184th Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

Celebrate the birthday of the City of Sails as hundreds of vessels take to the water under sail, steam and paddle power in one of the world’s biggest - and most historic - one-day regattas.

The Auckland Anniversary Regatta has been around since 1840, when an impromptu boat race was held by General William Hobson to commemorate the day Auckland was founded. 

The Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is now held every year on Auckland Anniversary Day to celebrate the birthday of the ‘City of Sails’.

There's so much to see at the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. Each year a huge fleet of vessels take to the water, making this the single biggest one-day regatta in the world, regularly attracting hundreds of vessels and participants to take part. It’s a glorious spectacle with classic yachts, racing keelers, multihulls, sailing dinghies, foiling classes, radio controlled yachts, waka ama, dragon boats, classic launches and tugboat all racing for victory.

The Viaduct basin is full of energy on Anniversary Day, as the location for the Dragonboat races. These short, sharp and highly competitive events always draw a crowd of excited onlookers. There's also always a good crowd down at Princes Wharf & Queen's Wharf - head out to the end of the wharves to see the tugboat and classics races as they come past! 

Flat fee of $7 per day on weekends at Fanshawe Street carpark. Find out more.

Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more

Last updated: 16 January 2024