Pasifika FestivalAuckland 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.
Venue: Western Springs
Park, Great North Road
Date: 13-14 March 2009
Time: Opening night concert: 7.30pm to 9.30pm; festival: 10am to 5pm
Website: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/pasifika
New Zealand Fashion WeekInternational 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.
Venue: 135 Halsey Street, Auckland's Viaduct Harbour
Date: 16-21 September 2009
Website: www.nzfashionweek.com
Auckland Anniversary RegattaBeing known as the 'City of Sails,' Auckland is recognized 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. 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 harbor and surrounding waterfront to complement the actual yacht regatta.
Venue: Auckland Harbour
Date: January 2010 TBA
Website: www.regatta.org.nz
Waiheke Island Wine FestivalWaiheke Island, just a short boat trip from Auckland, is a favorite 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. 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.
Venue: Isola Estate, Waiheke Island
Date: February 2010, TBA
Website: www.waihekewinefestival.co.nz
Auckland Lantern FestivalTo end the Chinese New Year celebrations, the annual Lantern Festival is one of the city's most popular events. Thousands of people flock to the park to enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of glowing lanterns, as well as a variety of performances, fireworks, crafts and food stalls.
Venue: Albert Park
Date: February 2010, TBA
Time: 5.30-10pm
Auckland's Big Day OutThe New Zealand leg of the popular Australian summer tours brings the biggest names in popular world music to Auckland for a day of hard rocking and dancing till the sun goes down.
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Date: January 2010 TBA
Time: 11am
Website: www.bigdayout.com
NZ International Comedy FestivalSome of the best and brightest comedians from the International circuit join some of New Zealand's top acts for over three weeks of comedy madness.
Venue: Various
Date: 1 - 24 May 2009
Website: www.comedyfestival.co.nz
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Auckland Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related New Zealand Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
