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Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, returns at the end of February, opening with Moana Auckland Shoreline Social – a free waterfront weekend at the Eastern Viaduct on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Delivered by Auckland Council Events and produced by creative event agency Ballyhoo, Shoreline Social marks the opening of Moana Auckland, a multi-weekend festival celebrating Auckland’s connection to the sea.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says the festival reflects the city’s identity as a harbour destination.
“With there being 3200km of coastline around Auckland, it’s only natural that those of us here have a natural affinity and a passion for the sea.
“From the Shoreline Social, which kicks off Moana Auckland, to the other events like the Boat Show and the dive-bombing world champs that will take place at Browny’s Pool, there will be something for everyone at this festival,” says Wayne.
Food will be central to Shoreline Social, with kina featured in tasting sessions celebrating one of the Waitematā’s iconic kai moana. Visitors can also expect oysters, seafood boil, mussel fritters, fish and chips, as well as pastries, gelato and coffee from Coffee Supreme.
Alongside the food offering, hands-on activities will include weaving workshops with Ngāti Whātua weavers, ocean-inspired storytelling and creative activities for tamariki. Ticketed Kina Table sessions will see Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei divers share knowledge of the Waitematā and demonstrate how to prepare fresh kina.
Live performances will run throughout the weekend, including husband-and-wife duo Aro on Saturday and DJ Dick Johnson. An alcohol-free bar by Lyre’s will operate on site.
Ballyhoo head of events Emma Henderson says the event is designed to bring people together.
“Shoreline Social is about connection. We wanted to create a weekend where people can come together by the water and experience kai, music, art and culture, while also learning about our relationship with the moana,” says Emma.
Moana Auckland runs across three weekends from Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 15, 2026, and includes events such as Z Manu World Champs, the Auckland Boat Show and the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.
