Experience Italy in Devonport
Enjoy a night of fine Italian wine, beautiful food, and live music at the iconic Stone Oven Café in Devonport, where the legendary Jean-Jacques Bourvis will guide guests through a carefully selected range of Italian wines – sharing the craft, character and stories behind each bottle. All expertly paired with food by acclaimed chef Brendan Kyle. Friday 17 April, 6.30pm, Stone Oven, Devonport Tickets at spiritofdevonport.co.nz.
Does your fur baby need a new friend?
Lazypaws, the new boutique pet shop in Takapuna, has the cutest range of Paws Up pet toys. They’re tough, fun and have cheeky personalities! Bring your fur baby in to choose their new toy buddy. They also offer an exclusive cat litter brand that revolutionises the litter box, handmade dog treats, and a doggy day care. 447 Lake Road, Takapuna, lazypaws.co.nz.
Help out your budding young author
Sign up your creative kid for a three-day school holiday writing camp for 9- to 14-year-olds. Professional author Brian Falkner (author of many popular kids' books like 'Northwood', 'Brainjack' and 'The Tomorrow Code') will be teaching students to create, develop, and write great stories. Kristin School, Tuesday-Thursday, 14-16 April. Sign up here writelikeanauthor.com/.
Guess who’s back?
What’s better than a girls' night out with Meryl Streep, recapturing the glamour and bitchiness of her 2006 role as Miranda in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'! Book now to secure your place at the Bridgeway in Northcote Point, where your Girls Night Out ticket also gets you a glass of wine, a goodie bag packed full of treats, and the chance to win spot prizes. Wednesday 29 April 6.30pm, 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point. bridgeway.co.nz/girls-night-out-.
Climb your way through the school holidays
Have your kids ever bouldered? Bouldering is a form of climbing without ropes, across walls with rock-shaped 'holds'. It’s a great way to get mentally and physically challenged as you complete a planned route. Northern Rocks is a bouldering and climbing gym in the Wairau Valley for all ages, offering a school holiday programme for 8-14-year-olds. Sign the kids up and consider having a go yourself; they offer a fun foundation class for beginners. 101-111 Diana Drive, Wairau Valley, northernrocks.co.nz.
The harmony of a great Pad See Ew
Soft chewy noodles and crispy duck, that harmony between salty and sweet…new Southeast Asian restaurant Ju Zu in Takapuna does a mean Duck Pad See Ew. The chicken dumplings are also something special! Ju Zu Restaurant, 458 Lake Road, Takapuna, Tues-Sun 5 pm-9.30pm, lunch Thurs-Fri 11.30-2.30pm. juzu.co.nz.
Up for an autumn swim?
The Round North Head Classic is a fixture for those who love an open water swim. It’s a 2.7km course around North Head from Windsor Reserve to Bath Street Reserve on Cheltenham Beach, with prizes for the fastest swimmers in each category, plus spot prizes at the end.
Register at raceroster.com/events/2026/115138/the-2026-round-north-head-classic-swim. Saturday 2 May, 8am, confirmations open 6.30am at Windsor Beach Reserve.
The colourful history of Milford
The PumpHouse Theatre’s Creative Talks series is a fun and informative way to bring people together to learn from our creative community. April’s talk sees historian Debbie Dunsford discussing the colourful history of Milford in the 1910s to 1950s, when fading Victorian rules about proper behaviour were challenged by younger generations, and crowds flocked to revel at Milford’s entertainment venues. Monday 20 April, 7pm, The PumpHouse. Register at pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/creative-talks-debbie-dunsford/.
