its annual limited season, or be sure to head to the newly reopened West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre for a wave pool to keep the kids entertained! Remember, entry to our pools is free for rangatahi and tamariki aged 16 and under.
Whether it’s heading to an event or just finding a nice spot in your favourite park or beach to sit, breath in and relax, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the place to be!
