What's on this Easter

File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Searching for something to do over the Easter weekend? Look no further...

FESTIVAL

The Royal Easter Show is tipping its hat to history this year. The event presents a country line-up referencing the good old days more than 150 years ago, when the show began. From champion female lumberjacks to the Queen's official Jersey cow from Otorohanga, there are plenty of exciting attractions, which also include circus acts, magic shows and carnival rides, happening across the four days.

The Royal Easter Show - ASB Showgrounds, April 9-13

FAMILY

As many parents continue with the mission to entertain the kids this week, Motat comes to the party as usual. Play The Game is the theme over the next couple of weeks at the Western Springs venue. From impressive interactive exhibits to classic games like Monopoly (the New Zealand champs is on here on April 18), Go Fish, Snap and Snakes and Ladders, there's plenty to keep the whippersnappers out of trouble.

Play The Game - Motat, Western Springs, April 13-26, Family rate (two adults, four kids): $30

FAMILY

The school holidays are huge, quite literally, at Auckland Zoo, with a focus on our lumbering, long-nosed friends - the elephants. Free daily shows, extra elephant encounters and the opportunity for kids to take part in Operation Pachyderm are all part of it. They will meet locals Kashin and Burma, learn about elephant conservation and enjoy regular live shows.

ASB April School Holidays at The Zoo - Auckland Zoo, April 10-26

SPORT

There's nothing quite like a demolition derby, and anyone who has seen the film Kaikohe Demolition will know that those who get involved in the carnage can become quite passionate about the art of smashing into others. The Waikaraka Speedway hosts Smashfest 09 this weekend, and with entry open to anyone with an expendable car and $80, this should be fun to watch!

Smashfest 09 - Waikaraka Family Speedway, Waikaraka Park, Onehunga, 5pm, April 11

ROCK/POP

A smorgasbord of local pop-rock talent joins forces for a great cause this Saturday. The Pop Extravaganza at Auckland's Transmission Room is organised by teen cancer charity CanTeen. Rock out and get loose with conscience intact to bands such as Goodnight Nurse, Streetwise Scarlet, False Start, Mumsdollar, Diesel Phoenix, and With Hope.

Pop Extravaganza - Transmission Room, Mayoral Drive, April 11, from 5pm

DJ/DANCE

Since Thursday is the new Friday this week, the people behind Our House decided to throw a dance party tonight. Nite:Life takes over the Ellerslie Events Centre with a hefty local line-up supporting four international DJs: disco-house legend Joey Negro, Global Underground's Nick Warren, electro-house producer Bodyrox and Anthony Pappa.

Nite:Life with Nick Warren, Joey Negro - Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland Central, April 9

JAZZ

No city swings quite like Tauranga does at Easter when the annual National Jazz Festival descends. Headlining is American gospel institution the Blind Boys of Alabama. Also featuring are German group the Florian Ross Trio, as well as locals Hollie Smith, Charmaine Ford, Phil Bradhurst's Chick Corea Tribute Band, and the Youth Jazz Competition.

National Jazz Festival - Tauranga, various venues, today until Monday. Go to: www.jazz.org.nz

ROCK

You may have caught their spirited show at the Big Day Out this year, but if you missed The Datsuns there, they're now on tour. Fresh from rocking out all over Europe, New Zealand's favourite garage-rock band are keen to showcase their new tunes, and maybe drop a few classics all around the upper North Island over the next week.

The Datsuns - Leigh Sawmill, April 9; Monte Cristo Room, April 10; Raglan Town Hall, April 11