Halloween in Auckland 2025: Family Fun (and Just the Right Amount of Fright)
Remember when Halloween in New Zealand was just a handful of kids in capes knocking on a few doors and hoping someone had a free packet of Smarties? Auckland has well and truly embraced the spooky season now, and who doesn’t love a themed event where kids get to dress up and have the time of their lives. From haunted villages to animal encounters, discos and sweet treats, here are the best Halloween happenings around Auckland for 2025, from gentle ghostly fun for little ones to disco lights and sweet mayhem for the bigger kids.
1. Howick Historical Village Halloween Spooktacular
Friday 31 October, 4-8pm
Trick-or-treat your way through a Victorian village (because honestly, what could be more haunted than that). There are creepy cottages, a spooky scavenger hunt, and a sweet shop full of old-fashioned lollies and fudge. It’s equal parts charming and terrifying - in that slightly educational way that makes you feel like you’ve done something cultural and earned a sugar high.
☕ There won’t be food trucks (but you can BYO food) but The Homestead Café will be open for those of us who require caffeine to parent after dark.
2. Butterfly Creek - Spooky (but not too spooky)
Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November
Butterfly Creek is always a win with kids, and this Halloween they’ve gone full spooky safari. Expect walking dinosaurs, themed animal encounters, entertainers handing out treats, and free face painting from 10am–2pm. There’s even a giant pumpkin hunt with prizes. Normal entry fees apply (and this place is always such a great time - Halloween fun is the bonus!).
3. Spooky Halloween at the Sky Tower
Fancy celebrating Halloween with a view? Dress up for a 10% discount on your Sky Tower tickets, enjoy free monster makeovers (face painting on Level 51), and grab a limited-edition Halloween ice cream shake at the Lewis Road Creamery Parlour up the top. It’s a mix of thrills, views, and sugar, basically Halloween goals.
4. Bunnings Halloween Family Nights
Thursday 30 October, 4-6pm / 5-7pm (Various stores)
Bunnings has somehow managed to make Halloween wholesome. Free DIY craft sessions, face painting, and themed games mean the kids get their spooky fix - and you get to wander around pretending you definitely need another pack of command hooks. The team even dress up, and who doesn’t love a Bunnings trip (mini trolleys and indoor playground = big perks). Book your sessions here around various stores in Auckland: bunnings.co.nz/services/in-store/diy-workshops
5. The Y North Shore Family Trick or Treat Mission
Friday 31 October, 3–7pm
The Department of Haunted Affairs is recruiting junior agents to help clear out playful ghosts, cheeky witches, and silly monsters. There are food trucks at the end - because every good mission deserves snacks - and it’s all designed to be spooky fun, not scream-your-head-off scary. Think Scooby-Doo, not Stranger Things. Book tickets here
6. Trick or Beat Halloween Disco - Little Ravers NZ
Sunday 2 November, 3:30-5pm, Nixon Park Community Hall, Howick
The ultimate after-school party complete with DJ, glow sticks, costume prizes, and that magical combination of excitement and mild chaos that only sugar and flashing lights can create. $10 tickets, heaps of fun, and guaranteed happy (if slightly glittery) children at bedtime. Grab tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-ravers-nz-trick-or-beat-halloween-disco-party-tickets-1732741429259?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse
7. Halloween Treats Around Town
If you prefer your Halloween calm and caffeine-fuelled, Auckland’s incredible cafe selection has you covered. Giapo’s annual Halloween gelato creations are an event in themselves, Mövenpick Ponsonby has a themed cookie, and any café worth its fluffies will happily serve a witch’s brew latte or two. Jump on the ROAM app to find a cafe with a cool kids play area, let them throw on a costume, use it as an excuse to order something delicious and sweet and call it “celebrating.” No door-knocking required.
