EVENTS

Public Festivities

26 Dec - Boxing Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
Oct - Labour Day
1 Jun - Queen's Birthday
25 Apr - Anzac Day
Mar/Apr - Easter
6 Feb - Waitangi day
29 Jan - Auckland Anniversary Day
1 Jan - New Year

New Zealand Fashion Week
International fashion buyers and writers descend on Auckland during October each year to celebrate in grand style the unique indigenous-inspired collections of New Zealand’s talented designers. About 50 designers show their collections at this major event. Some shows are open to the general public, but on the final day of the week everyone can join in the fashion extravaganza when Aotea Square becomes a hive of fashion, music, markets, and interactive and educational activity for all.

Auckland Anniversary Regatta
Being known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland of course is recognised as a yachtsman’s paradise, so it is no surprise to discover that its annual official Regatta is the biggest one-day Regatta in the world, attracting thousands of craft. This historic event was first held in September 1840 and has sailed on through turbulent years and changing social trends to become a family outing full of fun and excitement. Numerous events take place in the harbour and surrounding waterfront to complement the actual yacht regatta.

Hero Festival
A feast of culture, arts, music, dance, drama and drinking makes up the packed programme for Auckland’s Hero Festival, aimed at spreading ‘Gay Pride’ across the Pacific islands. Chief among the numerous events taking place during the annual two-week festival is the ‘Big Gay Out’ at Coyle Park which will be filled with food stalls, bars and trade and display tents for the occasion. Another highlight of the Festival is the Hero Party.

Waiheke Island Wine Festival
Waiheke Island, just a short boat trip from Auckland, is a favourite weekend get-away for city residents. Not only is the beautiful island dotted with the luxury homes of privileged Aucklanders, but it is also covered with the lush vineyards of more than 30 wineries which produce high quality red and white wines. At the end of January each year the wine producers showcase the cream of their exclusive crop with a festival, which combines the fruit of the vine with gourmet cuisine, café society and live music at about eight venues across the island.

Pasifika Festival
Auckland boasts the world’s largest Polynesian population, and celebrates the art, culture and lifestyle of this vibrant native community with the annual Pasifika Festival. The festival opens on Friday evening with a concert showcasing talented Polynesian music artists. On Saturday the entertainment continues with local church music and dance groups while visitors can sample traditional food, view art and handcrafts, browse at more than 300 stalls and wander through the series of ‘Pacific Island villages’ for a total cultural experience.