Arts and Culture
Arts and cultural activities take place in many community places, such as marae, cultural centres, art centres, museums, art galleries, theatres, community centres, libraries and schools.
Find your local art centres to discover visual art experiences, touring exhibitions, traditional carvings, performances and much more. Many exhibitions are free for Auckland residents. Be inspired and learn new skills at drop-in sessions or art classes for adults and children. Check OurAuckland to find out what’s happening.
Explore some of the city’s esteemed public art works in our parks, civic buildings, train stations, and art trails. Learn more on He Kohinga Toi / Auckland Public Art.
Auckland Museum / Tāmaki Paenga Hira tells the story of Aotearoa New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. General admission is free for Auckland residents.
Learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with the sea at the New Zealand Maritime Museum / Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa. General admission is free for Auckland residents.
Food and shopping
Looking for ingredients to cook your favourite meals? You will find grocery shops and markets selling imported and locally-produced foods all across the city. Many suburbs boast supermarkets and shops specialising in East, South East and South Asian, Pacific, Middle-Eastern, African, Latin American or European products.
There are a range of Halal and Kosher specialist butchers, delicatessen and eateries in most neighbourhoods. Check out the Muslim Directory of Halal Food.
And of course, there are a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bakeries offering delicious food inspired by our many culinary traditions and fusion of cultures.
Check out outdoor markets across the region for fresh produce, delicacies and crafts. Some of the larger weekly markets include:
- Avondale, Clevedon and Takapuna markets on Sunday mornings
- Ōtara, Mangere, Parnell, Howick and Matakana markets on Saturday mornings
- Wesley market on Tuesday and Friday mornings
- Night markets in many areas.
Religious activities
Auckland is home to many places of worship and religious centres that also provide important social and cultural activity.
Cultural celebrations
Traditional festivals such as Matariki, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid Mubarak, Christmas and Easter are celebrated throughout the year. Multicultural arts and culture festivals like the World of Cultures, the Auckland Arts Festival, the NZ International Film Festival, local muti-ethnic festivals and markets showcase and celebrate the diversity of languages, cultures and creativity of our communities.
Check events on OurAuckland.
