Pasifika Festival, the world's largest Pacific cultural festival, returns to Western Springs Park in Auckland on 13 and 14 March 2027. Entry is free. Expect performances across eight stages, more than 100 food and craft stalls, and cultural villages showcasing Pacific nations side by side. Take the bus: routes 11T, 11W and 18 stop on Great North Road, and parking fills fast.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March 2027
- Where
- Western Springs Park, 99 Motions Road, Auckland
- Cost
- Free entry
- Stages
- Eight stages of music, dance and cultural performance
- Stalls
- More than 100 food and craft stalls
- Bus
- Routes 11T, 11W and 18 to Great North Road, then a short walk
- Parking
- Nearby, but fills quickly
- Next door
- MOTAT's free Pasifika Vibes programme
What it is
Auckland has the largest Pacific population of any city in the world, and Pasifika Festival is its biggest celebration. It began in 1993 as a celebration of Pacific pride, identity and community in New Zealand, and it has grown into the world’s largest Pacific cultural festival. In 1998 it introduced the cultural village layout, showcasing the traditions of Pacific nations side by side, and Western Springs Park became its natural home.
The festival opens its welcome with greetings in many Pacific languages, from Cook Islands Māori and Fijian to Samoan and Tongan.
What to expect
- Performances on eight stages: Pacific music, dance and cultural performance, from fresh beats to old favourites to sing and dance along to
- More than 100 food and craft stalls: from ’otai to hāngī, plus traditional taonga (treasures) and crafts to buy
- Cultural villages for different Pacific nations
- Pasifika Vibes at MOTAT next door: a free programme of games, workshops such as coconut shaving, ukulele lessons, films and performances
It is a lively, family-friendly two days. Plan for at least half a day to eat your way around the villages and catch a few performances.
Who it suits
Everyone: families, food lovers and anyone wanting to experience Pacific culture in New Zealand. It is free, so it is easy to drop in.
Getting there
Western Springs Park is at 99 Motions Road, about 4 km west of Auckland’s city centre.
- Bus: routes 11T, 11W and 18 stop on Great North Road, a short walk from the park.
- Car: parking nearby fills quickly on busy days.
- Bike or on foot: the park is reachable from Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.
Transport details for the 2027 festival will be confirmed closer to the dates. Auckland Airport is about 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre without traffic (an estimate).
Where to stay
The city centre, Ponsonby and Grey Lynn are closest. See our things to do in Auckland guide.
Accessibility
Many paths in the park are paved, but some areas are uneven or sloped. Toilets and changing facilities are available. Accessibility information for 2027 will be confirmed closer to the date.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat and water: March can still be hot in Auckland. Bring a picnic blanket and an appetite.
Make a trip of it
Western Springs is next to Auckland Zoo and MOTAT (the Museum of Transport and Technology). Walk the 1.75 km loop around the spring-fed lake to see ducks, geese and pūkeko, but please do not feed the birds. The Auckland Arts Festival is on at the same time (see our Auckland Arts Festival page), and our things to do in Auckland guide has more.
FAQ
Is Pasifika Festival free?
How do I get to Pasifika Festival?
What food is there?
What are the cultural villages?
Is it accessible?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
