In a nod to one of the most significant days on New Zealand’s calendar (February 6 marks the day when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed), Gold Coast locals will be treated to a huge display of Kiwi culture, food and music, with Southport Sharks putting on quite the celebration for our friends across the ditch. The dynamic Heilani Dance Troupe will ignite the celebrations on Friday night (February 3) with a colourful and symbolic tribute to New Zealand and the Polynesian Islands at 8:00 pm, before popular artist J-Funk takes to the stage with a four-piece live band to pump out your favourite Kiwi tunes and a dance-worthy mix of RnB, hip-hop and reggae. The Heilani Dance Troupe will be back on Saturday night for another must-see live performance – then you can stick around for the free 80s and 90s RnB dance party straight after. Bring the little ones down on Sunday to catch the kids show from 5:00 pm, with balloon artists and face painters on hand to keep the kiddos entertained while you soak up the Kiwi vibes.

It doesn’t stop there! The Waitangi Day celebrations will feature a smorgasbord of mouth-watering New Zealand eats and treats, with a special fresh-prawn buffet on offer at Frenzy’s from Friday through to Sunday. Along with the spread of all-you-can-devour fresh prawns (pro tip – wear your stretchy pants) expect other New Zealand favourites like hot roasts with all of the trimmings, iconic lolly cakes (for the uninitiated, it’s like what a lamington is to Aussies), fresh-fruit pavlovas, chocolate Afghan cookies and more. Yum! You can dig into the Kiwi-inspired buffet from Friday February 3 through until Monday February 6. Bonus – kids eat half price on Sunday and free on the Monday!