Auckland Zoo elephant team leader Andrew Coers with the Auckland Zoo's new elephant Anjalee. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Looking for something to do this weekend? We've handpicked five of the best things to do around Auckland.
1. Big Thrill
We're always up for a party. If it involves our favourite pachyderms, even better. Auckland Zoo is celebrating new elephant Anjalee's ninth birthday this weekend. Along with her new best friend, 32-year-old Burma, Anjalee will be doing encounters (10am, 12 noon) with a birthday cake, facepainting and more.
The New Zealand Dance Company's third season of new works, Lumina, includes a co-production with the prestigious Holland Dance Festival. The works are beautiful, athletic, challenging and the music is sublime. Don't miss it.
If you feel like something a little stompier and old school, Michael Flatley and his skilled band of Irish dancers are back after 21 years with Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games. Ignore the "plot", concentrate on the breathtaking mass jigs.
Details: Lumina, final night, Saturday, 7.30pm. Maidment Theatre. Lord of the Dance, Saturday, 2.30, 7.30pm; Sunday 1, 6pm, The Civic.
3. Who's your mama
Childrearing trends may have come and gone in 22 years, but the Baby Show knows that parents are always hungry for the latest and greatest. Naturally there's eco-friendly and organic products, plenty of trustworthy workshops from the parenting professionals at the Advice Hub, show-only prices and a hand.
We've just discovered the guided walking tours from GreatAuckland. These are a nice way to see the city through fresh eyes with experts in art, architecture and history showing locals the hidden secrets of well-tramped parts of town.
The K Rd walk gives you the colourful history of Ponsonby, old K Road glamour and plenty of street art. The arts and culture walk from Aotea Square includes a marae, the Albert Barracks Wall as well as usual art galleries. Plenty of stops, so suitable for all fitness levels and kids are welcome. Look out for guides wearing a yellow cap at the meeting points.
Details: Edgy Auckland, Saturday 10am, corner of Ponsonby Road and Hopetoun Street.
Arts and culture, Saturday, 12pm. Aotea Square, underneath the Waharoa arch).
5. Bendy
Zirka Circus, now onto its fourth show, is New Zealand's first contemporary circus from a third generation circus family. Completely animal-free, with a happy mix of dazzling skills, beautiful acrobats and crazy clowns.
Details: Today, 2pm, 7pm; tomorrow 1pm, 4.30pm. Trusts Arena, Henderson. Then Barry's Point Reserve Takapuna, until Sept 6.