Auckland Launches New Winter Festival

Auckland’s exciting new winter festival, Elemental AKL, will see the light of day for the first time this July. The month-long festival is set to transform Tāmaki Makaurau into a stunning creative canvas with more than 40 free and ticketed events taking place in bars and eateries, theatres, hotels, public spaces and more.

EARTH AIR & FIRE

Elemental plays on the elements of air, fire, earth, and water to create a unique and inspiring programme of events themed around sensational cuisine, dazzling lighting installations, and impressive entertainment and culture.

Visitors will have their pick of everything from Shakespeare, live music, art and performances, food shows, craft beer and boutique wine events, to special menus and progressive dinners.

A range of family friendly events will include ice skating, Māori dance and storytelling, giant glowing puppet shows, and lighting installations in parks, down central city streets, and on Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge.

TŪRAMA

Visitors can step into Albert Park’s interactive playground to experience Tūrama - a living art piece, juxtaposing the existing environment with a radiant array of lighting installations throughout this popular inner-city space. Over four days Albert Park will transform into an immersive space where people can play, listen, watch, eat and engage. With the park as their canvas people can explore sensorial experiences, including projection mapping, interactive light-art, fire and performance. A variety of cultural outlets will provide a healthy and diverse selection of food and beverages.

STELLAR

Stellar is an afterdark experience bringing innovative and interactive lighting installations, food and music to Smales Farm in celebration of Matariki, the Maori New Year. Take the journey by foot as the stars look down into an optic wonderland and spot the roving entertainment and DJS along the way. Stay warm with the delicious food offerings and hot coffee on site, making for a real night-time treat for families and friends to share together.

INMOTION MATARIKI

Inmotion Matariki, the magical, all-wheels, illuminated parade in celebration of Matariki on July 6. Audiences are encouraged to decorate their wheels to the theme of Matariki and join Touch Compass “in motion” on a journey of discovery through the urban maze of Wynyard Quarter. Bring your wheels - whether a bike, scooter, wheelchair, billy-cart, skateboard, unicycle, or power chair. The parade is a fun, free, and fully-accessible family friendly event.

THE MATARIKI GLOW SHOW

The Matariki Glow Show is a giant-scale puppet show like no other. Watch the magic unfold as more than 40 glow-in-the-dark characters some from Māori myth and legend – including a 5m Taniwha – light up the stage to tell a delightful story about the Matariki stars as they prepare for the Māori New Year. Rich in Te Reo Māori, this cutting-edge, glow-in-the-dark puppet show will have kids on the edge of their seats with catchy tunes, lively characters and a whole lot of fun. Shows are on throughout the region in July.

LIGHTS OUT ON GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Hop on a ferry or a plane to witness the aweinspiring Great Barrier Island by night. Take part in an impressive series of activities themed around astronomy, from photography competitions, navigation lessons, sundial making, and an Island ball. With the island’s lights ‘off’ visitors are in for a truly compelling and magical display of the night’s sky.

ELEMENTAL FEAST

Fine dining restaurants, cafes, bars & pubs, and food trucks will plate up a unique festival dish or menu using ingredients sourced from the Auckland region and inspired by the elements. Audiences can take their taste buds on an unforgettable culinary tour of Auckland’s worldclass food scene.

elementalakl.co.nz.

AUCKLAND’S EXCITING NEW WINTER FESTIVAL, ELEMENTAL AKL, IS SET TO BRIGHTEN UP THE CITY’S BLEAK WINTER DAYS AND NIGHTS.