Making waves: Auckland’s new ocean festival
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival.
We Kiwis have a love affair with the ocean. What better way to celebrate our beloved moana than at Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival?
The first of its kind in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, this spectacular event will host a wide array of events and activities both on and off the water between 24 February - 24 March.
From art exhibitions and acrobatic performances to regattas and VR experiences – let’s ‘dive’ in (Pun intended).
Sailing boats at Auckland's Westhaven Mariner.
Sailing boats at Auckland's Westhaven Mariner.
Auckland Harbour.
Auckland Harbour.
RNZYs Auckland Cruising Regatta.
RNZYs Auckland Cruising Regatta.
Z Manu World Champs.
Z Manu World Champs.
RNZYs Auckland Cruising Regatta.
RNZYs Auckland Cruising Regatta.
The heart of the festival
Your first stop should be the Moana Auckland Festival Hub in the Viaduct. Jam out to live entertainment, learn about ocean sustainability in an interactive VR experience and enjoy kai from the Food Truck Collective every Friday-Sunday until 17 March.
On the water
It wouldn’t be an ocean festival without some ocean-based events. Get out on the water or simply watch all the action from the shore.
Watch the world’s best (dive) bombs
Watch manu (dive bomb) enthusiasts compete in the Z Manu World Champs at Karanga Plaza in the Viaduct on 23-25 February, 1-3 and 9 March. From their Te Manu (the V bomb) to Te Poro Repo (the Cannonball) and everything in between, entrants will be judged on splash height, volume, creativity and style.
Make a splash with the whānau
Pack your togs and a towel and gear up for a day of family-friendly action at Splash Landing, a free event on 16-17 March, with sailboating, kayaking, paddling, coffee, food trucks and festivities both on the water and the shore.
Auckland Boat Show (14-17 March)
Boat lovers rejoice - whether you’re in the market for a new boat or simply want to peruse the range of innovative products, luxury launches and marine equipment on display, you won’t want to miss New Zealand’s largest boat show from 14-17 March.
Cheer on sailing secondary students
Head on down to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on 15-17 March to watch secondary school sailing teams from around the country compete to become national champion at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Keelboat National Championships.
Pic Harbour Classic
The Pic Harbour Classic brings together sailors of all skill levels on 8-9 March for a race on the Waitematā. Spectate from one of the numerous viewpoints from North Head up to Torbay or be part of the action yourself.
Support the future of NZ sailing
Join the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the RNZYS Corporate Regatta on 7 March. Enjoy some racing, then head back to the squadron for post-race cocktails, nibbles, live music, dancing and a charity auction.
All aboard
The New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa isn’t your typical stuffy museum filled with exhibits. Get out on the water and experience what it’s like to be aboard a heritage vessel from 24 February - 24 March.
On the shore
If you prefer to stick to hard ground, these events will be more up your alley.
Artistic and cultural inspiration
These ocean-themed artistic exhibits, performances and sounds will inspire your imagination.
Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf
From 24 February - 24 March, Waiheke Island will host its iconic 2km outdoor exhibition of artistic works set against the glittering Hauraki Gulf as part of Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf.
Always song in the water
Immerse yourself in Aotearoa’s ocean environment at the Always Song in the Water exhibition at the Auckland Maritime Museum. Painting, photography, jewellery, poetry and dance from renowned artists are on display from now until 10 March, all connected by the theme of the ocean.
Power, politics and tradition
Playing from 5-23 March at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is a darkly comic play about power, politics and tradition, and a man out of step with the times.
O.G Pasefika Opera singers
Embark on a journey through the music of Pasefika opera virtuosos on 24 March at Shed 10, Queen’s Wharf. The O.Gs is a concert accompanied by choir and orchestra that will leave you mesmerised by these pioneering wavemakers.
O.G Pasefika Opera singers.
O.G Pasefika Opera singers.
Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf.
Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf.
Always song in the water.
Always song in the water.
Tyler Jackson, Sentinel, 2022.
Tyler Jackson, Sentinel, 2022.
Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua, 2022.
Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua, 2022.
Incredible entertainment
Laugh, marvel, dance and sing by the water with these entertaining events.
A sky dance on stilts
From 15-17 March, acclaimed French aerialists Gratte Ciel will climb atop seven-metre high poles for an incredible artistic display. Rozéo is an intimate and unique outdoor performance that’s free to attend.
Aerial acrobatics for the whole family
The Biggest Little Circus is a high energy, family-friendly circus performance taking place on 9 March in Britomart. Expect crazy aerial acrobatics, leopard print leotards, and lots of laughs.
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