New Zealand — Events
Auckland-Russell Yacht Race
October 22, 2011 - October 24, 2011
Now in its 29th year, the Aucklund-Russell Cup Race has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most prostigious trophies in the sailing world. What began as a drag race between Russell and Auckland has now grown into a regatta of some pedigree taking in an exciting strech of New Zealand’s North East coast. The race’s nickname, ‘the Coastal Classic’ is well deserved; attended by sailing afficiandos from around the world, this is one of the largest and most exciting sailing events in New Zealand and not to be missed.
Auckland Seafood Festival
January 29, 2012 - January 31, 2012
Over 22,000 people expected to attend this food-fest.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta & Harbour Festival
January 31, 2012
Auckland celebrates its birthday with a grand regatta as it has since 1840. It is considered by some as the biggest one-day regatta in the world and, whether true or false, it is certainly a great occasion and a distinctively Auckland event. Waitemata Harbour is almost landlocked, and the action can be viewed from various parts of the city. The start line is near the mid point and, at the sound of the starter’s gun, the yachts race across the waters, past the islands of the Hauraki Gulf before returning to the end of the harbor and making a final turn to race back to the line.
Devonport Food and Wine Festival
February 1, 2012 - February 28, 2012
Two days of feasting on the country’s finest produce and world-class wines.
International Arts Festival
February 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012
The New Zealand International Arts Festival, hosted in the capital city in even-numbered years, is the foremost cultural event in New Zealand. It features the best in visual and performing arts and entertainment from home and abroad. The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Court and Young Vic are just a few of the companies who have appeared in past years. The festival started life in 1986 and his developed its bold program to attract events and performers of the highest quality.
Te Matatini Maori Performing Arts Festival
February 16, 2012 - February 20, 2012
Te Matatini (formerly Aotearoa Traditional Maori Performing Arts Festival) is the foremost Maori Arts Festivals and the summit of achievement for those taking part in the national Kapa Haka competitions. Some 29 groups, comprising around 1,200 performers reach the finals, after first emerging victorious from rigorous regional qualifiers. At Te Matatini, champion Kapa Haka groups from all over New Zealand and Australia compete for the ‘best of the best’ crown, in the traditional performance disciplines of Haka, Poi and Waiata.
Pasifika Polynesian Festival
March 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012
Pasifika Festival is a feast for the senses and reproduces the sensation of wandering among Pacific Island villages, close to the heart of Auckland. In an extensive park and lakeland site, musicians and artists give an insight into the traditions of the islands with performances such as the Niuean dance, Cook Island drums, Samoan Siva, Tongan war chants, Fijian love songs and many more examples of Pacific Island heritage. Over 200,000 people and hundreds of performers attend this popular one day festival.
Auckland Cup Week
March 5, 2012 - March 12, 2012
Auckland Cup Week is the biggest and most glamorous event in the New Zealand racing diary. The main event is the classic 3,200m (2-mile) Auckland Cup, as well as a series of other races before and after the big day. These include the Mercedes Derby for three-year-olds that is raced over 2,400m (1.5 miles), and the Diamond Day for two-year-olds raced over 1,200m (0.75 miles). Between them, the races during the Auckland Cup Week showcase the best that thoroughbred racing has to offer, with the nation’s finest horses, jockeys and trainers competing for the biggest prizes in the country.
Round the Bays Run
March 14, 2012
Over 70000 people jog 10km (6 miles) round this picturesque harbor.
