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You’ve got the day off work. The kids are off from school. And to make things even better, Waitangi Day is the perfect time to come together with family and your community to celebrate our nation’s history.
If you still haven’t decided how to spend 6 February this year, we’ve got some ideas on what you can do. All of these events are suitable for both young and old, so all you need to do is pick one and gather the troops.
Credit: Akaroa.com
Akaroa is hosting a spectacular Waitangi Day event complete with a traditional Māori welcome, a waka being paddled up the river and colonial displays. You can feast on a hangi lunch, watch the face mask parade and enjoy demonstrations and activities for both adults and kids throughout the day.
More info: Waitangi day commemorations
At the Waitangi Day Festival in Victoria Square, the whole family can enjoy live entertainment, kapahaka performances and even take a ride on a waka down the Avon River. There are games organised for the children and when it’s time to eat, tuck into a hangi lunch or a dish from one of the food stalls.
More info: Waitangi Day Festival 2020
There’s something for everyone at this Waitangi Day event. The adults can get stuck into the racing action and the young ones can keep busy with the free kids’ entertainment. There are plenty of food stalls for when you get hungry or you can pack your own picnic to bring with you.
More info: Interislander summer festival
Fat Freddy’s Drop performs somewhere in New Zealand on Waitangi Day and this year it’s in Christchurch. This all-age event will take over Hagley Park with other New Zealand artists performing alongside the headline act. There’ll be both indoor and outdoor areas as well as a special family zone.
More info: Fat Freddy’s Drop
Celebrate Waitangi Day and your love of New Brighton at this free family event in Thomson Park. To keep you entertained there’ll be live music, performances, activities, bouncy castles, plus sports events for both kids and adults to get involved in.
More info: I Love New Brighton
Credit: Darfield Two Rivers Facebook
There’s so much to keep the kids entertained this Waitangi Day at the Malvern Family Fun Day. As well as old-school activities like wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug of war, your young ones can get their faces painted, jump on the bouncy castles and partake in interactive activities.
More info: Darfield Two Rivers Community Events
Credit: You Me We Us Kaiapo Facebook
Kaiapoi promises a great day out with the family at this Waitangi Day celebration. The adults can check out the stalls, find a spot on the grass to watch the live entertainment and feast on a hangi lunch. For the young ones, there are pony rides, a bouncy castle, face painting and more.
More info: Kaiapoi Waitangi Day
Some suburban shops will be closed on Waitangi Day, but here are the major shopping centres that will be open. Please note that these trading hours are subject to change.
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