November is bringing an impressive line-up of cultural happenings to Auckland, with international music heavyweights, much-anticipated exhibitions, live comedy and the first signs of the festive season filling the calendar. From Robbie Williams taking over Eden Park and the long-awaited return of Flight of the Conchords to exceptional art exhibitions and outdoor experiences worth making an afternoon of, these are the events to have firmly on your radar this month.
Auckland Marathon
Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Where: Auckland, finishing at Victoria Park
Whether you’ve spent months training or are feeling inspired to make a last-minute appearance at the starting line, the Auckland Marathon returns this November for its 35th year. With distances ranging from 5km to the full 42.2km, there’s still an opportunity to get involved, subject to entry availability. And for those who prefer their Sunday mornings a little less strenuous, heading along to cheer on the runners as they make their way across the Harbour Bridge and towards Victoria Park is an equally excellent way to be part of the occasion.
Sam Loe — Between Two Lungs
Date: Wednesday 14th October – Sunday 8th November
Where: Sanderson
Auckland-based artist Sam Loe brings an intriguing exploration of the human body and its senses to Sanderson Contemporary with Between Two Lungs. Working with airbrushed paint on soft blankets, Loe creates dreamlike, abstract compositions that blur the boundaries between painting and object, drawing on ideas of breath, touch and physical sensation. With their delicate colours, fluid forms and intriguing textures, these intimate works invite viewers to slow down and consider the relationship between the body, the senses and the world around us.
Robbie Williams — BRITPOP World Tour
Date: Tuesday 24th November
Where: Eden Park
One of pop music’s greatest showmen is heading back to Auckland, and this time, he’s taking over Eden Park. Robbie Williams brings his BRITPOP World Tour to New Zealand this November, promising an evening of enormous hits, irresistible nostalgia and the kind of theatrical performance that has made him one of the world’s most enduring entertainers. From Angels and Feel to Let Me Entertain You, expect a stadium-sized singalong and a particularly memorable night out.
Flight of the Conchords
Date: Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th & Saturday 21st November
Where: The Civic (18th & 19th), Spark Arena (21st)
Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are finally reuniting on home soil, bringing their wonderfully absurd musical comedy back to New Zealand audiences for the first time on tour since 2012. Following a handful of intimate performances earlier this year, the beloved duo will take to the stage for three Auckland shows, revisiting the deadpan humour, brilliantly ridiculous songwriting and unmistakable chemistry that made Flight of the Conchords an international phenomenon. For longtime fans, this is one reunion that has been well worth the wait.
Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith
Date: Until Monday 1st February 2027
Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
One of the year’s most significant artistic arrivals continues at Auckland Art Gallery this November, bringing more than 80 works by Pablo Picasso to New Zealand in a remarkable collaboration with British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith. Spanning paintings, sculptures, ceramics and drawings from the Musée national Picasso–Paris, the exhibition traces the artist’s extraordinary career through immersive spaces conceived by Smith. As the first major solo Picasso exhibition in New Zealand in more than three decades, it’s an opportunity art lovers would be wise not to miss.
Jack Johnson — SURFILMUSIC Tour
Date: Friday 20th November
Where: Spark Arena
With summer approaching, the return of Jack Johnson feels particularly well timed. The much-loved singer-songwriter is bringing his SURFILMUSIC Tour to Spark Arena, joined by special guests Ben Harper and John Butler for an evening of acoustic brilliance and familiar favourites. From Better Together and Banana Pancakes to Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, expect the effortlessly appealing soundtrack that has made Johnson a favourite for more than two decades, alongside new music and a few surprises.
Kate van der Drift — Honey drawing
Date: 11 November – 6 December
Where: Sanderson
In her latest exhibition, Honey drawing, artist Kate van der Drift explores the beauty of impermanence through an intimate series of experimental photographs. Working with honey, candle smoke, pūriri leaves and withered flowers, van der Drift embraces the unpredictable relationship between materials, light and time. Inspired by the fleeting life of the pūriri moth, the resulting works offer a beautiful meditation on life, loss and renewal, revealing an unexpected tenderness in the process of transformation.
March of the Triceratops
Date: 24th October 2026 – 26th April 2027
Where: Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum is taking visitors back 66 million years with March of the Triceratops, an extraordinary exhibition featuring five recently excavated skeletons from the only known Triceratops herd ever discovered. With more than 1,200 fossils, life-sized models and immersive interactive displays, this fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world is a must for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Better still, Auckland is the exhibition’s only Australasian destination.
Best Comedy Show on Earth
Date: Saturday 14th November
Where: Bruce Mason Centre, 7pm
With a name like Best Comedy Show on Earth, expectations are understandably high, but with some of New Zealand’s finest comedic talent on the bill, we’re inclined to believe the hype. Hosted by Ben Hurley, the evening brings together Guy Williams, Angella Dravid, Hayley Sproull, James Mustapic and Justine Smith for a fast-paced showcase of stand-up comedy. Better still, proceeds support the New Zealand Comedy Trust, making this a particularly good reason to spend your Saturday evening laughing.
Christmas at SkyCity
Date: From mid-November; Santa’s Magical Wonderland runs Saturday 14th November – Thursday 24th December
Where: SkyCity Auckland
Christmas is arriving in the city centre, with SkyCity transforming into a festive wonderland from mid-November. Expect larger-than-life nutcrackers, oversized baubles and seasonal decorations throughout the precinct, while Santa’s Magical Wonderland returns to the Sky Tower, offering little ones the opportunity to meet Santa, capture a festive photograph and take home a special keepsake. With the Sky Tower illuminating Auckland’s skyline on selected evenings and plenty of festive dining experiences to enjoy, there’s every reason to embrace the Christmas spirit a little early this year.
Art in the Park
Date: Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th November
Where: Eden Park
Eden Park is swapping sporting spectacle for something altogether more artistic this November, as Art in the Park returns for four days dedicated to contemporary creativity. Bringing together an impressive selection of New Zealand artists, the event offers visitors the opportunity to discover and acquire original works, attend artist talks and workshops, and explore a sculpture walk across the stadium turf. Among this year’s highlights is internationally recognised New Zealand artist Jesse Woolston, returning home for his first exhibition in Aotearoa. A rather wonderful excuse to spend a few hours immersed in art.
Farmers Santa Parade
Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
Where: Auckland CBD, from 1pm
Nothing signals the beginning of the festive season quite like Auckland’s beloved Farmers Santa Parade. Returning for its 93rd year, the annual celebration will see Queen Street transformed with elaborate floats, familiar characters and, of course, the man in red himself. This year, the festivities continue with Santa’s Party in Aotea Square, complete with a special Paddington Bear performance. A wonderful excuse to gather the family and embrace a little Christmas nostalgia.
Santa’s Grotto at Fujifilm House of Photography
Date: Saturday 21st November – Tuesday 22nd December
Where: Fujifilm House of Photography, 2C William Pickering Drive, Albany
Christmas magic is arriving in Albany this November, as Fujifilm House of Photography unveils its first-ever Santa’s Grotto, offering families a charming alternative to the traditional shopping centre experience. Transforming the space into a nostalgic Christmas wonderland, the festive experience will feature professional Santa portraits, Christmas crafts, interactive photo booths and seasonal movies for little ones. With personalised gifting options also available, it’s a lovely opportunity to capture some special family memories and get into the Christmas spirit. Reserve your time slot here.
