Twelve Things to Do If You're Staying in Auckland Between Christmas and New Year's Day

Put down those Christmas leftovers and head to a horror and fantasy film effects experience, a party in a historic 1800s mansion and a pop-up inflatable waterpark.

Stephen Heard
Published on December 17, 2020
Updated on December 17, 2020

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The period between Christmas and New Year's Day is an awkward time often built around polishing off leftovers, exchanging gifts and trying to figure out the day of the week. In the mid-2000s the retail industry coined the term 'Boxing Week' in an attempt at brightening up the period and to extend sales. The Norwegians call the six-day gap 'romjul', which encourages relaxation and spending time with friends and family. If you're staying in Auckland from December 25 to 31 there are plenty of ways to fill the holiday twilight zone. Take your pick from a horror and fantasy film effects experience, a party in a historic 1800s mansion and a pop-up inflatable waterpark.

List

Map

Event
Rhythm and Vines Live Stream

Tuesday, December 29 - Thursday, December 31, 2020
Online

Watch the three-day music and camping festival from your living room.

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Event
YGB Boxing Day 2020

Saturday, December 26, 2020
The Pah Homestead, Auckland

Celebrate the day after Christmas at Hillsborough's historic 1800s mansion.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Weta Workshop Unleashed

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 - Saturday, May 1, 2021
SkyCity Auckland, Auckland

The Wellington-based special effects and prop company is bringing its movie magic to Auckland.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Brickman Awesome: Epic Lego Creations

Thursday, December 3, 2020 - Sunday, May 2, 2021
Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell

The exhibition will showcase some of the biggest, fastest and tallest things you can construct out of Lego.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Toi Tu Toi Ora: Contemporary Maori Art

Saturday, December 5, 2020 - Sunday, May 9, 2021
Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland

The largest exhibition in the 132-year history of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

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Event
Waterworld Waterpark

Saturday, December 19, 2020 - Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Various Locations in Auckland, Auckland

Tauranga's giant inflatable floating structure is heading back to Auckland for summer.

Buy Tickets

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Event
A Year in Aotearoa

Sunday, September 20, 2020 - Tuesday, March 30, 2021
New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland

The country's largest and most popular photography exhibition is coming to Auckland.

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Event
Summer Afternoon Tea

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
Park Hyatt Auckland, Auckland

This festive twist on the traditional afternoon tea offers five sweet and savoury courses.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Visitors

Thursday, October 29 - Thursday, December 31, 2020
Online

This new Darkfield Radio production begins with a dead couple inviting themselves into your house.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Spark 5G Race Zone

Thursday, October 1, 2020 - Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Emirates Team New Zealand Base, Auckland

Jump behind the wheel of a high-speed sailboat in this multi-sensory experience.

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Event
All Blacks Experience

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 - Friday, December 31, 2021
SKYCITY Auckland, Auckland

Come face-to-face with a giant haka and match your ball skills against the All Blacks.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Wine, Cheese & Astronomy

Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Wednesday, November 18, 2020 and Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, One Tree Hill

This immersive night sky experience is coupled with delicious drinks and snacks.

Buy Tickets

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