Takapuna Winter Lights Festival

Overview

Even if you don't live on the North Shore, we think this annual festival of light sculptures, art, music and performance returning to Takapuna this month is worth making a trip over the bridge for.

Part of the Elemental AKL festival (and the only Elemental event happening on that side of the bridge), the Takapuna Lights Festival is returning for another year ready to light things up — even in this chilly weather. Taking palace across four evenings from July 28 - July 31, the free, family-friendly festival will feature its signature bevvy of incredible larger-than-life light installations designed by the country's acclaimed light artist Angus Muir.

Luke Foley

Last year's event was a huge success and saw over 12,000 people turn up to walk through illuminated archways and snap pics with the giant sculptures — and this year organisers say they're expecting over 35,000.

Rug up warm, grab some dinner and head down to check it out at Hurstmere Green at the end of the month — further details are yet to be announced but we'll update you here when they are.

Claire Fuller