17 SEPT 2025 - 7 MAR 2026
Discover printed material, artwork and soundscapes that celebrate the enduring presence of measina in Aotearoa.
The Auckland Heritage Festival returns with a vibrant celebration of our city’s past and present!
This year’s theme, Auckland at Play, shines a spotlight on the powerful role sport and recreation have in shaping our communities—from local clubs to world-class events. As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1950 Empire Games, we look back on the moment Tāmaki Makaurau welcomed the world and proudly stepped onto the global stage.
With over 100 free or low-cost events to explore—including plenty of family-friendly options for the school holidays—there’s truly something for everyone.
Keep scrolling to discover our top picks!
From fashion to chess boards
Mid Town Fashion Walk
24 & 27 SEP, 1 OCT | Strand Arcade | 10.30 - 11.30am | Free
Once the bustling heart of Auckland, Queen Street is set to reclaim its vibrant status in 2026 with the arrival of the CRL, reviving Midtown’s legacy as a fashion hub. On a guided walk with the Fashion Museum, uncover captivating stories within 100 meters—from Emma Knuckey’s Darby Street salon to the legendary Smith and Caugheys, and the enduring legacy of Hallensteins. This immersive experience celebrates the city’s rich, often-overlooked fashion heritage.
Sun, Sand and Swimsuits
20 SEP - 5 OCT | New Zealand Maritime Museum | 10am - 5pm | Free
Celebrate Auckland’s deep connection to the sea with a lively scavenger hunt at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. Pick up a trail from the front desk and follow clues through stories of seaside resorts, surfing pioneers, and ferry adventures—perfect for both kids and adults. This playful journey honours the city’s maritime past and the 75th anniversary of the Empire Games.
Human Chess Board
1 OCT | Ellen Melville Centre | 11am - 3pm | Free
Celebrate Auckland’s vibrant chess heritage in a life-sized game where costumed characters, audience interaction, and local legends bring history to life. This free, family-friendly event invites all ages to play or spectate—no chess experience needed, just a love of fun and flair. Prizes awarded for standout character portrayals.
Discover Auckland's heritage
Piringatahi - Heritage Collections Up Close
20 & 30 SEP | Central City Library | 12-1pm | Free
Get a closer look at Auckland’s sporting history with unique items from our heritage collections—like early tramping club slides, Empire Games invitations, and photos of the athletes’ village at Ardmore. Explore archives of boxing, wrestling, and cricket, and discover stories from old sports magazines, including New Zealand’s first footballer signed to an English club and the beginnings of the Halberg Awards.
Engineering New Zealand Heritage Walks
20, 21, 27 &28 SEP | Central city and environs | Free
Explore Auckland’s rich engineering and architectural history with Engineering New Zealand’s Heritage Walks. These free guided tours take you through iconic sites like the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Civic Theatre, and Grafton Bridge, revealing the stories behind the city’s infrastructure and design. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds alike, each walk offers a unique glimpse into the city’s built heritage.
Explore Auckland's Rail Heritage on a HOP Card
30 SEP & 2 OCT | Waitematā (Britomart) Station | 10pp
Join a 4 to 4.5-hour guided rail tour with the Railway Enthusiasts Society, starting at Waitematā (Britomart), Auckland’s first railway station. Travel the Western and Onehunga lines, discover historic stations and signal boxes, and visit New Zealand’s oldest wooden station. Enjoy coffee and presentations featuring old photos, drawings, and plans.
Click here for the full Auckland Heritage Festival lineup
Enjoy two hours of free parking or $5 evening and weekend rates. Find out more.
Ride on public transport from as little as $2 each way. Find out more.
Last updated:
05 September 2023