Te Puke’s town centre and the Pāpāmoa waterways will come alive with costumes, treats and free family activities across two Halloween celebrations this October.
The Ray White Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail will take over the town centre on Friday 30 October, followed by Halloween Walk the Waterways in Pāpāmoa on Saturday 31 October, inviting tamariki and whānau to dress up, explore their neighbourhoods and enjoy Halloween together.
From 3.00pm to 5.00pm, children can follow the Te Puke trail, collecting lollies and the occasional trick from participating businesses. Activities include Darth Vader, a Tauranga Armoured Combat display, balloon twisting, face painting and the Haunted Hall.
The free event has been held annually since 2018 and is one of Te Puke’s most popular community celebrations.
Sally Benning of EPIC Te Puke Events and Promotions says the shopping-centre trail offers families a safe alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating.
“It is awesome that we can provide a safe and happy environment for children, parents, grandparents and the whole community to enjoy free of charge,” says Sally. “Our retailers, Scouts, library, Te Puke Gymsports and other local groups all help make the day possible.”
“As well as a whole lot of lollies, families will take away an enjoyable experience and memories for the future.”
The following day, Halloween Walk the Waterways will run from 3.00pm to 7.30pm, with trick-or-treat stations, activities and local businesses along the Pāpāmoa route.
Free activities include a half-pipe, circus experience, face painting and balloon twisting, while food trucks will offer hāngi, burgers, doughnuts, Italian food, gelato and more for purchase. Pāpāmoa Community Patrol will be on site to support safety along the trail and near the waterways.
More than 2,000 people attended the previous event. Visit Pāpāmoa Event Manager Raegen Tyrer says the waterways are a fitting setting for an event created by and for the local community.
“The waterways are part of everyday life here in Pāpāmoa. Families walk the route together and discover different parts of the experience as they go,” says Raegen.
“It is less of a Halloween party and more of a trick-or-treating journey. The waterways, local businesses and families are what make it feel like a Pāpāmoa event rather than something that could be dropped into any town.”
No registration is needed for either event. Families can follow the organisers’ online channels for updates.
The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund has provided $7,500 to each event to help cover operational costs and keep participation free. The Fund is supported by Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Manawa Trust (formerly TECT Community Trust), Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council Community and Strategic Relationships Manager Jodie Rickard says free, locally led events make it easier for families to take part in community life.
“Events like these give families a safe, welcoming way to enjoy time together close to home, while local businesses, volunteers and community groups contribute to something the whole community can enjoy.”
Manawa Trust Chief Executive Wayne Werder says the events show how practical funding support can help local organisers deliver welcoming experiences.
“Cost should not be the reason a family misses out. We want to support organisers to deliver events that are fun, welcoming and easy for any family to attend,” says Wayne.
Halloween Event Details:
Ray White Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 3.00pm–5.00pm
Location: Main street and surrounding side streets, Te Puke
Cost: Free
Details: A town-centre trick-or-treat trail supported by local businesses, with Darth Vader, Tauranga Armoured Combat, balloon twisting, face painting and the Haunted Hall.
Halloween Walk the Waterways
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: 3.00pm–7.30pm
Location: Pāpāmoa Waterways
Cost: Free
Details: A family-friendly trick-or-treat trail with local business stations, a half-pipe, circus experience, face painting, balloon twisting and food trucks. No registration is required.
