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Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, is back for its third edition in 2026 with a refreshed programme spanning three weekends on Auckland’s waterfront.
Running from Saturday, February 28, to Sunday, March 15, 2026, the festival will feature a line-up of events that celebrate the ocean, summer and the cultural heartbeat of Tāmaki Makaurau. The first programme highlights have been confirmed, with crowd favourites returning alongside New Zealand firsts. More events will be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival is expected to attract about 100,000 people, delivering an estimated $4.5 million boost to Auckland’s regional GDP. It is an Auckland Council event, delivered by council-controlled organisation Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the region’s cultural, events and destination agency.
“It’s fantastic to see Moana Auckland return for its third year,” says Auckland mayor Wayne Brown.
“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 Waitematā 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.”
“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,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill.
“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
- Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1: Seafood & Summer Weekend
A waterfront celebration of kai moana, with fresh seafood, food trucks, stalls, sustainability storytelling and family-friendly activities. - Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 15: The Z Manu World Champs
The popular manu competition returns to Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, hosting two super qualifiers and the grand final. - Saturday, February 28: Red Bull ‘Secret Event’
Red Bull will stage a major harbour event, with full details to be revealed closer to the date. - Wednesday, March 5 – Saturday, March 8: Auckland Boat Show
New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show, marking its 25th anniversary, will showcase sailing yachts, superyachts, amphibious vessels and marine technology at Jellicoe Harbour. - Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15: Auckland Wooden Boat Festival
A heritage celebration in partnership with the New Zealand Maritime Museum, featuring more than 200 boats, models and memorabilia at Viaduct Marina.
More events will be confirmed in the coming weeks, including details on registrations, ticketing and participation opportunities.
Moana Auckland continues to grow as a flagship cultural and economic driver for the region, with the 2026 edition set to be a highlight of Auckland’s summer calendar.
