Make the most of the month of May with a range of thrilling activities happening around Auckland. From diverse festivals, interactive pop-ups and celebratory events like Mother’s Day…you won’t be bored. Discover 15 of the best things to do this May 2023 in Auckland.
1. Attend NZ International Comedy Festival
The NZ International Comedy Festival returns between May 5 and 28. This year the event will celebrate 30 years, offering more than 150 local and international comedians and 600 performances across both Auckland and Wellington, as well as plenty of entertainment and workshops. Patrons will be entertained by the likes of Chris Parker, Ed Byrne, Haley Sproull, and many more comedians.
đź“ŤVarious Locations
2. Go to a beauty festival
Why not check out one of the best festivals on May 6 and 7. Beauty gurus will adore Beauty Nation, which is New Zealand’s first-ever beauty festival. It will feature six different zones, with more than 80 exhibitors, and an expected crowd of 10,000 people to attend. From retail pop-ups to beauty experts giving revealing all their tips, an immersive Drag zone and lots more…you won’t be bored.
đź“ŤShed 10, Auckland
3. Experience the Kinky Boots Broadway Musical
From May 25 to June 17, world-famous Kinky Boots The Musical will hit Auckland and Wellington. The Grammy, Tony and Oliver-winning broadway show features iconic music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and is based on the book by Harvey Fierstein…you won’t want to miss this uplifting and hilarious hit show, based on a true story, adapted to the stage. Read further about Kinky Boots in Auckland. Definitely, one of the best things to do this May.
đź“ŤThe Civic Theatre, Auckland
4. Celebrate Mother’s Day 2023
Mums have it hard, from early morning to late evening, they are persecuted by everyone in the household. And, incase you forgot, Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14 so time for mum to be spoilt rotten. From cosy afternoon teas to creative workshops, and boozy feasts…we’ve listed the best things to do on Mother’s Day 2023.
đź“Ť Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Chocolate Shops In Auckland
5. See Hamilton live
Another globally acclaimed musical lands in Auckland this May to the delight of fans. From May 26 to June 11, Hamilton lovers will be able to watch the award-winning musical, at Spark Arena, for the first time in New Zealand history. It tells the story of the Founding Fathers of America, Alexander Hamilton, blending together singing, dancing and rapping, while exploring politics in America. Learn more about Hamilton in Auckland.
đź“ŤSpark Arena, Auckland
6. Tuck into Wahlburgers
Famous burger joint, Wahlburgers, opened in Auckland in March. Located at Shed 22 on Princes Wharf, the famous burger chain – which is owned by Hollywood celebrity Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, Chef Paul and Donnie – is the first-ever Wahlburgers in New Zealand. Enjoy drooling, burgers, milkshakes and more from this highly anticipated restaurant. Read further about it here.
đź“ŤShed 22, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD, 1010
7. See a rare female T.Rex skeleton
Auckland Museum is the only place globally currently hosting a female T.Rex skeleton, alongside Peter, the male one. Barbara is only one of three female T.rex’s on record, measuring 11.7 metres long and 3.4 metres high. Plus, she was pregnant at the time of death. Perfect for those who live and breathe science!
đź“ŤAuckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland Central, Auckland
8. Try unique Japanese street food
Yooa & Tako is a Japanese street food restaurant located on Elliot Street in the CBD. The Anime-themed red food truck offers some of the most authentic Takoyaki and Japanese street food at an affordable cost. Read all about it here.
đź“Ť1 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
9. Take the SkySlide
This new virtual reality attraction involves state-of-the-art technology taking you on an adrenaline-pumping slide from 186m above Auckland’s skyline. As you slide down imaginary glass tubes, you’ll feel the intensity as if it’s reality.
đź“ŤSky Tower, Main Observation Deck, Auckland
10. Play at Holey Moley Golf Club
As one of the best date ideas in Auckland, you won’t get bored in this house of fun. Enjoy mini golf experience paired cocktails, scrumptious food and plenty of instagrammable moments.
đź“Ť 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
11. Hideaway in a secret new cocktail bar
ACS is a cosy new cocktail bar hidden above The Broken Lantern on Ponsonby Road last month. Concepted by the folks from Parasol & Swing, this beautiful bar is perfect for a late-night drink, however, you won’t get in without the password. Read further about it here.
đź“ŤLevel 2, 198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
12. Visit NZ’s highest rooftop bar
Why not check out New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar that just opened last year? It’s one of the best things to do this May in Auckland for sure. Read all about Bar Albert here.
SEE MORE: The Greatest Rooftops To Hang Out At In Auckland
13. Attend a Candlelight concert
The globally famous Candlelight concerts have upped their game in Auckland with more tributes to contemporary artists. Expect some epic tributes this month. See the best upcoming candlelight concerts here.
đź“ŤVarious Locations
14. Try Escape Rooms
Why not battle it out in an escape room some weekend day? Get tickets here.
đź“ŤVictoria Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
15. Go on an instagrammable adventure
The photo lovers among us will adore the most instagrammable places in Auckland along with the most instagrammable eateries. Meanwhile, the foodies can get their hands on the most instagrammable food dishes in Auckland.
đź“Ť Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Brunches In Auckland