How to Get the Most Out of the Remainder of Auckland's Epic Winter Festival Elemental AKL

We may have ticked over the halfway mark of Auckland's hottest winter festival, but there's still plenty more arts, beats and eats to come. Elemental AKL kicked off on Thursday, July 20 and runs until Sunday, August 13, with the lineup of events sure to entertain every type of Aucklander.

If you're a big food fan but also don't mind an adventure, head along to Kai by Kayak, a picturesque paddle from St Heliers to Motukorea, for an idyllic beach picnic. The journey will take around an hour, with no kayak experience required, just a reasonable level of fitness to paddle the eight-kilometre round trip.

If you'd rather have your food served to you in a more traditional way (i.e. at a table, with no exercise involved) head along to the immersive, entertaining and eye-opening event Takurua Ti'iti'i Sacred Knowledge, running from Friday, August 4–Sunday, August 6. Takurua delivers diners a cultural experience by combining theatre, dance, storytelling and fine dining.

Indulge in a five-course meal prepared by Kingi restaurant's Head Chef Wallace Mua-Frost, while also being entertained by a unique theatrical experience, where indigenous cuisine is interwoven with the re-telling of ancient stories from Māori and Pasifika cultures.

For those just looking for a show, be sure to catch Tuawahine, a completely free event at The Cloud on Saturday, August 12. Tuawahine is a show created and performed by women, featuring a huge range of Aotearoa's most-loved wahine artists, including Anika Moa, Annie Crummer, Georgia Lines and Boh Runga.

There are a few art installations running throughout Elemental AKL, including ROW by Tundra on the top level of the Smith and Caughey's building. Simply put, ROW is a light installation, but once you see it, it can be whatever you want it to be. The luminous show takes the viewer through a series of light formations using holographic fans.

Lasers will also be lighting up Aotea Square every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the festival, with each show projecting geometric patterns, 3D characters and neon lights onto Auckland landmarks, like the Auckland Town Hall and the Metro Building.

To get more information about each of these events and book tickets, head to the Elemental AKL website.