Continuing its world tour, Riverdance hits Auckland's ASB Theatre, directed here by John McColgan and produced by Moya Doherty. The show has been winning hearts across the continents for 17 years since its debut in Dublin.
Florence and the Machine takes her soulful indie rock on the road once again in support of the latest album, Ceremonials. This tour date is at Auckland's Vector Arena in New Zealand.
The Documentary Edge Festival features 56 documentaries (including eight international premieres) from 25 countries at Auckland and Wellington venues. Films are divided into eight categories, including New Zealand and international competitions, Best of Fest, Culture Vultures and Heroes & Icons.
The world's top international drivers compete in Rally New Zealand, tackling the beautiful landscape of the Auckland region. The event is one of the highlights of the rally season and is part of the FIA World Rally Championship.
The annual Auckland Festival of Photography sees events and exhibitions all over the city. New Zealand's largest public photographic visual arts fixture, the festival celebrates the medium of photography with events themed on Culture, Identity, Art and Participation.
The Matariki Festival marks both the Maori New Year, and the end of harvest. Concerts, exhibitions and traditional crafts open visitors' eyes to Maori culture and bring all the communities of New Zealand together for this moving celebration of new beginnings.
New Zealand goes film crazy during its annual nationwide series of film festivals. The event starts here in Auckland's theatres and cinemas and then tours round the North and South Islands' main cities until November.
Auckland's edition of The Food Show at ASB Showgrounds offers a smorgasboard of the finest wines, food and produce from New Zealand and abroad. More than 40,000 visitors come to eat, drink and watch cookery demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs.
The Viaduct Events Centre on the harbourfront hosts Auckland Art Fair, a leading contemporary visual arts event. Select Australian and New Zealand galleries show new and exciting works in solo and curated exhibitions. There's a full public programme and all works are for sale.
The Air New Zealand Fashion Week takes over Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for six days in September. Professionals and members of the public watch as the cream of the country's thriving fashion industry send their latest creations down the catwalk.
Auckland International Boat Show brings launches, yachts, super yachts, and classic restored yachts to the waters and quayside of the City of Sails' Viaduct Harbour. There's plenty of food and drink on offer too - a day out for all the family.
Diwali Festival of Lights brings thousands of visitors to Auckland's Aotea Square and Centre for music, dance, entertainment, food, fireworks and, of course, lights. The festival not only celebrates Diwali's traditions, but Indian culture as a whole.
Living Room 2012 sees a dynamic line-up of performace art, film and video works take place on the streets of Auckland's Central Business District. This public art event has a different guest curator each year and follows a theme of their choice.
Auckland comes alive for a day during the Auckland International Carnival. There's fun to be had day and night with float parades, international artists, international food, pulsating music and vibrant costumes.
Whet your appetite at Taste of New Zealand in Auckland's Victoria Park. Providing a platform for foodies, chefs and producers to come together from New Zealand, Australia and worldwide, the show offers live entertainment, cooking demos, whisky testing and produce to buy.
The Auckland Marathon attracts thousands of runners, making it one of New Zealand's most popular events. For those who can't face the full distance, there are also half, quarter and kids' marathons, plus a 5km walk.
The biennial Walters Prize is New Zealand's most prestigious contemporary art prize, awarded to an artist who has made the most outstanding contribution to New Zealand's contemporary art scene. The works are displayed at Auckland Art Gallery for three months.
Since 2004, there's a chance every year to swim across Auckland Harbour while all marine traffic is stopped. The Harbour Crossing swim attracts over 1000 brave swimmers to cover 2.9km from Bayswater to the Viaduct Events Centre.
The Heineken Tennis Open is an international men's ATP tennis tour event held at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland. Given its position preceding the Australian Open, the tournament attracts top-class players from all over the world.
Australia's huge touring music festival, Big Day Out, includes New Zealand and starts its annual tour in Auckland, at the Mt Smart Stadium. The festival then explodes into Australia over the following three weekends.
Hundreds of boats take part in the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, an event that dates back to 1840, 11 years before the first America's Cup. The waters of Waitemata Harbour come alive with different races and parades throughout the day.
As part of Auckland's Anniversay Weekend's festivities, the Seafood Festival is a three-day celebration of the local fruits of the sea. There's plenty of seafood to try along with entertainment and cultural events in Wynyard Quarter at Viaduct Harbour.
The perennially popular Auckland Lantern Festival marks the end of the celebrations for Chinese New year with the warm glow of hundreds of beautifully decorated lanterns. There's performances from home and abroad, plus crafts, fortune telling, food, fireworks and martial-arts displays.
Held at the spectacular Waitemata Harbour, Devonport Food, Wine & Music Festival is a feast for all the senses. There's music, food, cooking demonstrations and wine-tasting; proceeds go to local community groups, national and international organisations.
Over 30,000 Aucklanders enjoy the music and atmosphere of the Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Streetfest. The event features 20 New Zealand bands performing on the street, beach and stages at Auckland's famous city beach.
The Pasifika Festival, at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium, celebrates the art, culture and lifestyle of the South Pacific. The largest Pacific festival of its kind, it showcases all things Polynesian, from traditional food and handicrafts to contemporary arts and music.
Auckland Cup Week is New Zealand's biggest sporting event, presenting a week of thoroughbred racing, glamour and style. Billed as New Zealand's most exclusive party, the week includes great racing for the biggest purses in the country.
Where there's a major international arts festival, there's a fringe version - or there should be! Auckland Fringe returns providing an eclectic array of artistes with a creative platform. Events take place in venues in and around Auckland.
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays fun run regularly attracts about 40,000 registered runners and 70,000 participants. The 8.4km flat-course run follows Waitemata harbour. The race starts in the city on Quay Street and finishes on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay.
The Auckland Arts Festival combines theatre, music, comedy, fine art and dance for an 18-day cultural extravaganza. Local and national performers and ensembles, as well as international visitors, ensure the programme delivers the best to audiences at venues in and around Auckland.
King of the Bays is heralded as New Zealand's leading ocean-swimming event, attracting world-class competitors since 2003. Over 1000 entrants start the 2.8km swim from Milford Beach to Takapuna Beach. There's also a 300m tag-team relay, 1000m and kids' 200m event.
The Royal Easter Show attracts thousands each year to Auckland's ASB Showgrounds with a winning mix of fairground rides, live shows, exhibitions and livestock events. Take the whole family for a good old-fashioned day out.
World Cinema Showcase fills the gap before the New Zealand International Film Festival nicely. Dedicated to genres, directors and films from around the world, it includes everything from old classics to arthouse. Auckland's edition takes place at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket and Bridgeway Cinema.
Auckland Writers & Readers Festival features both local and international talent, in over 60 events at the Aotea Centre and other venues. The annual festival holds various sessions and panel discussions on topics ranging from science and history to fiction and TV-script-writing.
Taking place simultaneously at venues throughout both Auckland and Wellington, the NZ International Comedy Festival is a highlight of the year. The event draws big names from both home and abroad for its duration.