On Monday 1 February 2027, Auckland Anniversary Day, hundreds of boats race on the Waitematā Harbour under sail, steam and paddle power in one of the world's biggest and most historic one-day regattas. It is free to watch from the shore: tugboats at Westhaven from 10 am, and classic yachts at Ōrākei Wharf and the Westhaven breakwater from midday.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Monday 1 February 2027 (Auckland Anniversary Day public holiday)
- Where
- Waitematā Harbour, Auckland
- Cost
- Free to watch from the shore
- Tugboats
- Race from 10 am off Westhaven, then the tug 'dance' at Westhaven
- Classic yachts
- Sail past from Westhaven breakwater from midday; race start at Ōrākei Wharf at 1 pm
- Close-up
- Many boats berth in the Viaduct Harbour
- Schedule
- Published on the official site before the day
What it is
Auckland is nicknamed the City of Sails, and on its birthday it proves it. The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is held every year on the Auckland Anniversary public holiday, when hundreds of vessels take to the Waitematā Harbour under sail, steam and paddle power. The organisers describe it as one of the world’s biggest and most historic one-day regattas. In 2027 it is on Monday 1 February.
What to expect
Something is happening all over the harbour all day. Based on the official schedule:
- Tugboats race from about 10 am, starting off Westhaven and running down the harbour to Ōrākei and back. Afterwards they perform their display, or “dance”, in front of the crowds at Westhaven.
- Classic launches also race between Westhaven and Ōrākei.
- Classic yachts, one of the largest fleets of authentically restored yachts in the world, line up from midday for a sail past from the Westhaven breakwater across to North Head. Their race starts at Ōrākei Wharf at 1 pm and finishes at Westhaven in the afternoon, best seen from the breakwater in front of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
- Modern keelboats, waka ama and waka hourua (double-hulled voyaging canoes) start from Resolution Buoy, best viewed from Ōrākei Wharf.
- Dragon boats race throughout the day around the Viaduct Harbour.
- Dinghy and youth classes race from host clubs around the harbour.
You can see the highlights in a few hours, or move between viewing spots for most of the day.
Who it suits
Families, boat lovers and photographers, and anyone in Auckland on the long weekend. It is free and you can come and go.
Getting there and where to watch
- Westhaven and its breakwater are a short walk west of the city centre: go early for the tugboats.
- Ōrākei Wharf is east of the city along Tāmaki Drive, near Ōrākei train station. Go there for the classic yacht and waka starts.
- The Viaduct Harbour, in the city centre, is the place to see dragon boats and berthed boats up close.
Public transport into the city centre avoids holiday parking problems. To watch from the water, book a spectator cruise or take your own boat, keeping well clear of the race areas.
Where to stay
The city centre and Viaduct are best placed. See our things to do in Auckland guide. Anniversary weekend is busy, so book early.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat and water: harbour viewing spots have little shade. Bring a jacket too. Weather on the harbour can change quickly; the 2026 regatta was held in blustery conditions after a week of wild weather.
Make a trip of it
Make a long weekend of it with our things to do in Auckland guide, then explore the Coromandel or the Bay of Islands.
FAQ
Where is the best place to watch the Auckland Anniversary Regatta?
Can I watch from the water?
What are the highlights?
Can I see the boats up close?
Is it on every year?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
