As hard as it is to face, the reality of Autumn is fast approaching.
We have put together our top events that will let you make the most of the remaining weeks of warm weather, or at least help you stay in denial for a little while longer.
Mumm’s ‘Club De Plage’ Racing Village at Auckland Cup Week
March 4 -11
At the top of our list is the Mumm Racing Village at the Barfoot and Thompson Cup Day. Mumm’s ‘Club De Plage’ is inspired by prestigious beach resorts and offers the finest experience in food, entertainment for race goers – and most importantly, champagne. The Mumm Racing Village will be at both Derby Day on March 4, and Cup Day, on March 11.
First Ever Floating Theatre, Auckland Viaduct Harbour
March 8-11
If the arts are more your thing, the First Ever Floating Theatre will be sailing into the Viaduct Harbour Marina from March 8-11. For two weeks in two spectacular locations, this intimate theatre for just 30 people will lead audiences into a transforming world where only one person holds the key… but which door does it open? A night filled with light and magic, shadows and projection mix with live performance, imagery and music.
Buy your tickets here – be quick though, spaces are very limited!
Veuve Clicquot ‘Rosé Garden’ at Ostro, Auckland
Feb 22-March 8
If you didn’t get a chance to make it to the the Veuve Clicquot ‘Rosé Garden’ Marquee at the recent NZ Polo Open, the same Rosé Garden will be transforming the Ostro deck from Feb 22 until March 12. The Rosé Garden will be brought to life by Millicent Austin, innovative floral designer of La Femme Fleur. As part of the Ostro takeover, Veuve Clicquot will also be host to a series of Rosé Garden floral masterclasses on the Seafarers rooftop with Millicent. Guests will learn how to make a bespoke floral piece inspired by her designs of the Rosé Garden Marquee, enjoy delicious rosé-inspired canapés and a few rounds of Clicquot Mallet Mini Putt. The first masterclass will be on Wednesday February 22nd from 6:30–8pm and an additional two on March 1 and 8.
Spaces are limited: book your ticket here.
The Skycity Queenstown Gibbston Wine & Food Festival
March 18
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, the Skycity Queenstown Gibbston Wine & Food Festival is the perfect place to be on March 18! The festival celebrates its 11th anniversary in the beautiful Queenstown Gardens – the perfect way to enjoy the start of Autumn!
The Garden of Wonder by Perrier-Jouët, Auckland
March 18-19
On the same weekend as the Queenstown Gibbston Food & Wine Festival is the Garden of Wonder by Perrier-Jouët in Auckland – an evening of elegant canapés and Perrier-Jouët champagne. One of the most desirable boutique champagne houses is looking to reintroduce natural beauty into Auckland’s urban environments. Perrier-Jouët champagne is paired with gourmet canapés prepared by the new Clooney chef, who will prepare everything live from the open plan kitchen.
Your ticket includes two flutes of Perrier-Jouët champagne and six canapés.
WOMAD, New Plymouth
March 17-19
The internationally established World of Music, Arts and Dance festival brings together artists from all over the globe with the central aim to celebrate the many forms of music, arts and dance across the world. If you’re looking for a family-oriented festival that is diverse this is definitely a must do! WOMAD New Zealand sees their 2017 festival located in New Plymouth from March 17-19 across seven stages.
East Imperial Gin Jubilee
Feb 27- March 4
One thing is for sure, we love a good pop up bar, especially one that involves beautiful cocktails. The East Imperial Gin Jubilee, Asia’s premier Gin Festival is coming to New Zealand from February 27 until March 4. Including pop ups, gin masterclasses, gin rambles, a closing party and an award show, the East Imperial Gin Jubilee is an integral part of the New Zealand gin revolution and we want to be a part of that!
Ann Shelton, Auckland Art Gallery
Until April 17
Another must-see at the moment is Ann Shelton’s Dark Matter exhibition, held at the Auckland Art Gallery until April 17. This exhibition sees the first major review of the New Zealand photographer’s 20 year practice. “Shelton offers new ways to look at histories that have been, and continue to be, manipulated and contrived in various ways.”
‘Carmen with L’Arlesienne’ by the Royal New Zealand Ballet
Until April 1
If the ballet is more your style, Carmen with L’Arlesienne marks two landmark works of 20th century dance – never before performed in New Zealand – and are here given their first performances by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Combining explosive drama with high-voltage technique, this programme of two iconic works by French master-choreographer Roland Petit (1924–2011) will be a white-hot start to the RNZB’s 2017 season.
Anno Domini, Auckland Art Gallery
March 12
One of our favourite summer events is back! Inspired by rooftop events popular in New York and throughout Europe, Anno Domini – held on the rooftop of the Auckland Art Gallery – sold out last season and is proving to be equally as popular for 2016/17. With a stellar line-up of local and international musical acts, delicious cocktails and amazing food options, it is the perfect way to while away a Sunday afternoon.
