Sun, sea and fun for Auckland
City of sails turns up heat on music, culture, carnival, kai and kapa haka.
Tens of thousands of Aucklanders soaked up the first day of Anniversary Weekend in the sun yesterday.
The SeePort Festival at the waterfront was a popular destination, with visitors being treated to rescue helicopter simulations, carnival rides, boat tours, a navy Seasprite display and music from popular band the Lady Killers. But those who missed out still have a chance to head along today or tomorrow, or check out other events around the region this weekend.
Laneway Festival
Four stages, 29 acts and thousands of music fans are set to take over Albert Park on Monday for Laneway Festival. The lineup includes Anderson Paak and
The Free Nationals — who achieved breakout success with several appearances on Dr Dre’s 2016 album Compton — The Internet, Mac Demarco and New Zealand’s very own Aldous Harding.
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Monday, gates open at 11.30am Albert Park, Auckland $164.90 plus booking fee.
Buskers Festival
HWatch the video at nzherald.co.nz From acrobats to magicians and unicycle champions, the Buskers Festival is going down this weekend. World-class talent will be performing at various locations across Auckland city until Monday.
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Six sites in Auckland CBD. Free. SeePort Festival
Captain Cook Wharf has been transformed into a bustling summer carnival packed with rides, tours and entertainment on and off the water.
Enjoy a bite to eat from the many food stalls or take the chance to discover Auckland’s port from land, sea or sky with helicopter rides, bus tours and boat cruises available.
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Today, Monday Captain Cook Wharf, Auckland CBD. Free.
Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival
Get up close with the city’s Maori heritage and culture this weekend at the Waka Festival. Try paddling a waka or enjoy live music, kapa haka, crafts and delicious waterfront kai.
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Today, Monday ANZ Viaduct Events Centre. Free.
If you are spending the weekend out of town, Tauranga is the place to be as the Black Caps play their third T20 against Pakistan today. Take family and friends, pack a picnic and catch all the action at Bay Oval.
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Today, 7pm
Weather
Getting an extra day off isn’t the only thing to celebrate this Anniversary Weekend. So, too, is the weather! Golden weather and temperatures up to 30C are forecast for much of the North Island over coming days. But have a fan ready at night, with humid evenings topping 20C expected. Holiday-goers have been warned of the chance of the odd shower — but a cooling sprinkle of rain could be a blessing in the widespread sun and humidity.