What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2025
Lachlan Woods-Davidson
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ
And just like that, it's the middle of November peeps. Nearly a month out from Christmas already, time surely does fly when you're having fun. Fun like rock concerts, restaurant birthdays and trails through studious across the wild west.
Here's what's on this week in Auckland, as well as what's just around the corner. And that's not even taking into account all the wicked stuff happening this weekend.
For the first time in 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. If it’s worth a special journey for Michelin, it’s worth one for you too. Start planning your trip and discover flavours that tell our story... now.
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Don’t Miss
Open Studios Waitākere
22 & 23 November | Artist Studios Across Waitākere | Free
Image credit: Open Studios Waitākere | Website
One of West Auckland’s most beloved creative events, Open Studios Waitākere, is back with a bang this November. In its illustrious 11th year, the event will see more than 80 artists across 50+ studios open their doors to the public for a weekend of creativity, connection, and community spirit. A self-guided, whanau-friendly, free art trail—step inside the workspaces of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers, photographers, and designers—meeting the makers and seeing art in action. Hell yeah.
Food And Drink Events
Huntress x A Lady Butcher : Butchery / Curing Workshop + Wine
22 November | Churly's Brewpub & Eatery | $$$
Image credit: Huntress x A Lady Butcher | Vicki Young
Huntress Wines and A Lady Butcher are hosting their last hands-on workshop for the year this Saturday, learning the art of butchery and curing with Hannah Miller-Childs (a.k.a. A Lady Butcher) and hearing from Huntress winemaker herself, Jannine Rickards, about sustainable hunting and her wine journey. Taste hand-picked wines from Jannine on a guided tasting, while learning the art of butchery, and taste a range of ALB charcuterie specially selected to match each drop. Having been to one of their workshops previously, this is a fun event with hands-on tips and the chance to try some incredible charcuterie and wine—a must for any food and wine lover. Plus it makes a great early Christmas pressie, or a unique end-of-year gig with workmates and friends. Tickets are $165.00 per person plus booking fee—get your tickets here. - VIcki Young
Lillius' 8th Birthday
22 November | Lillius | $$$
Image credit: Lillius | Vicki Young
Tāmaki Makaurau’s Lillius are celebrating eight incredible years this Saturday with both chef-owners in the kitchen—Shannon and Fraser are cooking up a special menu for one day only. Having dined there for a special birthday celebration a while back, I can confirm what a memorable dining experience I was treated to—I was blown away with beautiful cookery, attention to detail and top-tier service. I can’t wait to go back. Treat yourself to five courses for $165 per person—bookings required. - Vicki Young
The Maison Ruinart Suite by JW Marriott
'Til 30 November | JW Marriott | $$$
Image Credit: Ava Wardecki | Supplied
A full sh’bang caviar service (bathrobe and slipper-clad) is yours to tuck into—bottle of bubbles, blinis, whippy creme fresh, shaved egg, et. al.—in Auckland's most indulgent staycation: The Maison Ruinart Suite at JW Marriott.
Except it doesn't stop there. Your Ruinart bottle is wheeled into your plush suite, accompanied by pillowy oysters and a few little treats. Bumps, sips, and oyster slurps later, the suite is yours to swan around in, basking in your post-omega feast glow. Breakfast is a hoot too: included in your stay, there’s a huge buffet to tuck into the following morning. Thank goodness there’s a leisurely 1pm check-out to settle that full belly with.
The room’s a treat too: it’s kitted out with bold springtime florals, and a few little treats that we won’t give away. You’ll need to book yourself in—before the end of November—to snag this slice of indulgence. Hop to it.
Arts And Culture
An Evening With Priscilla Presley: Life After Elvis
20 November | Bruce Mason Centre | $$$
Priscilla Presley is coming to Auckland for an intimate evening unpacking her extraordinary life beyond the King of Rock 'n' Roll. More than just a former wife, Priscilla carved out her own legacy as an actress, businesswoman, and the driving force behind preserving Graceland and the Presley estate. 20 November at Bruce Mason Centre is your chance to hear firsthand stories from someone who lived through one of the most iconic eras in music history—and western culture in general—and navigated the spotlight with grace, building her own empire in the process. One night, and one night only.
Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
'Til 15 March | Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | $
A landmark presentation of 52 compelling works from the world-renowned Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opens at Auckland Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki this weekend. Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Rosalyn Drexler and many more make for a major cultural event for Aotearoa New Zealand, including high-quality examples of art born from a variety of styles, movements and mediums. Tickets required.
Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking
'Til 23 November | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Image credit: Auckland Theatre Company/Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking | Website
Closing out ASB Waterfront Theatre's 2025 season is Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, a groundbreaking adaptation of Witi Ihimaera’s epic tale. Directed by Katie Wolfe and starring Miriama McDowell, this two-part production follows Tiri Mahana, a 185-year-old matriarch, from the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to modern-day Aotearoa, and for the very first time, the play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori.
Gigs
Tool
22 & 23 November | Spark Arena | $$$
Image credit: Spark Arena | Scott Moran
The way Tool fans operate, I'm sure most of ya'll have already locked your tickets. But seeing as a second night has been added to the schedule, and with the first already sold out, I thought I'd better plug this PSA: tickets to Tool's headline visit to NZ in November are available. For now...
Pixies: Bossanova/Trompe Le Monde Night + Classic Set
23 & 24 November | Auckland Town Hall | $$$
Image credit: Liam Maxwell | Facebook
Pioneers of pre-millennium alt and indie rock and still absolutely rinsed throughout my playlists to this day, the wicked and cool Pixies are back in the antipodes for four nights, including back-to-back shows at Auckland Town Hall. Sunday 23 November heralds a Bossanova/Trompe Le Monde set, diving deep into those early '90s albums that cemented their status as alternative rock royalty, while Monday will deliver a Classic Pixies Set, pulling from the genre-defining late '80s releases that invented indie rock as we know it.
Coming Soon
RÜFÜS DU SOL
29 November | The Outer Fields, Western Springs | $$$
Image credit: RÜFÜS DU SOL | Instagram
The most mind-bending, dimension-transcending electro experience known to humankind—RÜFÜS DU SOL—will light up the expansive Outer Fields of Western Springs this November. The Australian purveyors of electronic music-meets-legendary-lights-extravaganza-times-unholy-soundscapes are just too good not to feature. So here's a very, very early heads up that they're coming to town.
Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest
Entries Open December, Grand Final 11 July 2026
New Zealand's premier classical singing competition is entering a new era with a fitting rebrand: from 2026, it'll be known as the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest. The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation has taken on principal naming rights for the 69-year-old competition, which has launched the careers of some of Aotearoa's brightest operatic stars, including Dame Kiri herself. It's a full-circle moment. Entries open December 2025, with the Grand Final Gala set for 11 July 2026.
A Christmas Carol
3–7 December | The Civic | $$-$$$
Bah humbug, it's nigh Christmas Carol season! And accordingly, Auckland Live is bringing Shake & Stir Theatre Co.'s award-winning adaptation of Dickens' classic to The Civic for a strictly limited run that's basically become Australia's festive tradition (127,000 people can't be wrong). Follow miserable ol' Scrooge through his famous, ghostly tribulations and expect live music, lavish costumes, innovative video design—genuine snow—and enough festive joy to melt even the coldest heart – perfect for the whole whanau or anyone who has a few cobwebs behind their ribcage that need dusting out. What's more, Auckland Live is partnering with Auckland City Mission, so your ticket helps spread actual Christmas cheer beyond the theatre—taking a lesson from the cantankerous man himself.
The Nutcracker
'Til 4-13 December | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre | $$
An eagerly anticipated new production of the world’s most beloved ballet classic, The Nutcracker. It's a Christmas staple that's captivated generations of audiences, and it's just in time for summer. Of course, we do Christmas a bit different down here, so it's quite fitting this production should feature "a uniquely Kiwi touch, transporting audiences to the nostalgia of childhood holidays at the beach in Act I, before being carried in Act II to the snowy Southern Alps, where we encounter a fairytale Kingdom of the Sweets—ome of which may look quite familiar…" Courtesy of RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall and driven by Tchaikovsky.
FAM — Food. Art. Music.
6 December | Karangahape Road | Free
Image credit: Karangahape Road | Website
Every first Saturday of the month, the mythical and gorgeous K' Road transforms into a full-sensory extravaganza with FAM—a bold celebration of Aotearoa's finest food, art, and music. From noon till 6pm, this pulsing street party will showcase local talent across multiple disciplines, shifting one of Auckland's most iconic streets into its very top gear.
Manuka Phuel Chasing the Fox
12 December | Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club | $$$
Image credit: Chasing the Fox | Facebook
Our nation's greatest golfer is back with the ultimate golf showdown. This year he's bringing a mate from the international tour to help him fend off New Zealand's finest athletes and media personalities in a six-hole, ambros-styled battle royale at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club—it's Fox & Friend—versus teams of three from across NZ's upper echelon – and if there's a tie, it all comes down to a sudden-death playoff on the final party hole. The whole thing airs live and free on TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+, and the best bit? Each team plays for prize money going straight to their chosen charity. Some of the more exclusive packages are still available, but fairway side GA has a waitlist.
Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour
1 January | Spark Arena | $$
Image credit: @nerdgangceas | Instagram
Global sensation and Instagram-reel-clap-back-clip sensation Matt Rife is gracing us with his talented presence and chiselled jawline at the very start of next year. On New Year's Day of all days, he'll be packing out and amusing Spark Arena for his only Auckland show on the Stay Golden World Tour. Love his stuff? GA is just $99, so make sure you grab a ticket before it's too late.
ASB Classic
5-17 January | Manuka Doctor Arena | $$
Image credit: ASB Classic | Supplied
What is summer for Auckland? Beaches, sailing, roadies, rock pools, fish and chips and world-class tennis—just to name a few. Yep, I can't believe I'm saying this, but in a short while, one of the hottest fixtures in the 09 summer calendar—the ASB Classic—will be back to rock the Manuka Doctor Arena, serving another stellar lineup of global stars including Naomi Osaka, Gael Monfils, and hometown hero Lulu Sun. Epic rallies, summertime vibes and bubbling champs, all to be expected. Unforgettable moments, on and off the court, guaranteed.
Arthur Hill: Stella Aus NZ Tour
17 & 19 January | The Tuning Fork | $$-$$$
Image credit: Arthur Hill/Secret Sounds | Supplied
The twenty-twenties are the age of TikTok stars touring to The Tuning Fork. Who woulda thunk it. Well, for one, Arthur Hill, who's gone from internet phenom to bona fide artist touring all the way to the antipodes. You can catch him at the aforementioned Fork in all his melodical glory, come Monday, 19 January—his first Saturday show has already sold out.
Laneway
6 February | Western Springs | $$$
Image credit: Laneway | Chontalle Musson
Heard the news? The big one is back.
St Jerome's Laneway Festival will once again be packing the grass of Western Springs for what some consider the flagship of Aotearoa's gig calendar. The lineup has been dropped to much fizz—Chappell Roan headlining—and look at that, tickets are already selling like hotcakes.
ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland
14 & 15 February | Online | $$$
Image credit: Sail GP | Supplied
With 2025's Grand Prix blowing fans out of the water, I feel it's very prudent that I inform you all that ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland tickets are on sale this week. Keen? Jump onto Sail GP to score a ticket, and hopefully get so close you can feel the salt spray from these boat cowboys. Yeeeehaw.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
19, 20 & 21 February | Eden Park | $$
Image credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | Supplied
For the first time in its 75-year history, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is marching all the way to Auckland, and lock-step with them will be over 1,100 performers from more than 12 countries. Talk about a show. Fresh from selling out Edinburgh Castle throughout August (230,000 people can vouch for the spectacle), this world-class lineup includes UK Military Bands from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, the New Zealand Defence Force, Australian Defence Force, His Majesty's Royal Marines, Norway's King's Guard Band and Drill Team, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians, and fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps. Scottish actor Terence Rae brings the storytelling, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei delivers the welcome, and local bands, including Auckland Police Pipes and Drums, join the mix. Stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound, and stunning visuals all under the stars at Eden Park for three nights of pageantry that blends timeless British Armed Forces tradition with modern performance. It's the Tattoo's most ambitious international stadium production to date.
Soweto Gospel Choir
29 March | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$
Image credit: Soweto Gospel Choir | Stefan Meekers Concertphotography
The three-time Grammy®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is bringing their globally acclaimed show to Christchurch's Town Hall, and if you missed their two sold-out nights earlier this year, now's your second chance to nail down tickets. If you aren't familiar with these incredible performers, they celebrate Nelson Mandela's Freedom Movement and the Civil Rights era with South African liberation songs, gospel classics, and contemporary hits from legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Sam Cooke. Dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music—it's an all-ages affair.
5 Seconds of Summer: Everyone's A Star! World Tour
24 October 2026 | Spark Arena | $$$
Image credit: 5 Seconds of Summer | Facebook
PSA: Aussie pop-rock juggernauts 5SOS are bringing their Everyone's A Star! World Tour to Spark Arena next year. What started as four mates making noise in a Sydney garage has evolved into one of the biggest live acts on the planet, delivering arena-shaking anthems and sing-along moments that hit right in the feels. So here's a heads up—it's an all-ages show and tickets are live.
Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.
Main image credit: Sulthan Auliya
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