You don’t need to go to Auckland to have fun this long weekend. Tauranga also boasts some amazing activities and festivals to attend over the Auckland Anniversary Weekend. Here are a few ideas for you:
For couples: The Merchant of Venice in Tauranga Historic Village
This is the fourth year in a row that the Tauranga Historic Village will host the Outdoor Summer Shakespeare Season on its cobbled streets. This year a talented cast of actors perform in The Merchant of Venice – a great story of a Jewish moneylender who demands that an antisemitic Christian offer “a pound of flesh” as collateral against a loan.
The bar opens at 6.30pm. Come early and enjoy a refreshing drink while strolling through the vibrant streets of the Historic Village. You can buy tickets at the bar, though they are subject to availability, so it’s better to book in advance.
At 7pm guests will take their seats in an area next to the Historic Village Radio (have you read our article about this non-commercial radio station?). Bring a warm blanket with you, just in case! In spite of Tauranga bathing in a heatwave at the moment it still might get chilly after sunset – it will be the perfect moment to cuddle with your other half.
General admission is $28 but we highly recommend the Sunday Night Deal – 2 tickets for $30.
For besties: Yoga + Oils workshop
Grab your bestie for some stretching and an oils workshop out under the sun at Moa Park, Mt Maunganui this Sunday at 5 pm. Showing up together means a $20 entry fee instead of normal $15. It’s your first time? Even better! Newbies get in for free!
Kirsten will take you through an intuitive flow to help release tension, build strength throughout your body and mind and help you feel grounded, calm and ready to start the week.
All levels are welcome.
For families: Vintage & Retro sale at Tauranga Historic Village
A free activity for the whole family! Preloved high fashion for kids, men and women will be on sale this Saturday, starting 9 am.
And don’t let the name of the market fool you – there will also be some modern outfits to choose from.
It’s a cash only event and all profits go to the mental health recovery service. Turning Point Trust.
For social butterflies: One Love 2019
Don’t you even think about visiting the Tauranga CBD this weekend unless, of course, it’s for One Love, New Zealand’s largest reggae festival. It does cause some road closures and major traffic though this shouldn’t be anything to complain about, as it also means a selection of the best acts in the world.
This year’s line-up includes headliner UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue. Also gracing the stage is Ky Mani Marley, son of Bob Marley! The other international big-hitters are British legend Maxi Priest, Hawaiian reggae Kings Kolohe Kai and US soul singer LaTasha Lee.
The festival craze starts on Saturday at 11 am and will last til’ Sunday 11.30 pm. You can visit both days or only one.