What's on over Easter

Fred Van Lier's Atlantic giant pumpkin will be on display at the Easter Show. Photo / Greg Bowker

The school holidays have begun, some lucky ones have four days off, daylight saving is about to end, and the sun is (hopefully) shining. What better way to celebrate autumn than by packing up the family and getting out of the house for a day or two.

The Herald has made a list of things to do this weekend. If you look, you'll find plenty more. Happy Easter.

ROYAL EASTER SHOW

It's Easter so it must be the Royal Easter Show, on at the ASB Showgrounds in Green Lane West from today until Monday.

All the usual attractions will be there, from beef cattle to rabbits, shearing, wood-chopping, equestrian events at Alexandra Park just next door, and lots of entertainment for the kids. Carnival rides and stalls are a major part of the show, and there are stage shows for the littlies with characters from the Cartoon Network.

The show runs from 9am every day, with a late night on Saturday. Tickets are $18 adults, family (three children) $40, $6 for under-12s, and student and seniors concessions, gate sales available.

GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT

Thousands of eggs will be hidden every day, but never fear, the Easter Bunny will be on hand to help search. Eggs are hidden each day from tomorrow until Monday from 11am-2pm at the Amazing Maze @Spookers in Kingseat Rd, Karaka, South Auckland.

ELLERSLIE EASTER CARNIVAL

Pack up a picnic and head off to Ellerslie Racecourse in Green Lane East for a spot of good thoroughbred racing for the adults and children's entertainment in the afternoons. From midday on Saturday and Monday, gate entry and parking are free.

SMASHFEST 20TEN

The only place to be for New Zealand's premier Demolition Derby is Waikaraka Park on Saturday at 7pm. Fender-bending, fireworks, clowns and candy, and the chance to drive a stockcar. Waikaraka Park, Neilson St, Onehunga, family $60, adults $25, under-14 $10.

WAIHEKE ISLAND GUIDED WALKS

Catch the 10am Fullers ferry from downtown to Waiheke and join in a free guided walk around the island. Each walk takes one to two hours and you will need to be pretty fit. All walks are suitable for dogs. Saturday, 10.45am-12.45pm.

MUSIC

* Ex-pat Kiwi musicians Her Make Believe play at the Nightingales in Devonport on Sunday at 2pm. R18.

* Post-rock trio Jakob, with supporting act Battle Circus, will be at the Kings Arms in France St, Newton, at 8pm on Saturday. Tickets $20.

* The National Jazz Festival in Tauranga opens tonight, and events include jazz on a steam train and jazz on a riverboat. All weekend.

* The Raglan Dance Festival on Saturday offers 24 hours of electronic music, local and international DJs, dance zones and exotic food. Free camping, free buses from the Manu Bay carpark to the festival site. R18.

* Take a look at today's TimeOut for an extensive and comprehensive list of gigs in our city and elsewhere over the weekend.

SPORT

* The Blues take on the Bulls at Eden Park on Saturday at 5.30pm.

* The Chiefs v Highlanders game is in Mt Maunganui at 7.35pm on Saturday.

* Northern Mystic play Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at Waitakere Trusts Stadium at 2.20pm on Saturday.

* The Warriors face up to the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium at 4pm on Sunday. Be warned that trains are not running at Easter in Auckland. Take a bus instead.