Skip to content
Auckland
Auckland

Festivals and Annual Events

The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta (tel. 09/534-8186) is an annual event that takes place on the last Monday in January and is a public holiday. This event is the largest single day regatta in the world. This day is observed as a holiday in the entire Auckland Province. The holiday generally falls on the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson, who later became the first Governor of New Zealand.

11 results

City overview
alt

The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta (tel. 09/534-8186) is an annual event that takes place on the last Monday in January and is a public holiday. This event is the largest single day regatta in the world. This day is observed as a holiday in the entire Auckland Province. The holiday generally falls on the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson, who later became the first Governor of New Zealand.

alt

The Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Streetfest is an annual festival that takes place on February 27 at Mission Bay. This event recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010. The event showcases numerous local bands performing on the street and famous Auckland beaches. Cost of entry is NZ$10 and hours of operation are 6-11PM

alt

The Documentary Edge Festival is another annual event that takes place in February, between the dates 27 Feb - 14 Mar 2010 at the Rialto Cinemas in Newmarket. The event highlights the best of cinema from around New Zealand as well as from international filmmakers.

alt

The Auckland Western Springs Stadium plays host to the Pasifika Festival, which is significant to commemorate the lifestyle of the South Pacific. The event highlights the Polynesian culture and lifestyle, ranging from ethnic crafts to food to music and various other culturally significant items.. An interesting fact about the logo of the festival is that it incorporates the spiritual significance of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

alt

Also held in late March is the fun Round the Bays Run (tel. 09/525-2166), which attracts runners from around the South Pacific, who participate in this 8km (5-mile) run around the central bays. The run ends with a celebratory barbecue at one of the city’s parks.

alt

The Auckland Festival of Sailing takes place between March 3-25 at the Waitemata Harbour. The three week long sailing festival covers numerous events including the Omega Auckland Match Racing Regatta, Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland and the BMW World Sailing Final and more. In addition to the sailing events, there are other interesting water activities and entertainment for local Aucklanders and visitors to enjoy. The following is a brief summary of events to take place:

alt

April brings about the Royal East Show, which is held at the Epsom Showgrounds. The significance of this event is to showcase the agricultural roots of New Zealand how it still plays a huge role in the economy of the country. The event has a vast array of stalls carrying fresh fruits and vegetables followed by the largest carnival in the country.

alt

Date: 23 April 2010 to 16 May 2010 To commemorate the annual comedy festival in Auckland, famous comedy acts and troupes get together in the city between April 23-May 16. There is a wide range of shows available that features improv, musical comedy, children, stand-up and other types of comedy.

alt

6 - 9 May 2010 (annual) The event is one of the highlights of the rally season and is part of the FIA World Rally Championship and is marked by the arrival of the world’s best drivers racing through the city. The race is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the World Championship calendar.