Summer on the Waterfront

Moana Festival | 27 JAN - 9 MARCH 2025

The Moana 2025 Festival is back and making waves against the backdrop of Auckland’s spectacular Hauraki Gulf. Moana Auckland, New Zealand's Ocean Festival will bring together on and off water events that showcase New Zealand's love affair with the ocean, from 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025.

With tons of events happening over the course of the festival, like Auckland Anniversary Regatta and Auckland Boat Show, this year's programme is already bursting with excitement and activity, before the full lineup has even been released! 

Six60 Grassroots Tour: City Edition | 1 MAR 2025

Six60 fans rejoice! One of Aotearoa’s premier music acts, Six60 are taking their Grassroots Tour on the road for a city edition in 2025! The band are keen to bring the authentic Grassroots experience to audiences who may have missed out on tickets during their last tour. 

The performance promises to be a highlight of the 2025 New Zealand music scene, with the concert starting at an earlier time of 4pm, to allow audiences to enjoy a Kiwi summer night out and make a day of it. The band will perform at Base Spaces, Jellicoe Harbour, in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter.

Into Ocean & Ice at New Zealand Maritime Museum | 29 NOV 2024 - 31 AUG 2025

This new exhibition at New Zealand Maritime Museum showcases the work of four emerging Aotearoa artists—Tegan Allpress (Rongowhakaata), Peregrin Hyde (Ngāti Maniapoto), Rose Lasham, and Charlie Thomas—who journeyed to South Georgia in 2023 with the Antarctic Heritage Trust's Inspiring Explorers Expedition, to honour the centenary year of Shackleton’s final polar expedition on which he died. Through photography, paintings, illustrations, ceramics and interactive elements, their artwork explores the immensity of this wildlife-rich gateway to Antarctica.

Meanwhile in another hemisphere, Italian painter Paola Folicaldi Suh found inspiration in photos by Frank Hurley, the photographer who documented Shackleton's Endurance voyage. In 1914, trapped in pack ice, the ship sank, yet Shackleton's heroic 36-hour trek over South Georgia’s glaciers ensured his crew’s survival. Folicaldi Suh’s large-scale paintings immerse viewers into Shackleton’s journey, offering a glimpse into this epic tale of survival.

Z Manu World Champs 2025 | 23 FEB - 9 MAR 2025

Make a splash this summer with a national competition that celebrates a beloved Kiwi pastime with the final in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour from the 23 February - 09 March. 

Everyone's favourite time of year, the Z Manu World Champs celebrates an iconic beloved kiwi pastime; the Manu. Perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country, no one Manus like Kiwis. After making their way around the country this summer, the qualifying rounds and finals are making a splash in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

Registrations from Manu enthusiasts are invited from November 1. The qualifying rounds for the Z Manu World Champs will be held in Auckland from 23 – 25 February and 1 – 3 March as part of Moana Festival. The final will be held on March 9, where the first-ever world champs will be crowned.

Flash Jams Roller Skate Party | 22 FEB 2025 

Get ready to roll, groove, and vibe at Flash Jams – the ultimate free roller skate party at The Base Spaces in Wynyard Quarter!  With completely free skate rentals, and live DJs spinning the best beats, all you need to bring is some friends and your energy. On from 5:00pm-8:00pm, but swing by a little early at 4:30 for free roller dance lessons. 

Mermaid Parade | 22 FEB 2025 

The best ocean-inspired looks parade along the waterfront of Tāmaki Makaurau. A celebration of creativity, community, and the sea, this whimsical event promises waves of fun for everyone - with ocean-inspired looks created by YOU! Festivities include: Mermaidification Station & DJs, picture an aquatic party featuring free body and face painting to enhance your marine-inspired look. Plus, there is even a Costume Contest hosted by the charismatic Anita Wigl’it with prizes for the best-dressed. Just make sure to register for your free ticket. The festivities kick off at 11am.

Ka Tiri o Te Moana | 7 MAR 2025 

In a powerful response to the urgent issue of climate change, Atamira Dance Company presents Ka Tiri o Te Moana. Choreographed by founding member Louise Pōtiki Bryant, this site-specific performance explores the impacts of Antarctic ice melt on communities globally and nationally.

Drawing on Ngāi Tahu perspectives, the work highlights the deep relationships between southern iwi, Antarctica, and the southern oceans, weaving together dance, storytelling, and environmental awareness. Join in on this free event at 8:30, just be sure to register for your ticket.