Kia ora neighbours

We hope you had a fun time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year break. Fingers crossed for a bit more sunshine coming up so we can get outside and enjoy all the summer activities planned on our gorgeous waterfront – there’s certainly a lot happening.

We’d like to remind people walking dogs around Tāmaki Makaurau that this is the season our native karaka trees have berries. While these berries are a great food source for our kererū (wood pigeon), the woody kernel of the berry is poisonous. Please do take extra care and keep your dog well under control in areas with karaka plants.

Our very best wishes to you for a safe, happy and fun-filled 2026.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Your Waterfront Team

Summer on our waterfront - where else would you want to be?

Get your game on!

Design, build and play your very own game with The Open Fort at the street game design workshop this week. Bring along whānau and friends to design and play together.

This workshop is part of a monthly series with an extended session for play. Hope to see you there.

When: Wednesday 28 January 2026 from 4-7 pm

Where: Silo Park

The last-day-of-January jump in

Join us on for a whānau friendly water and Te Taiao day (weather permitting) on Saturday 31 January.

Drowning Prevention Have-a-Throw

Learn valuable basic lifesaving skills with a fun and friendly competition.

Te Ara Tukutuku Hands-on

Learn more about the rākau (trees) of our waterfront, and help name our 12 rescued pōhutukawa trees.

Practice your manu skills at the jump platform

Make a real splash and fine tune your manu bombing skills at the Karanga Plaza jump platform. Enjoy the live DJ and merchandise giveaways while an Aotearoa Bombing Association Manu training instructor will be on site for coaching tips and safety.

When: Saturday 31 January, 11 – 3 pm (manu training is from 11-2pm)

Where: Silo Park

Win a double pass to see Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Our friends at the Auckland Theatre Company are offering newsletter readers a chance to win two tickets to their smash hit production Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

The fastest selling show in Auckland Theatre Company's history, this year’s production opens on 7 February, and tickets are once again flying out the door.

To be in with a chance to win tickets to the show on Tuesday 10 February, email social@atc.co.nz by 5pm Wednesday 4 February 2026 – and tell the team at the Auckland Theatre Company why you want to see the show and you'll be in the prize draw.

*Prize draw terms and conditions apply.

Sunrise Yoga

Salute the sunrise with free yoga on Queens Wharf. Start mid-week with yoga and waterfront views. Bring your mat, move your body and ease into the morning as the sun rises over Te Waitematā.

Everyone is welcome whether you’re new to yoga or well-practiced; sessions are open to all levels.

Sunrise Yoga is a free event, but you do need a ticket to attend. This is a popular activity, so we recommend booking early. Get your free ticket here.  

When: Wednesdays 11,18, 25 February and 4 March, 7:00am – 8:15am

Where: Queens Wharf

Stuck for a Valentines Day idea?

Wondering how you can impress that special someone on Valentines Day? Belt out a banger or release your inner crooner at our all-ages, open-air karaoke night.

Sing out loud to the city, embarrass the kids and/or impress your date with a karaoke tune dedicated to them, and then enjoy a romantic  outdoor meal from one of the onsite food trucks.

When: Friday 14 and 21 February, 6pm – 8pm

Where: Queens Wharf

2026 ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix

The 2026 ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland is nearly here.

Thanks to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, you can watch all the action on 14 and 15 February free of charge on a big screen at the Eastern Viaduct.

Grandstand tickets are still available for sale through SailGP, although BYOB tickets (bring your own boat) have sold out. Click here for more information on ticketing options.

Pride Festival 2026

This year’s Pride Festival runs from 1 -28 February, check out the full programme here.

A wheelie good time at the Pride Bike Rave

An easy, flat, 8km, social ride along the waterfront — lights on, music up! Finishing at Silo Park, there’ll be beats, treats and other surprises. You can even borrow a bike for the evening if you need one.

When: Friday 20 February, 7pm

Where: The Bike Hub on Queens Wharf

Follow @queerbikepals for updates

Outrunnerz Pride Run

Auckland's only LGBTQIA+, Takatāpui and MVPFAFF communities inclusive run club. Wear your favourite colour to flood the waterfront with Pride and stick around for a party to celebrate inclusion, wellbeing and connection.

This is a free event, but tickets are required. Click here for more information and to get your ticket.

When: Saturday 21 February, 7.30am

Where: Hobson Wharf

Fins, flipper, pincers and tails – Mermaid Parade and workshop

ATTENTION mermaids-in-the-making, crafty sea creatures and whānau who like to plan ahead -unlike previous years, there will be no ‘on the day’ costume prep stations at this year’s Mermaid Parade. So here’s an opportunity to get your costume ready a week early at a creative workshop led by artists.

Create marine-themed costumes and puppets from recycled materials and then showcase your creation at the parade. All materials provided — just bring your vision and your fishiest ideas.

When: Saturday 21 February

Where: workshop at Silo Park

The Mermaid Parade itself will be held on 28 February – more fin-tastic details to come.

That's it, you're up to date 

Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter where we’ll sharing more about the Mermaid Festival, Moana Auckland, a live arts trail, the Auckland Boat Show and the 2026 Z Manu World Championships - all coming to your waterfront very soon.

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What did you think of today's newsletter? Tell us what you'd like to see more of by emailing yourwaterfront@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Auckland Urban Development Office
135 Albert Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 90343, Victoria Street West,
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Ph: 09 336 8820