What’s on this Easter in New Zealand!

TL;DR: From a coastal retreat to sewing your own Easter basket, adventuring to the iconic Easter Show, or exploring a heritage egg hunt, we’ve rounded up six "ear-resistible" ways to make your 2026 Easter truly egg-straordinary!

Kia ora, Aotearoa! Ngā mihi o te Aranga!

Are you ready to have an egg-stra special Easter? Whether you’re on the North Island or on the South Island, it’s time to get hopping! We’ve rounded up the top events across the country this Easter, so you, your family and friends can have a truly ‘egg-cellent’ time. No matter where you are, there’s a local treasure waiting to be found, from creative workshops and zen retreats to iconic Easter shows. Here is our list of the six most 'ear-resistible' ways to fill your Easter.

1. 2026 Auckland Easter Show

It’s the big one! The Auckland Easter Show is a legendary Kiwi tradition that is, quite simply, egg-straordinary. As the "Golden Carrot" of the holiday lineup, this iconic event is a total sensory feast, from the dizzying heights of the carnival rides to the sweet, sticky magic of the candy floss. You’d be hopping mad to miss the high-energy Action Arena shows, the cuddly chaos of Farmyard Friends, or the global flavours at the ‘Taste of Cultures’, making it a spectacular showcase of fun for every type of bunny in the family this year!

• Where: Auckland Showgrounds 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland
• When: Friday, 3 April - Monday, 6 April 2026
• Get tickets: Find all the info here

2. Lush: Easter School Holiday Workshops

Ready to smell as sweet as a hot cross bun? Hop over to Lush for a hands-on workshop that is "eggs-actly" what the Easter Bunny ordered to keep your little ones entertained this Easter. These in-store sessions let kids get creative by crafting their own Toby’s Magic Cow bath bomb while learning the secrets behind handmade treats that are almost (but not quite!) good enough to eat. Beyond the fizz, they can join the hunt for the hidden Rockstar Rabbit and show off their artistic skills in a special Easter colouring competition.

• Where: Lush (various locations)
• When: Various dates throughout the Easter School Holidays
• Get tickets: Lush Easter Workshops

3. Howick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza

Step back in time for an old-school Easter that feels truly timeless! The Historical Village puts on a show that is sweet as honey, with plenty of heritage charm. You can hunt for a chocolate egg by solving clues through a trail of historic cottages and gardens, or catch the Easter Fairy training new recruits in a live show by Act One Productions. From face painting and gelato to traditional races and a high-energy "Bunny Boogie" dance-off, there is enough magic to keep the kids moving all day. Make a day of it by wandering next door to the Village Farmers Market at Bell House to snag some artisan treats and handmade treasures. It’s a classic, family-friendly Easter celebration.

• Where: 75 Bells Road, Auckland, Auckland, 2010, New Zealand 
• When: Sunday, 5 April 2026
• Get tickets: Howick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza

4. Sew an Easter Egg Basket

Have you always wanted to get into crafting but never quite found the right moment to start? This is your sign to start crafting this Easter brought to you by Auckland Council Waste Solutions. Why not swap the plastic store-bought baskets for a beautiful, eco-friendly version you’ve sewn yourself! This tail-ored workshop is all about turning that creative spark into a practical skill. Your Easter eggs will look stunning sitting in a handmade home that’s as sustainable as it is stylish.

• Where: 135 Chamberlain Road, Massey, Auckland 0614, New Zealand
• When: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
• Get tickets: Sew an Easter Egg Basket

5. Papamoa Easter Yoga Kirtan Meditation Retreat 2026

Looking for a break from the usual chocolate-filled routine? This Easter, ditch the traditional path and find your peace at the Papamoa Yoga Kirtan Meditation Retreat for a soul-recharging long weekend by the sea. Dive into morning meditation, wisdom talks with Acharya das, and vibrant evening kirtans, with plenty of free time in the afternoons to explore local waterfalls and beaches. The event is fully catered with plant-based, egg-free meals, making it the perfect getaway to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with a like-minded community.

• Where: Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3187, New Zealand
• When: Friday, 3 April - Monday, 6 April, 2026
• Get tickets: Easter Yoga and Meditation Retreat

6. Easter Craft for the Kids

Calling all little chicks! The West Melton Community and Recreation Centre is bringing the Easter magic to Darfield, West Melton, and Rolleston with a series of festive craft sessions. Packed with colour, creativity, and tasty treats, it’s an egg-cellent way for your little bunnies to make some "ear-resistible" memories right in their local community. Whether they’re crafting or snacking, it’s the perfect holiday escape for families looking to get creative together.

• Where: multiple locations
• When: Check listing for specific event dates
• Get tickets: Register your little bunnies here

Hop to it! Many of these events sell out fast!

With so many incredible events happening from the North to the South, the only hard part is choosing where to start! Whether you're after a sustainable handmade basket or a day on the roller coaster, 2026 is shaping up to be an egg-cellent Easter. Did we miss your favourite local tradition? Let us know! Until then, enjoy the hot cross buns, stay safe on the roads, and have a wonderful holiday with lots of bunny hugs and chocolate (just remember, a balanced diet is a chocolate egg in each hand on Easter)!

Ngā mihi o te Aranga! ;)