How to Train Your Dragon

Arena Spectacular

Fierce dragons inhabit the pages of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and countless sci-fi and fantasy films, but in April real live flying, fire-breathing dragons will descend on Auckland in April as part of the How to Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular.

This extravaganza, from the creators of Walking with Dinosaurs, is based on the Academy Award-nominated Dream Works animated film of the same name and is the largest event to ever be staged at Vector Arena. Prepare to be wowed by the sheer magnitude of this production; the 24 magnificent dragons of course,  but also world class stunt people and acrobats and production values, special effects and pyrotechnics, the like of which have not been seen in New Zealand…until now. The show requires 24 semi-trailers to transport props and paraphernalia while it is on the road.

Some of the dragons have a wingspan of up to 14 metres, and here are a few numbers, just to give you and idea of the scale of these amazing beasts and what goes into making them work – each large dragon contains 132 metres of hydraulic hose, 90 square metres of fabric, 12.2 cubic metres of foam, 200 litres of foam, 7 kilowatts of power from 16 truck batteries, 1 kilometre of cabling, plus 24 microprocessors to control movement, along with 15 hydraulic rams and 6 hydraulic motors each.

You’ll also be amazed at the spectacle of the dragons flying and the way they interact with the ensemble cast of Vikings and villagers.

This event will be like nothing you have ever seen before, so suspend your disbelief and be transported to a world where these mythical winged creatures are the stars of the show.

Where: Vector Arena

When: Wednesday 18 April @ 7:00pm, Thursday 19 April @ 7:00pm, Friday 20 April @ 11:00am and 7:00pm, Saturday 21 April @ 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday 22 April @ 11:00am

Cost: Premium $99.90 A Reserve, $79.90 B Reserve or $64.90. Available from Ticketmaster.
 

Editorial by Nicholas Chidley