Large crowds at last year's Auckland Fair. Photo / Nick Reed
Piha Surf Academy and Piha Boardriding Club open day
If you've ever fancied yourself as a surf star, now's the time. Kids can try it out with one of the club's qualified instructors, or just join in the fun games while learning more about beach safety.
Today, 1pm-6pm. Piha South car park. Free entry.
Struggling with your Christmas shopping this year? Support handmade, locally produced treasures at New Zealand's largest curated market. And with more than 120 stallholders, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly under the tree this year.
Tomorrow, 10am-4pm. Shed 10, Queens Wharf. Entry $5 (under-12s free).
Head harbourside and relax on Auckland's front porch.
The weekend markets are back, packed with a wonderful mix of food stalls, vintage clothing, art and street performers. Local DJs will provide a chilled-out soundtrack for your lazy summer afternoons too.
Today and tomorrow, noon-6pm. Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter. Free entry.
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Pull out your best yellow and black gear and practise your chanting, football fans. Support the Wellington Phoenix as they take on their transtasman rivals, who are currently sitting at the top of the A League table.
Tonight, from 7.15pm. QBE Stadium, Albany. Tickets from $23.
You don't need to visit the beach for a taste of summer. Aotea Square has transformed into a lush, lawn-covered sanctuary full of free entertainment and family fun. Check out the Beambox interactive playground and the on-site urban vegetable garden.
On until December 20, 10am-10pm. Aotea Square. Free entry.
Roving entertainers, caroling elves, face-painting and the famous singing show from the fella in red are all on show, along with the feathered, furry and scaly residents as zookeepers present special close-up encounters.
Today, 5pm-8pm. Auckland Zoo, Western Springs. Tickets from $28 (under-4s free).
Calling all creative young elves. Dozens of pint-size Christmas trees are waiting to be decorated. Every tree completed gets a prize and is yours to take home!
Today, noon-1pm. Essex St Reserve, Mt Eden. Free entry.
Santa's reindeer are missing and he needs a hand finding them. Follow the clues to help track down his nine reindeer and achieve "Santa's little helper" status to take home a photo of you, Santa and Rudolf.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-3pm. Sky Tower. Sky Tower admission apply.
Carols by candlelight
Grab your picnic blankets and your singing voice for these public carol performances. Today, the Glenfield Christmas Carols and Outdoor Movie kicks off from 7pm. BYO beanbag!
Tomorrow, head to Potters Park, Balmoral between 5pm and 7.30pm for food stalls and choirs. Santa's Grotto opens from 4.30pm at Vellenoweth Green in St Heliers, with music kicking off at 5.30pm. Enjoy carols under the oaks of Epsom's Marivare Reserve from 6pm, or maybe under the spider in Avondale Town Centre is more your thing, from 6pm-8pm.
Christmas Parades
Is Santa Claus coming to your part of town this weekend? Today, the Papakura family fun day runs from 9am-1pm, with the Santa Parade starting at 1pm in the town centre. Panmure town centre hosts the jolly fella between 10am-2pm, while the parade and fun day in Te Atatu is on from 9am-2pm. Otara will see floats between 4pm and 8pm. Tomorrow, the fun hits Ellerslie from 11am, Devonport between 11am and 3pm, Howick's main street from 1.30pm and Pukekohe from 2pm-3.30pm.
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