With New Zealand heading into summer, there’s no better place to be than Auckland.
The country’s biggest city is a hub of activity in November, with plenty of concerts, sports and outdoor events happening every week. Here’s a look at the nine best events yet to happen in Auckland this November.
1. Farmers Santa Parade (Sunday 27 November)
This iconic, annual event is a must-see in Auckland this November.
Happening from 1pm onwards on Auckland’s Queen Street, the Farmers Santa Parade will feature hundreds of different floats from organisations across the city. There will also be marching bands, entertainers and various different TV characters present, with a free Santa Party taking place immediately afterwards in Aotea Square.
In the 89th year of this tradition, this is an excellent free event for all the whanau to enjoy.
2. David Gray Live at the Spark Arena (Saturday 26 November)
The last weekend of November will see British singer-songwriter David Gray performing at the Spark Arena in Parnell.
David Gray is on his White Ladder 20th anniversary tour, and will be exclusively singing songs from his breakthrough album White Ladder in 1998. First recorded using budget equipment in David Gray’s bedroom, the album went on to be triple platinum, and one of the most popular albums in the United Kingdom.
The tour has been delayed several times due to Covid-19, so fans will be excited to get to this event when the doors open at 8:15 PM on Saturday 26 November.
3. Pink Floyd Music & Lasers at the Stardome (Tuesday 22 November)
For those who love music, but aren’t into the steaming crowds of a live concert, then this event is for you.
The Stardome in Auckland will be playing Pink Floyd’s most famous albums, the Dark Side of the Moon and the Wall, in their planetarium theatre. The rendition will be accompanied by a psychedelic laser show in the dome’s ceiling, creating an immersive album experience for viewers to lose themselves in as they allow their senses to be taken on a journey.
Screening takes place from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Tuesday 22 November, and Sunday 27 November.
4. Nitro Circus Live at Mt Smart Stadium (Saturday 26 November)
If action is what you’re after, then look no further than Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday 26 November.
The boys from Nitro Circus will be in town, performing their first live show in Auckland since before the pandemic. Fans can expect an evening of high octane, adrenaline-filled entertainment, with stunts designed to get the heart racing. From motorbikes to monster trucks and everything in between, Nitro Circus will have you on the edge of your seat with their daring stunts and tricks performed live.
Action will be led by BMX champion Ryan Williams, with the show kicking off at 6:00 PM on Saturday 26 November.
5. Ponsonby Central Christmas Market (Sunday 27 November)
For something a little calmer, the Ponsonby Central Christmas Market offers a relaxing introduction to the Christmas spirit this season.
Known for its great selection of stalls and high-quality handmade goods, this market is a fantastic place to come for a Sunday stroll. Be sure to try out some of the edible festive goodies for sale as well, with great home baked items to be found here each year.
6. Black Caps vs India at Eden Park (Friday 25 November)
Fresh off a strong semi final run at the T20 World Cup 2022, the Black Caps will take on India in six white ball matches on home soil.
The first of these ODI games will be played at Eden Park, and should be a cracking match. With gates opening at 1pm, this day/nighter is expected to be high scoring, and will be a great way to start the weekend a little bit early if you can get the afternoon off.
7. Demolition Derby at Waikaraka Speedway (Saturday 26 November)
Speaking of exciting contests, the whole family can head down to this one.
On Saturday night, one of the best spectacles in motorsport will be occurring at the Waikaraka Speedway: A demolition derby. With dozens of cars smashing into each other until there is only one left moving, this event will have you roaring with laughter and gasping with awe at the same time. Add to this some of the more serious racing action with Stockcars, Super Stocks and Ministocks all racing, and this will be an excellent evening’s entertainment.
Gates open at 4:00 PM and racing starts by 7:00 PM, with kids under seven free.
8. Carols on the Green in St Heliers (Sunday 27 November)
From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM next Sunday evening, the Vellenoweth Green in St Heliers will be alive with the sound of carol singing.
This event is perfect to take the kids to, all will be all wrapped up in time for bed. Take a picnic blanket and some snacks, nestle in and enjoy the choir performing a collection of New Zealand’s favourite Christmas carols to welcome in the festive spirit.
9. New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers at the Spark Arena (Sunday 20 November)
It’s basketball season again in New Zealand, and our very own New Zealand Breakers have several home games over the summer.
Currently sitting at second in the NBL, the Breakers will come up against the seventh placed Adelaide 36ers at home this weekend. Adelaide will be desperate for a win, while the Breakers always want to perform in front of their home crowd. This should be a great spectacle to watch, with the gates opening from 5:00 PM and play starting at 7:30 PM.
Whether you’re into concerts, sport or simply strolling around soaking up the sights and smells of summer, there’s something on for you in Auckland this November. Let us know in the comments below if there’s an event we’ve missed that you’re heading to this month.
