Moana Auckland returns in 2026: A festival of ocean, culture and summer vibes
by Janika ter Ellen/Aucklandnz.com 1 Oct 03:51 BST
Moana Pacific Festival returns to Auckland in February 2026 © Auckland Unlimited
Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival is back for its third edition in 2026, bringing a fun,
ocean-inspired celebration to Auckland’s waterfront with a refreshed programme over three weekends.
Running from 28 February to 15 March 2026, Moana Auckland will deliver a unique line-up of events which capture the spirit of summer, the power of the ocean and the cultural heartbeat of Tamaki Makaurau. The first wave of programme highlights has been confirmed, with crowd favourites making a return alongside New Zealand firsts, with more to be revealed in the weeks ahead.
In 2026, the festival is expected to attract around 100,000 people to Auckland’s waterfront, injecting
vibrancy, supporting local businesses and delivering an estimated $4.5 million boost to regional GDP.
The festival is an Auckland Council Event, delivered by council-controlled organisation Tataki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the region’s cultural, events and destination agency.
Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown says: “It’s fantastic to see Moana Auckland return for its third year. As a keen boatie and surfer myself, this has special appeal to me, and this is something that’s iconically Auckland. Our harbours and beaches are a big part of who we are.”
“We'll also have SailGP returning earlier in February, which means more international visitors will get to experience Auckland events. This is a festival for everyone – locals, families, visitors – anyone who wants to experience the best of our waterfront, our stunning Waitemata Harbour and our way of life.
“These events had a proven return on investment last time around, and I suspect the same for this
summer.”
Nick Hill CE of Tataki Auckland Unlimited says: “Moana Auckland is all about bringing the waterfront to life with a celebration that’s uniquely ours and shaped by local talent and home-grown events. It extends that summer feeling just a little longer and invites Aucklanders and visitors alike to dive into everything that makes this place special.
“With a range of events happening in the city in January and February, Moana Auckland helps maintain that energy on the waterfront, extend the visitor season and reinforce Auckland as the place to be over summer.”
Anchor Events for Moana Auckland 2026
28 February – 1 March: Seafood & Summer Weekend
The festival kicks off with a sun-soaked celebration of kai moana down at the waterfront. Expect fresh seafood, family-friendly activities, sustainability storytelling, food trucks, stalls and cold drinks. This is your official invitation to start summer’s encore.
28 February – 15 March: The Z Manu World Champs
A crowd favourite returns to make a bigger splash than ever before. Moana Auckland will host this
year’s two epic super qualifiers and the grand final that promises massive manus and unmatched energy at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool. Whether you're a manu legend or just there to cheer, there’s a place for everyone.
28 February: Red Bull ‘Secret Event’
Red Bull is gearing up to bring the harbour to life with one of their world-renowned events. While details are still under wraps, you won’t want to miss the action! Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled on Red Bull’s social media channels for all the exciting updates coming soon.
5 - 8 March: Auckland Boat Show
New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show docks in the heart of Jellicoe Harbour showcasing everything from sailing yachts and superyachts to amphibious vessels and cutting-edge marine tech. An unmissable event for marine enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers alike. The 2026 edition promises to be extra special, as the Auckland Boat Show marks its 25th anniversary.
13-15 March: Auckland Wooden Boat Festival
A stunning celebration of maritime heritage in partnership with the New Zealand Maritime Museum. With more than 200 heritage boats, models and memorabilia on show, the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival connects the voyaging stories of Maori and Pasifika, European and Asian arrivals, and the rich history of Aotearoa New Zealand’s classic boating culture. Set in the Viaduct Marina, this is storytelling on water.
More events will be announced in the lead-up to the festival.
Many of the events will be releasing further details in the coming weeks, including calls for registrations, participation, and ticketing. From signing up to dive bomb into ‘Browny’s Pool’ at the Z Manu World Champs, to reserving your spot at the Auckland Boat Show, or preparing your classic vessel for the Wooden Boat Festival, there will be plenty of opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors to get involved.
Moana Auckland continues to grow as a flagship cultural and economic driver for Auckland, delivering not just events, but a sense of place, pride and identity. From adrenaline and artistry to heritage and hospitality, the 2026 edition is set to be a highlight of the region’s summer calendar.