
Easter Show Auckland 2025: Dates, Tickets & Tips
The Auckland Easter Show 2025 runs from April 18–21 at the ASB Showgrounds, offering rides, animals, and live entertainment, but savvy families can save by visiting in the evening. Here’s what you need to know about tickets, timing, and budget-friendly planning.
Event Dates (2025): April 18–21 (Good Friday to Easter Monday) ·
Venue: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland ·
Ticket Price (2025): $10 entry; evening entry $6–$7 ·
Organizer: SMC Events ·
Annual Attendance Estimate: 30,000+ visitors per year
Quick snapshot
- April 18–21, 2025 (Good Friday to Easter Monday) – The Easter Show (official event site)
- Day entry 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, evening carnival 6:00 PM–10:00 PM – The Easter Show (attend page)
- General admission $10; evening entry $6–$7 – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Children under 5 enter free – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Exact ride token or wristband pricing for 2025 is not yet published
- Which specific food vendors will be present in 2025 is not listed
- The quietest day is not officially stated; derived from community patterns
- Parking fee amounts are not specified on the official site
- Early April 2025: Tickets go on sale online – The Easter Show (attend page)
- April 18 (Good Friday): Show opens at 6:00 PM (evening only) – The Easter Show (attend page)
- April 19–20 (Saturday–Sunday): Peak attendance days – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- April 21 (Easter Monday): Final day of the 2025 show – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
- The event typically runs annually; the next show will likely be Easter weekend 2026 (April 3–6) – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
- Ticket pricing for 2026 is already listed at $7–$15 including booking fees – Eventfinda (event listing)
Six key facts, one takeaway: the Easter Show offers affordable entry, but add-ons for rides and food are where the budget gets tested.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | eastershow.co.nz |
| Organizer | SMC Events |
| 2025 Dates | April 18–21 |
| Venue | ASB Showgrounds, Auckland |
| General Admission | $10 |
| Evening Admission | $6–$7 |
When is the Easter Show in Auckland in 2025?
What are the exact dates and opening hours for Easter Show 2025?
- Show dates: Friday April 18 to Monday April 21, 2025 (Easter weekend) – The Easter Show (official event site)
- Day entry hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Evening carnival hours: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Good Friday (April 18): the show opens at 6:00 PM (evening only) – The Easter Show (attend page)
The show runs across the entire four-day long weekend, with the first day offering only the evening carnival. From Saturday onward, daytime and evening sessions run concurrently. The implication: if you want to see daytime attractions like the sheepdog trials or BMX shows, plan for Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
How much are tickets for the Easter Show in Auckland 2025?
General admission pricing
- General day entry: $10 per person – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Children under 5: free – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
Evening entry discount
- Evening entry (after 5:00 PM): $6–$7 per person – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Tickets available at the gate or online – The Easter Show (attend page)
The pattern: evening entry saves you 30–40% off the gate price, but you trade access to daytime shows. For budget-conscious families, evening passes are the smart play — especially if the kids just want the rides and sideshows.
A family of four can enter for $40 (day) or as little as $24 (evening). With rides and food, the total can still stay under $100 if you plan ahead. Auckland for Kids (local family guide) recommends setting a budget for ride tokens and bringing snacks.
That makes evening entry the most cost-effective choice for families focusing on rides and atmosphere.
Where is the Auckland Easter Show held?
Address and parking
- Venue: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051 (also accessible via 24E Morrin Road, St Johns) – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Paid and free parking available at the venue, including racecourse and rugby fields – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Alternative free parking at Alexandra Park next door – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
- Parking on surrounding streets and Puriri Drive in Cornwall Park can be limited during large events – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
Public transport options
- Several bus routes, including the Outer Link, connect the city centre to the venue – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
- Drive from the city centre takes about 15–20 minutes – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
The catch: parking can be tight on peak days. Arrive early or use public transport to avoid the hunt for a space.
Are there rides and attractions at the Auckland Easter Show?
Carnival rides
- The show features a full carnival midway with rides and sideshows – The Easter Show (attend page)
- BMX & FMX Show sessions at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:30 PM daily – The Easter Show (attend page)
Farm animal exhibits
- Farmyard Friends Petting Zoo open throughout the day – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Sheepdog Trials from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily – The Easter Show (attend page)
Side shows and entertainment
- Strongman competitions on Saturday and Sunday (events: Max Deadlift, Conan’s Wheel, Super Yoke, etc.) – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Taste of Cultures food area offering diverse cuisines – The Easter Show (attend page)
What this means: the show packs enough variety for a full day of entertainment, especially for families with young children. Plan your schedule around the set show times to catch the BMX stunts and sheepdog demos.
