Hop in and let Christmas magic drive you into the city lights. Photo / Getty Images
Hop in and let Christmas magic drive you into the city lights. Photo / Getty Images
Auckland’s magical Christmas ride
Straight to the Heart offers one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Auckland. This free festive taxi service invites Kiwis to hail a Christmas-branded cab right from the street and be swept into the city centre’s glowing holiday atmosphere.
Each taxi becomes part ride, partadventure as it drops passengers at a surprise festive location filled with lights, shopping, and seasonal energy. Riders can choose from eight illuminated destinations: Christmas Wonder Lane, Santa’s Studio, the Giant Christmas Tree, Neon Tree, Giant Baubles, Queen Street Columns, the Pavilion and Neon Star, and Santa’s Magical Wonderland. The mystery of the destination adds excitement, encouraging families, couples, and friends to wander, explore, and rediscover the city in a new way. For travellers who crave experiences that feel spontaneous and cinematic, Straight to the Heart delivers a charming, unforgettable journey that captures the spirit of Christmas in Aotearoa. heartofthecity.co.nz/straight-to-the-heart-of-christmas
Auckland's Christmas taxis are on the move, taking Aucklanders straight into the sparkle. Photo / Instagram, @heartofaklcity
Let’s welcome the holiday season with a festive day of shopping, food, and holiday sparkle at Britomart’s Christmas Market. On November 30, Takutai Square and Te Ara Tahuhu will transform into a vibrant holiday hub from 8am to 2pm, offering one of the city’s most joyful ways to kick off the Christmas countdown. Visitors can browse beautifully curated stalls featuring handcrafted gifts, artisan homewares, and locally designed accessories, making it easy to find something meaningful for loved ones.
Seasonal bites and festive treats add to the charm, while twinkling decorations bring a touch of holiday magic to every corner. With its lively energy and community feel, Britomart’s Christmas Market offers Kiwis a delightful way to start the season. britomart.org/whats-on
Shop, taste, and wander through Britomart’s festive market magic. Photo / Britomart
Summer in Wānaka
While much of New Zealand gears up for Christmas, Wānaka is already dropping into full summer mode with the return of the Wānaka Beer and Comedy Fest on December 6. Held at the A&P Showgrounds, the event blends sunshine, craft beer, and live entertainment in a way only a Lakeside summer can. Guests can taste local brews, munch on festival eats, and watch comedy heavyweights Ben Hurley, Josh Thomson, and Hayley Sproull light up the comedy tent. Add karaoke, live music, painting stations, frisbee golf, laser clay shooting, and even a golf-punt competition, and you have a festival that feels like a celebration of everything fun about summer. For Kiwis looking to travel south before the Christmas rush, this is the best way to toast the season. wanaka.co.nz/event/wanaka-beer-fest
Summer officially starts at the Wānaka Beer and Comedy Fest. Photo / Wanaka Beer and Comedy Fest
Afro-summer festival
For those who prefer sunshine and music over tinsel and trees, NYEGE: A Festive Wellness Carnival brings a refreshing alternative to early December. On December 6, Aotea Square transforms into a vibrant celebration of Afro-diasporic rhythm and wellness, hosted by Black Creatives Aotearoa. The day blends yoga, freestyle dance, live drumming, and DJ sets from artists such as Wendy Douglas, DJ ORIKoL, Celeste Botha, and more.
Families and friends can enjoy an open, creative space where movement and community take centre stage. For Kiwi travellers who chase experiences that feel unique and culturally rich, NYEGE offers a meaningful summer outing right in the heart of the city. aucklandlive.co.nz/show/cits25-nyege-a-festive-wellness-carnival
Music at the Waterfront
If you’re looking for a new way to unwind on Thursday afternoons, Takutai Tunes at Britomart delivers the perfect excuse. From December 4, Takutai Square will host DJs, drinks and easy summer vibes from 4-7pm. Grab a snack from Tyler St, claim a spot on the lawn, and ease into the end of the day with great music.
Expect fresh sounds each week: Steelo brings rhythm-heavy blends on December 4, Julian Dennison makes a special appearance on December 11, and DJ Nickalee wraps things up on December 18 with a high-energy global mix. britomart.org/whats-on
Catch the rhythm at Auckland’s favourite waterfront hangout. Photo / Britomart
