Your Guide To The Best Hot Cross Buns And Easter Events Around NZ  

By Jessica Weale

April 10, 2025

Northland 

Waipu Easter Carnival 

Caledonian Park, The Centre, Waipu, Bream Bay, Whangārei 

19 April 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm 

Head along to the Waipu Easter Carnival for a day of excitement and fun for the whole family at the Waipu Easter Carnival. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from rides and face painting, to home baking and even scenic flights over Waipu and Lang’s Beach thanks to the team at Core Aviation. To check out more about the event visit the Facebook page for info and updates.  


Auckland 

Auckland Easter Show 2025 – Fun, Culture & Adventure Await 
Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 
Friday 18-21 April 2025, 10am – 6pm 

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Auckland Easter Show, an action-packed celebration bursting with family-friendly fun. Held over four exciting days, the show promises a vibrant mix of entertainment, culture, and adventure — from thrilling carnival rides and the jaw-dropping Dinosaurs of Patagonia to adorable animals at Farmworld and the high-energy Action Arena Show. Foodies won’t want to miss the Taste of Cultures, serving up mouthwatering dishes from around the globe. With over 65,000 visitors expected, this iconic Kiwi event is set to be bigger and better than ever. Don’t miss out on one of New Zealand’s top Easter traditions! 

Farm House Café’s Pani Popo-Inspired Hot Cross Buns 
400 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon, Auckland 

For a twist on tradition, Farm House Café are serving up a hot cross bun experience like no other. Their standout is the pani popo-inspired bun – fluffy, cloud-like and soaked in silky coconut cream, paying delicious tribute to the Samoan classic. But the creativity doesn’t stop there. Savoury fans will love their cream cheese, chive and raisin bun, while sweet tooths can indulge in the bay leaf custard & Biscoff version – a dreamy combo of vanilla custard and rich caramel warmth. Of course, the classic OG bun is still on offer too. Pre-orders are a must, as these buns are known to sell out fast – and online-only bundle deals sweeten the deal even more. 


Hamilton 

Volare’s Award-Winning Hot Cross Buns 
Hamilton based | Delivery across Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga 

Hamilton-based bakery Volare has once again proven its Hot Cross Bun prowess, taking out silver in the 2025 Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun Competition – after also winning gold in 2016. Their signature buns, made from a semi-sourdough base and packed with juicy dried fruit and fragrant spices, are baked fresh daily with no preservatives. The best part? The buns that won silver are the exact same ones you’ll find in-store or online – no special tweaks, just the real deal. Soft, plump and full of flavour, they’re perfect straight from the bag, toasted with butter or even filled with custard for an indulgent Easter treat. Available now until Easter in Volare stores or online for delivery across Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga. 

Wellington 

Nada Bakery – New Zealand’s Best Hot Cross Buns 2025 
64 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 

Crowned the winner of the 2025 Baking NZ Hot Cross Bun Competition, Nada Bakery has officially baked the best buns in the country. Crafted with tradition, love and just the right amount of spice, these award-winning hot cross buns are everything Easter should taste like. Whether you grab a pack from Nada Bakery or pop into Moore Wilson’s, you’re in for a soft, spiced treat that lives up to the hype. A well-deserved win for this Wellington favourite – don’t miss your chance to taste the champion buns of the year! 


Waikanae Easter Fair 

Mahara Place, Mahara Place, Waikanae 
19 April 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm 

The annual Waikanae Easter Fair will be held in Mahara Place, Waikanae, featuring a fantastic lineup of quality craft and food stalls. It’s the perfect opportunity to fill your Easter baskets with treats, enjoy live entertainment and explore delicious eateries for brunch or a coffee while browsing. Children’s rides will be available, weather permitting, along with hot mini donuts and more. Local retailers will also be open on Fair Day. For enquiries, email [email protected]. Don’t miss this ‘egg’ceptional Easter Fair! 


Christchurch 

The Christchurch Easter Show 

Christchurch Agriculture Park, RDA Arena, 102 Curletts Road, Hillmorton, Christchurch 
18-27 April 2025, 10.30am-4.30am 

The Christchurch Easter Show, hosted by Event Hire, is set to be a fun-filled celebration the whole whānau will love – and best of all, entry and parking are completely free! With free activities like an Easter egg hunt, sports workshops, face painting and a petting zoo, there’s something for every age. Expect lively entertainment too, including live music, Kiwi Gorilla, a clown and special performances across the holidays – from a Monster Truck Show and dirt bike racing to a Highland Pipe Band and Kung Fu demos. No tickets needed, just show up and enjoy the Easter magic! 

Bellbird Baked Goods’ classic hot cross buns 
The Tannery, Shop 40, 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston, Christchurch  

Bellbird’s take on the classic hot cross bun is nothing short of exceptional. This delicate creation features a perfect balance of plump, juicy fruit and an expertly crafted mix of aromatic spices, all nestled within a soft, pillowy bun that practically melts in your mouth. The texture is light yet satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice to bring you the comforting flavours of Easter. Pick up or order some today, you can also find them at Riverside Market! 

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