My Account
Although the Easter long weekend doesn’t fall over the school holidays this year, there are several opportunities around the area to keep children happy – and chocolate consumption levels boosted.
The Pūhoi Village Market’s traditional last Sunday of the month slot coincides this year with Easter Sunday, and an Easter theme will be evident, with chocolate eggs and hot cross buns available, and kids invited to take part in an Easter rock hunt, with brightly painted rocks hidden instead of eggs.
An Easter hamper, comprising donated goods from local manufacturers, will be raffled. And organisers hint that Easter decorations could even extend to some long-eared, four-legged creatures this year.
The market at the Pūhoi Domain runs from 9am to 1pm.
Visitors to the Matakana Farmers’ Market on Easter Saturday will have the opportunity to say hello to the Easter Bunny and have their photo taken with him. There is also the promise of a chocolate treat.
Easter will also play a big part in the Matakana Country Park Market on Easter Sunday. As well as the bunny, children will be treated to an egg hunt and there will be face painting, pony rides, mini-train rides, bouncy castles and water slides for the kids, along with boutique craft stalls, food trucks and live music.
The market at 33 Omaha Flats Road runs from 8.30am to 2pm.
Further west, but attracting visitors from across the area, the Kaipara Coast Plant Centre and Sculpture Gardens in Kaukapakapa will host its annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday.
Event coordinator Adrian Burden says that the peaceful bliss of the venue will be shattered for a few hours, as heaps of children, with parents in tow, trawl through the gardens in search of hidden chocolate eggs.
The gardens encourage the wearing of Easter-themed fancy dress, so it can also be a colourful experience, he says.
“In fact the event has become so popular that families have to book a time slot so that the gardens don’t become too congested. Plus, it gives staff the opportunity to renew the egg supply. It’s great to see kids having fun out in the fresh air.”
The gardens overlooking the Kaipara Harbour were established in 1994. Owner David Bayly has a conservation and restoration programme focusing on ecological diversity and integrity with substantial replanting of native flora throughout the gardens. The sculpture trail contains around 40 sculptures by both local and overseas artists, which are replaced each November.
The gardens are at 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa. To book a time slot for the egg hunt: info@kaiparacoast.co.nz, or 09 420 5655.
