Darklight: The Hidden World coming to Auckland this April
Published: Monday 9 March 2026
After two sold-out editions, Auckland’s acclaimed immersive light event Darklight returns this April with its most ambitious chapter yet: The Hidden World. Running from Thursday, 9 April – Saturday, 18 April 2026, the experience transforms the Hunua Rooms at the Aotea Centre into a dynamic environment of light, play and discovery.
Co-presented by Auckland Live and the Darklight creative team, this third edition invites audiences of all ages into a space that shifts from vibrant daytime play to an atmospheric after-dark transformation. By day, the space comes alive with colour, movement and hands-on installations that encourage curiosity and participation. Children can explore freely while parents engage alongside them, and visitors of all ages experience light as a playful medium.
As evening falls, the exhibition deepens. Sound emerges, illumination intensifies, and installations reveal new dimensions - offering an experience designed for connection, reflection and discovery.
Founded in 2025 by Angus Muir Design in collaboration with event producer Dan Move (the creative force behind LUMA Queenstown), Darklight was conceived as a platform for large-scale, artist-led immersive installations in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since its debut, Darklight has firmly established itself as one of the standout events on Auckland’s contemporary events calendar.
“This edition of Darklight is all about discovery,” says Angus Muir, founder of Angus Muir Design. “We’ve designed The Hidden World so every visit feels like a new adventure. Guests can play, explorers can experiment, and everyone can experience light in ways that surprise, delight, and inspire. Having Auckland Live on board as a partner has allowed us to grow the scale of the event, making it more accessible, dynamic and memorable for both Aucklanders and visitors to the city.”
Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live, says, “Darklight is contemporary art you can step inside, which appeals to all audiences, young and old. We’re proud to co-present The Hidden World at the Aotea Centre and bring this much-loved experience back to Auckland in a striking new edition.”
Running during the April school holidays, The Hidden World is presented in 30‑minute sessions, with both daytime and evening time slots available across the season, and offers an indoor, all-weather experience for whānau.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says, “Following two sold out seasons, I’m really excited to see Darklight return this April with a brand new visual and interactive light playground which children and adults alike can enjoy. Expect an extravaganza of colour and creativity – and it all comes to life during the school holidays!”
Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, Darklight is part of a programme to showcase Auckland’s creativity and encourage people to explore and reconnect with the city centre.
Tickets for Darklight: The Hidden World go on presale Monday, 9 March 2026 and public sale on Tuesday, 10 March at 10am via Ticketmaster.
