Hot Takes: Bloody Buffet, butterflies and Alexander McQueen

A boy looks at a butterfly through a microscope. Photo / Getty

Stuck for things to do? Here are some ideas about what to do around Auckland this week.

EAT

Bloody Buffet at Spookers. Photo / Supplied

How does a zombie introduce himself? By putting out his rotten hand and saying "pleased to eat you". Welcome to what could be your dream night out or worst nightmare by getting the chance to dine with witches, clowns, ghouls and zombies at Spookers' new Bloody Buffet. Think Valentine's with a vampire-y edge. The buffet-styled menu includes all your normal dishes like roast lamb and salads but it also features a licensed bar for your pre-scare liquid courage. If you're stuck for ideas on how to celebrate a birthday, stag-do or work party, why not have a feed and get freaked out? But be careful, it will be tricky to keep your dinner down as you venture through the horrifying R16 attraction. Arrival time is 6.30pm, dinner is served at 7pm and then you are free to roam the spooky spots from 8pm. You have to bring one torch per group of 5-6 people and phone torches are not accepted. PS. The Bloody Buffet is only available by advanced booking, so be sure to email ahead (or a HEAD).

GO:

Butterflies are displayed in a case in an exhibition.

Spring is just around the corner so it's time to crack out of that winter cocoon and visit some gorgeous flutter-by's. Enjoy the stunning array of butterflies on display at the Auckland Museum for free. Secret World of Butterflies features thousands of butterflies from the Shannon Collection and are on public display for the first time ever. The family-friendly exhibition is packed with interactive activities for all age groups, young and old. The kiddies might enjoy designing and creating their own butterfly on a magical digital garden display. The showcase also focuses on the science of butterflies like metamorphosis, anatomy and habitat. It's the perfect outing for any young explorer or lovers of the natural world.

WATCH:

Kate Moss with Alexander McQueen. Photo / Getty

A movie about the legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen is coming to the silver screen at The Civic this weekend as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival. McQueen encapsulates the British designer's 'rags-to-riches' journey and explores the 'savage beauty' of five of his legendary fashion shows. The filmmakers (Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui) take part in candid interviews with many of the people who worked closest with him and also his beloved mother Joyce and his late muse, Isabella Blow. The five fashion shows are the centre pieces of the film but have been narrated by those closest to McQueen so it becomes quite an emotional experience. This film is a must see for all art and fashion lovers so buckle up for a passionate and touching ride. McQueen is playing at The Civic this Friday 27 July at 6.45pm and Tuesday July 31 at 3.45pm.

LISTEN:

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra The Music of Comic Con. Photo / Supplied

Imagine all your favourite music from movies, television and video games being played out in real life. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is bringing The Music of Comic Con to our ears this week to celebrate some of the best soundtracks from the entertainment industry. You'll be treated to epic fim and TV tunes from Game of Thrones, Star Wars Episode and Star Trek as well as the soundtracks to classic video games, including Super Mario Bros Theme, Sonic Hedgehog and Grand Theft Auto. The concert will also feature music from Titanfall 2, which the NZSO recorded for the hit game. It is the largest selection of film, TV and video game music the NZSO has ever performed in one concert, live on stage at Auckland Town Hall this Friday at 7.30pm. Game on!