Make the most out of your Easter weekend with these activities.
Make the most out of your Easter weekend with these activities.
Who doesn’t want a 10-day vacation while barely using any annual leave?
Planning your leave strategically around public holidays is a game we should all be playing. If you’re not one of the few who can meticulously map out their PTOs to get the maximum amount of vacation time, a quick reminder to book your Easter leave is a must.
Easter 2025 includes Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. By taking annual leave on April 22, 23 and 24 (Tuesday to Thursday), you can enjoy a 10-day break from April 18 to April 27, utilising just three days of leave.
Don’t spend your week-long worth of free time inside, scrolling away. There are myriad Easter-themed and non-related activities you can do during this time. Here are five of the best things you can do over the Easter weekend – and beyond.
You don’t have to go far to have a good time. If you’re already in Auckland, you know the city truly shines during Easter, offering staple events and activities that both locals and visitors enjoy.
To start, get tickets to the Easter Show, a family event held annually at the Auckland Showgrounds. Although the 2025 dates have not been announced yet, this year’s event is promised to be bigger than last year’s. The Easter Show features carnival rides, animal displays, live entertainment, and a showcase of local crafts, perfect for those who are looking for a fun time in Auckland.
Crowds enjoy the annual Easter Show at Auckland Showgrounds. Photo / Alex Burton
During the Easter period, Auckland’s central waterfront is busy with outdoor dining and festive markets that create a lively atmosphere. Head to the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour to enjoy the best of it.
For something more serene, hop on a ferry to Rangitoto Island or Waiheke Island. Rangitoto offers stunning hikes and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, while Waiheke Island tempts with its world-class vineyards and the iconic annual Waiheke Jazz and Blues Festival over the Easter weekend.
A supermoon beams over a cruise passing Rangitoto Island. Photo / Paul Carter
Time for an outdoor adventure
For those craving time outside the busy city, the Easter period offers the perfect blend of warm summer vibes and beautiful autumn scenery. More importantly, it’s prime time for the best hikes, tours and unique events around NZ.
Start with the iconic Wairarapa Balloon Festival, where vibrant hot air balloons create a magical sight against the backdrop of rolling hills. The Family Carnival on Easter weekend, April 19, is a must-see. While you’re in the area, complement your visit with wine tasting in Martinborough or boutique shopping in Greytown.
Wairarapa Balloon Festival.
Farther north, explore and marvel at glowworms illuminating underground limestone caverns in the Waitomo Caves or, for the thrill-seekers, opt to face the roaring rapids of the Huka Falls via a jet boat ride in Taupō. If you have enough time to go really far north, sandboarding along Ninety Mile Beach in Northland with Dune Rider Unique Tours will fill your day with adrenaline.
Sandboarders race on the giant dunes at Te Paki, Northland. Photo / Mark Mitchell
There are also plentiful outdoor activities within a few hours’ reach of Auckland. Visit the Coromandel Peninsula for pristine beaches and hiking trails, and don’t miss favourites such as Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Try the glass-bottom boat tour in Whitianga, which offers a unique look into marine life and volcanic formations in the area.
Watching underwater life off the Coromandel Peninsula. Photo / The Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For a South Island adventure, head to Tekapo for breathtaking stargazing under the International Dark Sky Reserve, relaxing in hot pools or hiking amid turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Extend your journey and drive to the stunning Milford Sound, where you can explore the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls via scenic cruises or guided kayak tours.
Stare in awe while cruising along Milford Sound fiords. Photo / 123rf
Eat your heart out
Easter brings out some of NZ’s best decadent treats. Many bakeries and chocolatiers across the country release special Easter treats, from hot cross buns to handcrafted chocolate eggs.
For a truly indulgent experience, plan a road trip to sample the best. In Wellington, try the famed hot cross buns at Leeds Street Bakery. In Christchurch, don’t miss the decadent Easter-inspired desserts at Sweet Soul Patisserie. Auckland’s Honest Chocolat’s dippy eggs offer a unique and luxurious version of the Easter egg, filled with velvety chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline and caramelised nuts.
Hot cross bun donuts from The Pantry.
If that’s not enough, this season also brings the best outdoor markets in New Zealand. Find the nearest local market in your area, or for a food adventure at opposite ends of the country, head to the Otago Farmers Market in Dunedin or the Matakana Village Farmers Market, both of which showcase local delicacies and Easter-themed goodies.
Sample the best cheeses at the Dunedin Otago Farmers' Market. Photo / Dunedin NZ
Join the egg hunt all around NZ
It wouldn’t be a true Easter weekend without an egg hunt. Lucky for us, there are a ton of exciting egg hunts to join in on.
In Auckland, Cornwall Park’s spacious grounds make for a wonderful setting for an Easter egg hunt. The event is well-organised, with separate hunts for younger and older children. It’s not just an egg hunt, there are often extra activities such as arts and crafts, face painting and live entertainment to keep everyone entertained.
There are also a ton of Easter egg hunts in various locations in Christchurch. But notably, the Great Easter Egg Hunt and the Christchurch Easter Show are two of the most anticipated events in the region.
Book an Easter egg hunt for the whole family. Photo / 123rf
Relax in the Bay of Islands
While the Easter weekend activities can easily fill your week, you can also use this time to savour the last days of summer. For a stunning location, the Bay of Islands promises golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and a laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding during your Easter break.
Spend your days kayaking, paddleboarding or taking a boat tour to explore the 144 islands that make up this stunning region. To wrap up your Easter vacation, treat yourself to a sunset cruise or simply lounge on the beach with a good book – and a chocolate treat.
