Auckland 2019: What's On, What's New and What You Need to Do

No matter the season and no matter your interests, the event lineup for Auckland in 2019 has something for everyone.

The new year kicks off with a smack of cricket bats and whack of tennis rackets with both the Burger King Super Smash T20 and ASB Classic; space enthusiasts can go “Above and Beyond” with a new immersive aerospace exhibition at MOTAT; and theatre-lovers can venture into a whole new world with Disney's Aladdin - The Musical.

It doesn't stop there with an exciting array of sporting events, music events, exhibitions, theatrical shows, exciting hotel openings, and new tourism experiences all taking place throughout 2019, alongside Auckland's annual calendar of events.

Auckland's city centre is undergoing exciting transformation, which includes four world-class hotels opening in 2019 including the five-star SKYCITY Horizon and Park Hyatt; additionally, New Zealand's largest property development, Commercial Bay, is on track to be finished by September.

The $1 billion project will bring together high-quality retail, food and beverage, its own luxury hotel and the new PwC Tower.

Another exciting prospect for 2019 is saying goodbye to the winter blues with a new and uniquely Auckland winter festival serving up a variety of different food and lighting events across the region in July.

With so many events and experiences to choose from all year long - alongside the region's stunning natural playground, range of tourism activities and delicious food and beverage options - Auckland is the perfect destination for everyone, at any time of the year.

Here's a sample of events we're excited about in 2019:

1. Disney's Aladdin - The Musical, The Civic, Queen St (3 January – 10 February)

One of the world's most raved about musicals is finally hitting New Zealand shores! Aladdin: The Musical is based on the 1992 Disney animation Aladdin – sing-alongs from the audiences are expected.

2. Auckland Lantern Festival, Auckland Domain (14-17 February)

Celebrate Chinese New Year and the Festival's 20th anniversary! More than 800 handmade Chinese lanterns will light up the Auckland Domain where you can enjoy the tastes of Asia, watch live music, dance, and martial arts performances; then top it all off with the spectacular fireworks finale. With free entry, it's great weekend of fun for all ages.

3. Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA, Alexandra Park (15 February – 3 March)

The famous Cirque du Soleil is bringing another incredible show to New Zealand in 2019. KOOZA returns to its circus origins with a performance that focuses on stunning acrobatics and the art of clowning.

4. Baking school opening at Chelsea Bay, Birkenhead (early 2019)

Chelsea Bay, a sugar factory on Auckland's North Shore, recently relaunched tours around its factory floor and opened a new cafe. In early 2019, they will offer adult and children's baking lessons in the Edmonds Baking School, which is bound to be the source of many amateur bake-off competitions amongst work colleagues, friends and family.

5. Pasifika Festival, Western Springs Park (23-24 March)

Pack a picnic rug, and step into the relaxed but vibrant atmosphere that can only be Pasifika. Pasifika Festival is made up of 11 unique villages – each with their own performance stage and market setting – that showcase the cultures of 11 Pacific Island nations. Wander the market stalls for delicious food, plus traditional arts and crafts.

6. Park Hyatt Auckland, opening May

This will be the first Park Hyatt hotel in New Zealand. This exciting project is an exemplar of what the Wynyard Quarter revitalization is all about: quality design and builds at the highest sustainability standards and a site use that contributes to economic activity on the waterfront.

7. Commercial Bay, opening September

The Commercial Bay project is set to transform Auckland's CBD and waterfront. The $1 billion project will bring together high-quality retail, food and beverage, its own luxury hotel and the new PwC Tower. Commercial Bay will be a great hub to grab a bite to eat, catch up with friends over a few drinks, and for treating yourself to a fabulous shopping spree.

8. Auckland Diwali Festival (October)

Celebrate our most vibrant Indian festival with food, entertainment, dancing and crafts. Diwali is an important and ancient Indian festival celebrated throughout India and in Indian communities around the world. The Auckland Diwali Festival brings Aucklanders and visitors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds together to celebrate and experience Indian culture in its many exciting forms.

9. International and domestic sporting events – throughout the year

Kick off the year in the sun at the ASB Classic watching tennis superstars from around the world, or from the stands at Eden Park for upcoming international and domestic cricket matches. Then later in the year, warm up your winter by cheering on your favourite netball, football and rugby teams. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for other local sporting events, including any announcements for the Auckland Tuatara – our local heroes of baseball!

10. Top international and local live music in Auckland – throughout the year

From international acts to music festivals and the best of home-grown artists, you can hear the best in Auckland. Check out Splore or St Jerome's Laneway Festivals, or grab tickets to Lily Allen, Greta Van Fleet, Mumford & Sons, Six60, Florence + The Machine, Eagles, The Hollies, Fat Freddy's Drop, Kiss, Don Giovanni presented by APO and much, much more!

To find out more about what to see and do in Auckland in 2019 and beyond, visit aucklandnz.com/visit.