The best activities this weekend

Runners in the Auckland Marathon cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Paddle in the pink

The Starboard Paddle For Hope. This family-friendly event raises money for breast cancer rehabilitation with paddle board have-a-go lessons, yoga-boarding, hula workshops, sprint racing and a stand up paddlbaord relay. One lucky team will win a trip for four to Hawaii.

Details: Saturday, 11am-3pm. 85 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven.

Go west

After two years under the scaffolding, the new Lopdell House gallery opens this weekend as the Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery. Go see architect tours, artist talks, short films and performance. A great new hub for the community.

Details: Saturday, 10 - 4.30pm

Running the town

The highlight of the city's running calendar, the ASB Auckland Marathon is billed as not just a run, an experience. Too late to enter now, but head to Victoria Park to help cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line. And non runners, check out traffic situation at Auckland Transport's website (the bridge is closed from 6am-1pm). Finish line Victoria Park.

Trucking Monsters

No, not of the Halloween variety, but the four-metre tall, five-tonne beasts on four wheels. Monster Jam brings fans to their feet with racing on a custom-designed track, soaring over and smashing into obstacles, stunts and acrobatics. Kids, don't try this at home (well, OK, with the Tonka toys then).

Details: Saturday and Sunday, QBE Stadium, North Harbour.

Oh, and some Shore girl is singing at Vector

The world tour of one Lorde stops here in town for Saturday's Vector show. There's a new stage production, a new hit song Yellow Flicker Beat. Dress up as her at tonight's Halloween party, spot her in town on Sunday. It's Nu Zild's way.