Warm evenings. Big screens. Classic films under open skies.
This summer’s outdoor movie programme is rolling through parks and neighbourhoods across Whakatū — and it’s shaping up as a very good excuse to stay out late.
Movies run from Friday 9 January to Friday 27 February, starting at dusk. That’s about 9pm in January and 8.30pm in February.
Entry is easy on the wallet. $2 for adults, $1 for kids, cash collected just before the film starts. Screenings at Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park are free and open to everyone.
Arrive from 7.30pm to claim a spot, play giant board games, unpack a picnic (BYO is fine), or solve life’s bigger questions as the sun goes down.
Dress-ups are encouraged for The Princess Bride and The Sting. And yes — Paddington is a bring-your-favourite-bear situation.
Note: all movies will run with english subtitles.
Wrap up warm. Bring a torch for the walk home. And if the weather looks iffy, text Is it on? to 022 406 1665 after 7.30pm on the night.
Fri 9 Jan — The Sting
Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park
A slick, smart caper that still feels effortlessly cool.
Set in 1930s Chicago, this is a film of double-crosses, clever schemes and confident swagger. Paul Newman and Robert Redford are on irresistible form, pulling off cons within cons, all to a toe-tapping ragtime soundtrack.
Sharp, stylish and hugely entertaining. Perfect beachside viewing.
Sat 10 Jan — Heidi
Isel Park, Stoke
A gentle classic with a very big heart.
This beloved 1937 adaptation follows spirited young Heidi as she transforms the lives around her, including her famously gruff grandfather. Sweet, sincere and beautifully paced, it’s a reminder of the quiet power of kindness.
Blankets recommended. Tissues not a bad idea either.
Fri 16 Jan — Heidi
Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park
A second chance to catch this timeless favourite by the sea.
Sat 17 Jan — Encanto Reo Māori
Fairfield Park, Nelson
Bright, joyful and deeply rooted in whānau.
This reo Māori version of Disney’s musical celebrates family, identity and belonging, following the magical Madrigal household as they navigate gifts, expectations and change.
Colourful visuals, memorable songs and a version that adds extra cultural depth.
Fri 23 Jan — The Princess Bride
Isel Park, Stoke
A fairy tale that refuses to take itself too seriously.
Romance, sword fights, unforgettable villains and endlessly quotable lines all collide in this much-loved adventure. It’s clever, silly, sincere and still completely charming decades on.
As you wish — themed dress-ups encouraged.
Sat 24 Jan — The Sting
Fairfield Park, Nelson
The con returns. Still sharp. Still smart.
Fri 6 Feb — What Really Happened: Waitangi
The Energy Centre, Founders Heritage Park, Nelson
A thoughtful, accessible docudrama marking a pivotal moment in Aotearoa’s history.
Focusing on the days surrounding 6 February 1840, the film explores events, perspectives and unanswered questions with clarity and care — offering space to reflect without losing its narrative drive.
Fri 13 Feb — Paddington
Clifton Terrace School, Atawhai
Pure-hearted chaos, with marmalade on top.
Fresh off a journey from Peru, a polite bear lands in London — and promptly turns the lives of the Brown family upside down. Warm, witty and full of gentle humour, this is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Favourite bears welcome.
Sat 14 Feb — The Princess Bride
Fairfield Park, Nelson
True love. Fencing. A very large rodent.
If you missed it the first time, here’s another chance to fall in love all over again.
Fri 20 Feb — Paddington
Victory Square, Nelson
More marmalade. More mayhem. Same big heart.
Sat 21 Feb — Some Like It Hot
Isel Park, Stoke
A comedy classic that still crackles with energy.
Two musicians on the run, an all-female band, mistaken identities and escalating absurdity. Marilyn Monroe shines, Jack Lemmon steals scenes, and the jokes keep coming.
Fast, funny and surprisingly modern.
Fri 27 Feb — How To Train Your Dragon
Richmond Aquatic Centre
A soaring, big-hearted adventure that still hits all the right notes.
Set in a rugged Viking world where dragons are the enemy, this is a story about courage, curiosity, and choosing a different path. The flying scenes are exhilarating, the humour lands for kids and adults alike, and the John Powell score does a lot of emotional heavy lifting.
Warm, funny, and genuinely moving. A perfect family-friendly outdoor watch.