What's On

Takapuna Winter Lights Is Back For 2023 Bigger And Better Than Ever

By Armelle Frimpong
27th Jul 2023

If the dark nights and chilly temperatures are killing your vibe, you'll be stoked to hear that a dazzling free light festival is returning to Takapuna at the end of July.

Takapuna Winter Lights will be lighting up the shore over four nights this July as part of the Elemental AKL festival and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever with interactive art installations, live music and performances.

Curated by none other than one of the country’s leading light artists Angus Muir (AMD) who dazzled spectators at Splore and LUMA, he says “we have plans to completely transform Hurstmere Green across four days and are excited to showcase a selection of our world-leading light installations.” 

Takapuna Beach Business Association CEO Terence Harpur says, “This year we are expecting over 45,000+ attendees to witness and immerse themselves in this awe-inspiring and educational event.”

Following on from the success of 2022's festival, this year promises an even bigger extravaganza to also include ticketed events for the first time.

First up is an epic audio-immersive hīkoi (walk) under the night sky along Takapuna Beach whilst listening to the pūrākau (stories of origin) of the land underfoot through a recorded headset sharing the history of the local parks and places whilst sharing Te Ao Māori world view of our taiao (the environment.) It's on 28 July from 6 - 6.45pm & 7 - 7.45pm and tickets are $17 and available here.

Next, immerse yourself in a unique wine tasting with the consummate wine lush, Jake Tipler, that investigates just how much light and food can change one wine at Street Organics. 29 July 6.30-8.00pm & 8.30-10.00pm and tickets for Lux Vinum are $69.48 and available here.

Catch Witness For The Prosecution by master storyteller Agatha Christie at The Pumphouse Theatre from 20-30 July. Regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller will keep you guessing until the very end. Tickets range from $21 - $29.50 and are available here.

Mark your diary for the Peter Urlich Swingin’ Sextet event at Regatta on Saturday 22 July. Expect a night of champagne cocktails, Sinatra and glam with a DJ set to finish. Tickets are $69.92 and are available here. 

So, plan to hit up your favourite eatery (or, try somewhere new), grab your mates, your warmest beanie and prepare to be dazzled.  

The Details

What: Takapuna Winter Lights
Where: Hurstmere Green, Takapuna
When: Thursday to Sunday 27-30 July 2023, 5 - 10pm.

Seize the opportunity to check out the best cafes, restaurants and bars in Takapuna.

Image credit: Lochana, Brett Phibbs, Kathryn Nobbs, David Watson. 

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