Overview
This is your once-a-year opportunity to show your ma how much she means to you. And there's no better way to do that than with an unexpected adventure. Ditch your usual local and take mum somewhere she's never been before — whether that's checking out a kaleidoscopic light festival, having a laugh at the comedy festival or having your fill at a two-hour boozy brunch. All kinds of mums — from foodies and adrenaline heads — are covered on this list, as is the entire spectrum of budgets. Organising Mother's Day doesn't get any easier.
HAVE A LAUGH AT THE NZ INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
The NZ International Comedy Festival has just started its annual run. If you're not entirely sure about your mum's sense of humour, the Best Comedy Show on Earth rounds up ten of the Festival's brightest stars for bite-sized performances. The fast-paced showcase on Sunday, 12 May is hosted by Parker & Sainsbury and will feature appearances from funnyman Josh Wolf, Irish comic Eleanor Tiernan and heaps more. Elsewhere, there are plenty of solo shows to choose from, including Becky Lucas with her new show 'Um, Support Me?', Demi Lardner in her comedy fest debut and Britain's James Acaster.
EAT LUNCH IN COMPLETE DARKNESS
This isn't your average lunching session but the experience of dining in complete darkness is something worth trying with dear old ma. French organisation Dans le Noir has been hosting eyeless events at Rydges Auckland since March 2017, including full-course sensory feasts, wine tasting and stand-up comedy. The absence of sight awakens senses and enables participants to completely reevaluate their perception of taste and smell. For Mother's Day the organisation is celebrating mums with four sittings. For $75 you'll be treated to sparkling wine and two surprise courses.
HIT THE SLOPES AT SNOWPLANET
Bypass the boring supermarket bouquet and give mum a different, adrenaline-rushing kind of experience. Snowplanet is offering mums free entry to the slopes this Sunday when accompanied by a child. Once you've finished shredding powder, head to the onsite restaurant for the special two- or three-course menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival. Bookings are essential for this one.
VISIT A KALEIDOSCOPIC FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Auckland's five-day lighting experience from Angus Muir Design and Viaduct Harbour Holdings is back for 2019. The free Bright Nights festival will feature a trail of more than a dozen installations weaving through the waterfront hospitality destination from Viaduct Events Centre to Waitematā Plaza. A number of renowned artists have been confirmed for the event to showcase a variety of cutting-edge technology in their lighting works. It will come alive at 6pm each night from Wednesday 8 until Sunday 12 May.
HEAD TO A MOTHER'S DAY MARKET ON CROSS STREET
LEARN HOW TO MAKE DUMPLINGS
Mum's cooking is great, but wouldn't it be better if she knew the art of dumpling making? Modern Sichuan restaurant Fang is hosting a free dumpling making demonstration for Mother's Day. Head down from 6-9pm for the lesson in the restaurant's open kitchen. Dumplings on Fang's current menu include steamed prawn and pork shumai, Sichuan wagyu beef, and shui jiao with pork mince and seasonal vegetables. All participants will receive a free kombucha cocktail on arrival.
HEAD TO A BOOZY BRUNCH ON THE WATERFRONT
Nothing says 'quality time' like a boozy brunch. From 9am-1pm, waterfront establishment The Lula Inn gives diners a two-hour window to enjoy bottomless prosecco, mimosas, bloody marys and mocktails while they dine. For $47.50 you'll get the above and the choice of several brunch dishes. It is limited to groups of 12 people so bring the entire family. Bookings are recommended.
INDULGE IN A DECADENT HIGH TEA
A Mother's Day roundup wouldn't be complete without mentioning the failsafe high tea. With miniature sandwiches, tiny cakes, fine china and free-flowing bubbles, there's no wonder the tiered afternoon dining experience is a hit. There's an endless number of high tea options in Auckland to choose from and we suggest booking as soon as possible. Ponsonby's Vodka Room is hosting a special Russian-themed edition from $50–65; Hotel DeBrett is hosting a 1920s-inspired menu for cake and cocktail lovers from $55; Bellini is offering a varied selection of sweet and savoury canapés overlooking the waterfront for $49–79; Chef William Mordido is serving up a modern Filipino take on the traditional feast; and Cordis Auckland is throwing down the full spread with themed high tea and gift bags, make your own mimosa classes and massages at Chuan Spa.
Feature image: The Cross Street Market, K' Road Business Association.