The Veil Is Thinning: Here Are 4 Free Halloween Parties To Get Around Across Aotearoa

Wrenched straight from a Scandinavian nightmare, legend tells that a giant sea monster known as the kraken would snap ships in two and drag them down into the depths, never to be seen again. And that’s exactly the main character energy we want fuelling our Halloween shenanigans. That, plus a cheeky hint of spice. 

Enter: The Kraken’s month-long Halloween takeover across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Tāhuna Queenstown. Expect bangin’ beats, a little mystery, a few tricks and a whole lot of treats with nights fuelled by Kraken Black Spiced Rum. 

Here's where to find the Halloween parties worth dressing up for in Aotearoa this spooky season. 

The Broken Lantern 

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Never to do anything by halves, the folks at The Broken Lantern will be pulling out all the stops this Halloween, with a spooky fit-out, a haunted photo booth, free face painting, Arii Jade and Kirsty Sutherland on the decks and four stunning Kraken Rum cocktails that are straight from the fiery (and devilishly delicious) pits of Hell. 

The Details

When: Saturday 31 October 2026
Where: 198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 
Timing: 9.30pm–3am
Cost: Entry is free

ACS

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Can’t wait until Halloween? We salute you. Hightail it to ACS (above The Broken Lantern) at any time during October to whet your whistle, taking the Kraken Rum cocktail menu for a pre-Halloween spin. Choose from a riff on a rum sour in the form of a liquid Haunted House, topped with a dark chocolate gravestone; dabble in an abandoned campsite served with a s’more; sip on a spooky edit of a tiki drink with their Diver Down, which may or may not be served in a bubble or take your chances on a Laboratory Experiment Gone Wrong. 

The Details

When: Until Saturday 31 October 2026
Where: Upstairs, 198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 
Timing: Thursday to Sunday, 6pm until late 
Cost: Entry is free

Last Place Bar

Kirikiriroa Hamilton 

Eerily, Halloween is happening at Last Place Bar in Hamilton this year, so dust off your best pirate or otherwise nautical ‘fit and get ready to enjoy a delightfully spooky celebration. Dabble in their undead Kraken-coded cocktail menu featuring the likes of a  Kraken Cherry Frozen Coke, wrap two hands around their colossal squid burger special, and, if you suddenly feel called to flex your banshee skills, you can head out the back for karaoke. 

The Details

When: Friday 30 October 2026
Where: 54 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central 
Cost: Entry is free

1876

Tāhuna Queenstown

The Kraken is being released at 1876 this Halloween, so it’s time to get decked out in your scariest fit and make a beeline for the beer garden. Spirits will be kept high with beats by DJ Mitch E.P. and free ink to commemorate the occasion. Be sure to eat your heart out while you’re there too, with cheeseburger spring rolls, or, if you sense vampires nearby, arm yourself with a round of their garlic prawns. 

The Details

When: Saturday 31 October 2026
Where: 45 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
Timing: 7pm onwards 
Cost: Entry is free

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by The Kraken and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Supplied.