Auckland Events and Festivals

The Big Day Out: this musical extravaganza sees a day of live performances from a varied selection of bands, as well as stalls selling food, drink and a variety of interesting consumer goods.

South American Fiesta: a celebration of Latin American culture is enjoyed by all at the Auckland Zoological Park in late January. Expect live performances from some of the country’s most famous Latin musicians, dancers and performing arts acts.

Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta: among the largest one-day regattas in the world, this event is hosted by Waitemata Harbour and sees a variety of boat-related attractions.

Devonport Food and Wine Festival: the suburb of Devonport enjoys two days of good food, great wine and live music and entertainment.

HERO Festival: for 10 days, the city’s gay and lesbian community celebrates with a variety of festivities that bring colour and fun to Auckland.

Lantern Festival: Auckland’s Chinese community celebrates this popular oriental festival which follows the traditional period of new year celebrations. Expect to see colourful lanterns adorning the streets.

Waiheke Jazz Festival: held over Easter, this five-day long event celebrates jazz in all its many forms through a variety of performances by reputable names on the scene.

Pasifika Festival: this annual celebration of Auckland’s Pacific cultures sees locals from Tangata Whenua, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu present performances illustrating aspects of their cultural practices and day-to-day lives.

Auckland International Boat Show: join the crowds at Viaduct Harbour for this popular four-day boating extravaganza that sees sailors gather from across the globe.

Auckland Wine and Food Festival: held at the parking lot of the Eastern Viaduct, this event is a celebration of food and wine from around the world. Attendees can sample a range of cuisines as well as some of New Zealand’s most popular wines.

Comedy Festival: laughter is high on the agenda at this popular event, which sees comedians of local and international origin assemble to showcase their talents.

New Zealand Boat Show: this annual expo of sea vessels showcases a mix of the old and the new. Boating fans can climb aboard various models and check out the latest boating equipment.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays: the country’s biggest agricultural party runs for five days and sees displays of chain-sawing techniques, tractor driving and fencing as well as popular sheep dog trials.

Auckland International Film Festival: the city’s cinemas host 10 days of screenings of unusual, independent and award-winning movies. Movie fans will not want to miss this chance to see hard-to-find flicks.

Mid-Winter Swim: the hardy and downright crazy brave the sea’s icy winter waters for this popular swimming competition that sees swimmers submerge themselves in the city’s chilly waters.

Food Show: cooking demonstrations and wine tastings are typical attractions of this annual event held at the ASB Showground. Gourmands can sample local and international cuisines as well as some of the country’s top wines.

Auckland Home Show: Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts will enjoy this popular five-day event which presents the best of new and established consumer products.

Auckland to Russell Yacht Race: contestants arrive from far and wide to take part in this annual yachting race which begins at Devonport Wharf and concludes at Russell Wharf in the Bay of Island, some 119 nautical miles later.

Ellerslie Flower Show: sees five days of flower-related events including competitions for the best floral arrangements. Pick up new ideas for your garden or simply enjoy seeing abundant flowers in bloom.

Grey Lynn Park Festival: Auckland residents celebrate the fact that summer is on its way with a day of lively festivities which include music, dancing and enjoying great food and drink.

Christmas in the Park: Auckland Domain is the setting for this festive event which features typical seasonal attractions. Santa Claus typically makes an appearance along with some of his tiny helpers.