What's on this weekend

Francois Morellet's work 'Lamentable' which is part of the Light Show exhibition.

A handpicked selection of our favourite things happening around Auckland this weekend.

If we're not going hard out at the NRL Nines games or the city fan zone, or buying our Heidi Klum undies, we'll just have to settle for some quality time elsewhere this weekend.

1. Bright sparks

We've been meaning to go back all summer, and now there's only one more week to catch Light Show, a riot of colour and cleverness as 31 artists do inventive things with light - immersive, multi-sensory experience, you will be lost in here for hours.

Details: Until February 8, 10am-5pm (8pm February 1 and 8). Auckland Art Gallery.

2. Great shot

We're heading to the beach anyway, so will make it Piha this weekend to catch NZ Perspectives: ten stunning New Zealand photos shot by surf, travel and lifestyle photographers. Bid for them online auction to donate to the club (drinking the sponsor Corona's brew will also help). A stunning way to end the day, watching the sun go down.

Details: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until March 1, 4.30-sunset. Piha Surf Club

3. Dare devils

The crazy, crazy folks from Nitro Circus are back in town, with insane new tricks - Wall of Death, the Launch and Splat and the BMX Trigant-A-Ramp. There's a multi-million dollar set, a whole new repertoire of heart-stopping tricks. Kids don't try this at home.

Details: Sunday, 5.30pm. QBE Stadium.

4. On yer bike

More modest riders can celebrate Bike Wise Month at the Silo Park Bike Market. Look for accessories and apparel, bike maintenance and equipment plus entertainment, workshops, displays and children's.

Details: Sunday, 12-6pm. Silo Park.

5. More beachy fun

Sunday's Takapuna Family Beach Day has live entertainment, the big beach dig, sandcastle competition, markets, beach games, rides, big slides and music from Jamie McDell, Josh Leys, Sam Allen and more.

Details: Sunday, 11am-8pm. Takapuna Beach.