Easter fun for everyone does a round-up of the best events around the country.
Lorna Thornber
You could spend your four free days this Easter in a chocolate egg-induced food coma. Or you could check out one or more of the many events around the country offering up everything from traditional fairground fun to egg hunts, markets, arts and crafts, air shows, fireworks, food, wine and simple space for reflection and relaxation. Check out some of these events.
Royal Easter Show
Running for more than 160 years, the Royal Easter Show at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland’s Greenlane has a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of Kiwis. Daredevils make a beeline for the carnival, which has everything from the terrifying-sounding Turbo Boost – which spins at more than 120kmh – to classics such as the Hurricane, Explorer and Sizzler, and family favourites such as the ghost train, ferris wheel and dodgems. Also featuring at the A&P show, an Easter egg hunt, iceskating rink, marketplace, fireworks and a range of quirky performers – world champion lumberjills ‘‘chics with axes’’ certainly sound interesting – there is something for everyone.
eastershow.co.nz
Easter Celebration Retreat
To really escape the commercialism and overindulgence that can enshroud Easter, head to the silent Easter Celebration Retreat in Titirangi. Enjoy a healthy dinner with your fellow participants on Good Friday before settling in for a weekend of meditation, reflection and relaxation. You’re welcome to practise yoga on the private deck with garden views, stroll the grounds, relax in the bath with salts and lavender oil or simply chill out in the lounge. Organisers say it’s a chance to rest and recharge, connect with the spiritual, tune in to your inner wisdom and develop creativity.
balancedliving.co.nz/events.php
Jazz festivals in Waiheke and Tauranga
It’ll be music to jazz fans’ ears over Easter, with big festivals on Waiheke Island and in Tauranga. On Waiheke, the festival kicks off with the Good Friday Groove at the gorgeous Rangihoua Estate in Rocky Bay. Headliner Dave Dobbyn is joined by Little Bushman, Miles Calder & the Rumours, Hopetoun Brown and Melbourne eight-piece The Cactus Channel. A plethora of events at intimate venues across the island ensues, including the Daytime Jazz About, the Evening Concert Series and the Late Night Supper Club. In Tauranga, Alchemy – made up of legendary local songstresses Ria Hall, Anna Coddington, Julia Deans and Bella Kalolo – will perform 19 iconic Kiwi pop songs with a jazz twist for the headline show at Addison Theatre on Saturday, with tickets starting at $60. There’s also the National Youth Jazz Competition, a concert series and the new TECT Waterfront Gala on Easter Monday – a day of music, food and market stalls at Tauranga Harbour.
waihekejazzfestival.co.nz, jazz.org.nz
The Extravaganza Fair
Free spirits are encouraged to roll up to this free travelling fair, in Napier’s Anderson Park over Easter. Browse market stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to herbal remedies and eclectic clothing and jewellery, or get a massage, henna tattoo, or tarot or palm reading. There’s also live music, kids’ events such as magic and clown shows and old-fashioned fairground games like sack races and tug-o-war. Chow down on traditional fair fare such as American hotdogs, doughnuts and candyfloss or healthier options such as gourmet beef or veges burgers, toasties and fresh juice.
extravaganza.co.nz
Wairarapa Balloon Festival
The skies of the Wairarapa will fill with