After a tough few weeks back in the office following the Christmas break, Auckland Anniversary Day weekend signals the beginning of a couple of long weekends back to back and the chance to get out and enjoy the New Zealand summer. Celebrated by those living in Auckland as well as Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and parts of the Manawatu-Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions, Auckland Anniversary Day celebrates the arrival of William Hobson who was later to become the first Governor of New Zealand and is a chance to get out into the city and celebrate all things good about awesome Auckland.

Auckland Anniversary Day activities

For many, it’s a chance to get away for the weekend but there are thousands of people who descend on Auckland city centre to take part in the festivities – here are just a few of the things going on this year which are worth a look at:

1.      Ports of Auckland SeePort

Where: Captain Cook Wharf, Auckland CBD

When: Saturday 30 January – Monday 1 February 2016

What’s going on? Enjoy the summer carnival atmosphere down on the Waitemata Harbour including interactive games, food stalls and family entertainment both on and off the water. With most activities free of charge, this is a great place to spend a few hours which culminates on Sunday at 6pm with a performance from the Auckland Symphony Orchestra.

2.      Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival

Where: Queens Wharf, Auckland CBD

When: Saturday 30 January – Monday 1 February 2016

What’s going on? This is the inaugural Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival organised by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and the 19 mana whenua of Tamaki Makaurau and promises to be a fun filled festival of contemporary culture with performances from Maori artists, inter-tribal waka races, traditional and modern kappa haka and more.

Image of a Maori Waka boat heading into Auckland Harbour

3.      ASB Auckland Seafood Festival

Where: Halsey Street Wharf, Auckland CBD

When: Friday 29 January – Monday 1 February 2016

What’s going on? Following on from the Auckland Food Festival, Auckland Anniversary Day weekend sees the Auckland Seafood Festival sponsored by ASB come to town. Sample some of the freshest and most delicious seafood New Zealand has to offer from whitebait fritters to oysters and mussels. With live music performances and local beers and wines, this promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend activities.

4.      Auckland International Buskers Festival

Where: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD

When: Friday 29 January – Monday 1 February 2016

What’s going on? Celebrating its 16th year, Auckland International Buskers Festival is one of the highlights of the Auckland Anniversary Day weekend with acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, hula hoop artists, comedians and many more entertaining crowds both on the Viaduct and in Aotea Square. Bring some loose change with you as you are sure to be dazzled by some of the world’s most talented street performers.

Image courtesy of http://www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz/
Image courtesy of http://www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz/

5.      Fat Freddy’s Drop

Where: Cable Bay Vineyards, Waiheke Island, Auckland

When: Sunday 31 January to Monday 1 February 2016

What’s going on? After checking out all the activities taking place in downtown Auckland, it may be worth hopping on a ferry for the 40 minute ride over to Waiheke Island to check out Fat Freddy’s Drop, the New Zealand seven-piece who had worldwide success in 2013 with ‘Blackbird’. Set in the backdrop of the stunning Cable Bay vineyard, this is a great place to relax and unwind with some fantastic music and great wine.

These are just some of the highlights of the Auckland Anniversary Day Weekend – check out Eventfinda to find out more – https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/