What is the busiest day and quietest time at the Easter Show?
Crowd patterns
- Easter Saturday (April 19) is typically the busiest day – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Easter Monday tends to be quieter as many families head home – community pattern
Best time to visit for fewer crowds
- Morning just after opening (10:00 AM) on weekdays (Friday is evening-only) and Monday – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Evening sessions after 6:00 PM also tend to be less crowded – community advice
For families looking to avoid the rush, aim for Monday morning or any evening session. The trade-off: evening visits mean missing daytime acts, but you’ll save on entry and likely queuing time.
Choosing the quietest time (Monday morning or any evening) means fewer people and cheaper entry, but you’ll have to forgo some daytime-only attractions. For pure value, the evening session on Sunday or Monday is hard to beat.
That balance of cost and crowd makes Monday evening the optimal choice for budget-minded families.
How much money do you need for a family visit to the Easter Show?
Entry costs
- Day entry: $10 per person; evening entry: $6–$7 – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Children under 5 free – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
Food and ride budget estimates
- Exact ride token pricing for 2025 not yet published – community observation
- Auckland for Kids suggests a family of four can enjoy rides and food for under $100 if you set a token budget and bring snacks – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
The pattern: entry is inexpensive, but add-ons for rides and food determine the final cost. Evening visits cut admission by a third and often reduce ride queues, stretching your budget further.
Timeline signal
- Early April 2025: Online ticket sales open – The Easter Show (attend page)
- April 18, 2025 (Good Friday): Show opens at 6:00 PM (evening only) – The Easter Show (attend page)
- April 19–20, 2025 (Sat–Sun): Peak attendance days, busiest crowds – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday): Final day of Easter Show 2025 – Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
Why this matters: planning your visit around the timeline can save you money and stress. Early April is the time to buy tickets online for the best window.
What we know and what’s uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Dates: April 18–21, 2025 – The Easter Show (official event site)
- Venue: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West – The Easter Show (official event site)
- Ticket pricing: $10 general, $6–$7 evening – Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
- Attractions include rides, petting zoo, sheepdog trials, BMX shows – The Easter Show (attend page)
- Parking available on-site – The Easter Show (attend page)
What’s unclear
- Exact ride pricing (tokens or wristbands) for 2025 not yet released
- Complete food vendor list for 2025 not published
- Quietest day not officially designated; based on community reports
- Exact number of rides and their height requirements not detailed
- On-site parking fee amounts not specified on the official site
While most key details are confirmed, families should check closer to the event for updates on ride costs and vendor lineups.
Quotes and perspectives
The show runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.
— The Easter Show (official event site)
Day entry is $10 and evening entry $6 to $7, with children under 5 free.
— Auckland for Kids (local family guide)
Parking can be limited, so consider public transport or the free parking at Alexandra Park.
— Discover Auckland (official tourism site)
For budget-conscious families, a similar approach to event planning applies when visiting attractions like Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs — booking ahead and timing your visit can cut costs significantly.
For Auckland families planning an Easter outing, the choice is clear: go in the evening for the best value and smallest crowds, or splurge on a full day pass and experience everything the show has to offer. Either way, the Easter Show remains one of the most affordable family events of the year. For families on a strict budget, the evening session on Sunday or Monday combines low cost with lighter queues — a win-win for parents and kids alike.
Related reading: New Years Festivals NZ: Top NYE Events & Fireworks 2025 · Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs Tickets: Prices, Hours & Booking Guide
For a similar experience in Australia, check out the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which draws over 850,000 visitors across 12 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Auckland Easter Show suitable for toddlers?
Yes, the show has gentle rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of open space. Children under 5 get free entry. Some rides may have height restrictions — check at the event.
Can I bring my own food to the Easter Show?
Outside food and drinks are generally allowed, though the official site does not explicitly prohibit them. The event has a “Taste of Cultures” food area if you prefer to buy on-site.
Are there ATMs at the Easter Show venue?
ATMs are typically available on-site, but it’s wise to bring cash as not all vendors accept cards. The venue’s official site recommends having cash for rides and sideshows.
Is the Easter Show wheelchair accessible?
The ASB Showgrounds is generally accessible, with paved pathways and ramps. Contact the event directly for specific accessibility requests.
Can I leave and re-enter the Easter Show on the same day?
Re-entry policies are not explicitly stated on the official site. It’s best to ask at the gate or assume one-entry per ticket.
Are pets allowed at the Auckland Easter Show?
Only registered guide and service dogs are allowed inside the venue, per the official attend page.
Do children under a certain age get free entry?
Yes, children under 5 years old enter free. This is confirmed by the Auckland for Kids guide.
For any further questions, check the official website or contact the event organisers directly.