Auckland Late Summer Guide – What’s On
Auckland’s late summer comes alive with Moana Auckland, Lantern Festival, Arts & Pasifika events. See what’s on and where to stay.
Late summer in Auckland isn’t a quiet blur before autumn, but one of the busiest periods of the year. From cultural festivals to waterfront celebrations and family-friendly gatherings, February and March offer a mix of experiences that reward both locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away, thinking about a spontaneous trip, or just want to make the most of summer’s last warm days, here’s what’s happening in the City of Sails this season.
Moana Auckland – Festival of Ocean & Culture (28 Feb – 15 Mar)
Auckland’s Moana Auckland festival returns for 2026 with a three-week programme celebrating our connection to the ocean, culture, and summer vibes. The series unfolds along the Harbour Waterfront with activities and events that reflect Tāmaki Makaurau’s coastal identity.
Highlights include:
Shoreline Social (28 Feb – 1 Mar) – a lively opening weekend down by the water with seafood, live music, stalls and sunshine.
Z Manu World Champs (28 Feb – 14 Mar) – A grand celebration of a beloved Kiwi pastime, the Manu (dive bomb)! Come see the next world champion crowned at Karanga Plaza at the Waterfront.
Auckland Boat Show (5–8 Mar) – New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show in Jellicoe Harbour, showcasing vessels, gear, and marine technology.
Auckland Wooden Boat Festival (13–15 Mar) – heritage boats, exhibits, and maritime culture spread across four iconic waterfront venues. Not to be missed!
This festival brings together sport, culture and community storytelling, and it’s an easy reason to enjoy warm days and balmy evenings by the waterfront.
Z Manu World Champs – Auckland
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival (26 Feb – 1 Mar)
The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is one of the city’s most visually memorable late-summer cultural events, celebrating the Year of the Horse with hundreds of lanterns lighting up the Manukau Sports Bowl through four nights.
What to expect:
Dozens of glowing lantern displays
Traditional and contemporary performances
Amusement rides
Food and craft stalls representing multiple cultures
Fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings
The event is free (tickets required) and welcomes all ages. It’s a rich cultural experience that makes early autumn feel like a vibrant extension of summer.
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival
Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki – Auckland Arts Festival (5–22 Mar)
From theatre and music to dance and cabaret, the Auckland Arts Festival returns in March with world-class performances across a variety of central venues including Aotea Square, Auckland Town Hall, and more.
The festival opens with a free celebration in Aotea Square and continues for nearly three weeks, offering plenty of opportunities to discover new acts, local artists, and international performers. Even simple pop-up performances and festival installations make strolling around the city feel like part of the experience.
Pasifika Festival (14–15 Mar)
The Pasifika Festival at Western Springs Lakeside Park is one of Auckland’s signature cultural celebrations, drawing crowds from across the region to enjoy Pacific Island cultures in full expression.
Over two days you’ll find:
Eight vibrant cultural “villages” representing Pacific nations
Eight vibrant cultural “villages” representing Pacific nations
Traditional and contemporary dance and music
Pacific cuisine including hāngī, ʻotai and island-inspired fare
Artisan stalls and colourful performances
It’s free to attend and all ages are welcome. While there head next door to MOTAT for Pacific culture and interactive games and workshops. These include coconut shaving, ukelele lessons, films and more!
Pacifica Festival - Auckland
Best Auckland Accommodation
For visitors planning to experience Auckland’s multitude of events, choosing accommodation in the city centre is smart. Parkside Hotel & Apartments offers:
Central location near parks, dining, and public transport
Comfortable rooms and longer stay facilities
Easy access to event venues around the CBD and waterfront
Staying centrally means you can walk to many festival sites, catch late-afternoon performances, and return for a relaxed evening without needing to drive. Look at our special offers and book your stay with us!
