Our own living dinosaur - the tuatara.
Sky Tower Sports Heroes invites youngsters to compete against their friends to become a sporting champion and win prizes. Sports-mad children will get a kick out of this one.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-3pm, Sky Tower, corner of Victoria St and Federal St, Auckland. Adult admission $29, child admission (6-14) $12.
Meet some of Auckland Zoo's local treasures. The kiwi precinct is home to kiwi, cheeky kea, and our own living dinosaur - the tuatara. Visit the Best of NZ in your Backyard section before the end of May and your family could win a wildlife adventure trip.
Now until May 31, 9.30am-5.30pm, Auckland Zoo, 99 Motions Rd, Western Springs. Adults $28, children $12, under-4s free. See aucklandzoo.co.nz for more details.
The Kiwi Kids Music Festival showcases the best home-grown music at the Auckland Museum. Children's entertainer Suzy Cato will host the festival with performances by Kath Bee, Mr Roberelli and Captain Festus McBoyle.
Today, 11am and 1pm, tomorrow, 10.30am and 2.30pm. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland. Free with museum entry.
Witness powerful and mysterious weather phenomena at the Wildest Weather in the Solar System show. Imagine a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb or a dust tempest engulfing entire planets. And we were complaining about a rainy autumn.
Tomorrow, 6pm-7pm, Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, 670 Manukau Rd, One Tree Hill Domain, Auckland. Adult tickets $12, children $10.
There is more than just fruit and vegetables at the Auckland market. Hunt through the household goods, plants and clothing racks. There is parking next to the market so hopefully no driving in circles searching for a space.
Tomorrow, 7am-1pm, Auckland Netball Centre, 7 Allison Ferguson Dr, St Johns, Auckland.
See some familiar faces and discover new ones at the Leo Bensemann and Friends portraiture exhibition. Showcasing portrait paintings by a group of outstanding 20th century New Zealand artists. As the title suggests, Bensemann is at the heart of this show. We're intrigued.
Now until May 28, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, The Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough. Free entry. See wallaceartstrust.org.nz for more.
Children's show Gloomio The Great! features magical mishaps, pantomime-style family fun, and slapstick silliness at Whoa! Studios. Children love this place for the incredible shows and playground. We love it for the great coffee and food.
Now until June 25 (weekends and school holidays), Woah! Studios, 8-14 Henderson Valley Rd. Tickets from $25.35 (online bookings). Tickets include playground pass. See whoastudios.co.nz for tickets.
Is watching live yodelling on your bucket list? Maybe not, but the annual Swiss Market still sounds fun. Watch yodelling and sample Swiss breads, bratwurst sausages, holey cheeses and chocolate. We love that St Bernard and Bernese mountain dogs will be attending.
May 6, 8am-3pm, 6 Rockridge Ave, Penrose. See facebook.com/swissmarketday for more.
Be inspired for your next culinary masterpiece. The Great NZ Food Show promises some top tips and recipes to try at home. Celebrity chefs Josh Emett, Brett McGregor and Chelsea Winter are on the line-up.
May 13-14, Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton. Adult day pass $15, children $10, under-5s free. See greatnzfoodshow.co.nz for more.
Moscow Ballet La Classique brings the drama of Swan Lake. See classical ballet with this fairy-tale story conveying all the drama of a tragic romance. A great pick for the cooler evenings.
May 12, Clarence St Theatre, 59 Clarence St, Hamilton. Adult tickets from $72.50. May 13, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, CBD, Auckland. Adult tickets from $90.
She never told them the five-course meal was vegan. So a cousin decided to act.