Summer has officially arrived, and Whau is ready to turn up the heat!
Local boards invest in great things to see and do, and Whau Local Board is no exception. It’s making sure you can entertain the whole whānau with fantastic, free activities that won't break the bank.
We’ve rounded up five must-do, free activities across Whau to make this your best summer ever!
1. Whau-lympics: the ultimate community showdown
Saturday 7 March 2026, 10 am - 3 pm , Olympic Park, Portage Road, New Lynn
Get ready for some hilarious, friendly rivalry! Inspired by the classic Top Town TV show and proudly supported by Whau Local Board, the very first Whau-lympics is set to challenge schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and sports clubs in light-hearted games. It’s all about teamwork, skills, silliness, and a whole lot of local pride. Come cheer on the teams!
2. Take a FREE summer swim
Beat the heat and dive in! This summer, thanks to the support of Whau Local Board, more pools are offering free swimming. Grab your togs and jump into the pools at Avondale Intermediate, and Green Bay Primary School.
The pools are open Monday to Saturday from January 5 to January 24 (closed Sundays, 12 pm – 5 pm). In February pools are open only on Saturdays from 12 pm – 5 pm. Lifeguards will be operating for your safety
3. Get Out & About in Whau
The Out & About Auckland programme is all about bringing free events and activities right to our local parks and open spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
We’re talking obstacle courses, skate clinics, fun nature play sessions, family days, and even free fitness classes. It’s all free to join, thanks again to Whau Local Board.
Check out what’s happening near you - grab your whānau, invite some friends, and come join the fun! Find the events listed on Facebook.
4. Music in Parks: Blues at Blockhouse Bay
Friday 23 January 2026 6pm-9pm
FREE to attend— no tickets required!
Limited mobility parking, available, smoke-free, alcohol-free
Head on down to Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve for blues favourites, great stories, and acts guaranteed to get your feet moving. Music in Parks has got the smooth riffs and electric sounds of Sam Fowles, The Flaming Mudcats and The DeSotos for a fantastic night of blues and rock.
Pack your picnic baskets, gather your friends, and enjoy the ultimate summer evening vibe!
5. Whau Chinese New Year Festival
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12 pm – 9 pm
Olympic Park Playground, New Lynn
Get ready for a burst of colour, culture, and community to celebrate the Chinese New Year! The Whau Chinese New Year Festival is back to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. Enjoy thrilling lion and dragon dances, the rhythmic beat of drums, and vibrant traditional performances. Wander through delicious food stalls, explore cultural displays, and try hands-on activities like calligraphy and crafts.
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