Hundreds of children, parents, and even dogs filled Auckland’s streets in costumes ranging from ghouls and devils to broccoli.
Some of Auckland’s Halloween hotspots were expected to attract more than 600 trick-or-treaters, with homeowners preparing for the onslaught with up to 8kg of lollies.
Children on one busy Mt Eden street, Marsden Ave, were made to partake in tricks and games to receive the treats.
One house had keen trick-or-treaters attempt to flip a bottle successfully before they could get their hands on the sweets.
Homes were decorated with spider webs, blood, dangling body parts and even smoke and sound effects.
Some owners said it took up to a week to complete the intricate designs.
One of the homes on Marsden Ave filled a car bonnet with a faux decomposing body that brave children had to pluck sweets from.
A mother told the Herald she dressed as a broccoli, which she joked was the scariest possible thing for her children.
Over on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd, adults took part in the Halloween fun, with many of the bars and restaurants filled to the brim with spooky patrons.
Just off from the hospitality hotspot, a dog dress-up parade was hosted at Myers Park.
Dogs and owners in coordinated outfits strutted their stuff in front of a crowd of more than 100 people.
WHAT: Billed as “a night of chaos, creativity, and pure Halloween magic”, Karangahape Rd’s Halloween celebrations will include DJs, live music, performers, lasers, a market, family-fun, tattoos and more. A trick or treat trail will be perfect for children, and there’s even a parade for dressed-up dogs. Drag Queens Kita Mean and Rita Menu will host a costume competition for over-16s.
WHERE: Karangahape Rd, central Auckland
WHEN: October 31, from 6pm to late
WHAT: On now until November 2, the Sky Tower is playing host to a range of events, including monster makeover face painting, a ghost hunt on levels 51 and 60, and Lewis Road Creamery “spooktacular” milkshakes. Dress in costume and you’ll receive 10% off your ticket price.
WHERE: Sky Tower, central Auckland
WHEN: October 31-November 2
WHAT: Get your spook on with fortune telling, graveyard tunes, creepy crafts, zombie makeovers and spot prizes in the heart of Mt Eden Village.
WHERE: Essex Reserve, Mt Eden Village
WHEN: November 1, 12-2pm
WHAT: Activities, food trucks, and Halloween magic galore, with a Trick or Treat Lane, a haunted house, face painting, and two movie screenings - The Nightmare Before Christmas from 5.30pm, and then Ghostbusters from 7.30pm. Fifteen percent of all food truck sales go towards Life Education Trust, and there’s even a bar for grown-ups.
WHERE: Suburbs Rugby Football Club, New Lynn
WHEN: November 1, 3pm-10pm
WHAT: Let the kids burn off the sugar rush, dancing the afternoon away to a DJ, with glow sticks and games, disco lights, a costume contest and spot prizes. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $10 per person, plus booking fee.
WHERE: Nixon Park Community Hall, 70 Sale St, Howick
WHEN: November 2, 3.30pm-5pm
WHAT: Several homes on Stonefields’ Marutuahu Rd, Morrin Rd, and Stonefields Ave have been transformed into spooky haunted houses for the weekend. There’s a spooky survival scavenger hunt along the haunted house trail, snacks, a photo opportunity at a pumpkin patch, and even spot prizes for the best costumes. Street parking is along Morrin Rd.
WHERE: 7 Marutuahu Rd, as well as the surrounding neighbourhood
WHEN: October 31- November 1, 4pm-7pm
WHAT: Butterfly Creek is a fun family day out year-round, but there’s extra excitement this weekend with Halloween-themed events and activities. Face painting is available, with an entertainer from 10am-2pm, and there’s an all-day giant pumpkin hunt where you can be in to win prize packs filled with lollies and other treats. Animal encounters are available from 10am. Tickets are $16 for children aged 15 and under and $32 for anyone older than 16.
WHERE: Butterfly Creek, Manukau
WHEN: November 1-2, 10am onwards
WHAT: Usually an adults’ only experience, Spookers is hosting a family friendly event for Halloween. Wander through the woods to collect treats, as “creepy creatures” lurk from the trees. There’s also the Moon Bloom Markets, selling everything from Gothic trinkets to handmade craft, or you could grab a bite to eat at the Spookers cafe instead. Tickets are $13 per child and adults are free if they’re not trick or treating.
WHERE: Spookers Haunted House, 833 Kingseat Rd, Karaka
WHEN: November 1, 2-4pm
These are some of the streets and neighbourhoods that Facebook community groups and Reddit users suggest are the best for trick or treating opportunities.
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