TĀMAKI HERENGA WAKA FESTIVAL SUMMERNOVA

The America’s Cup boats aren’t the only ones worth watching on the harbour this weekend. Today is the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival, where visitors can see the stunning spectacle of waka sailings from Captain Cook Wharf and can even enjoy lunch or dinner on a waka. Celebrating Māori heritage, there will be am āori marketplace, arts and crafts, storytelling, games, kai and entertainment, including kapa haka performances and live sets by Trinity Roots, Seth Haapu and Maisey Rika. The festival is thanks to Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Council and ngā mana whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau — the 19 iwi of Auckland — and will conclude with a laser and fireworks display.

Today, 10am-10pm. Captain Cook Wharf, Quay St. FREE.

We may just be the luckiest citizens in the whole world, getting to enjoy Tāmaki Makaurau in all its glory this summer, free from the restrictions of Covid-19. The Summernova programme makes the most of our fine city with a series of festivals and events including, but not limited to, morning raves with Morning People, a concert by Louis Baker and the APO, Bike Rave 2021, Sunsetter Food and Wine

Fest, Faraday Street Festival, Waterbourne Beach Festival, the Helensville Show, Sustainable Coastlines events and, of course, America’s Cup racing. There’s no need to stay home this summer, so don’t do it. Revel in the abundance of Summernova.

Various dates and locations throughout Auckland. See aucklandnz.com for the full schedule of events.