Six Brilliant Things to Do This Auckland Anniversary Weekend

While the core reason behind Auckland Anniversary Weekend is to mark William Hobson's arrival to the Bay of Islands in 1840, it also manages to celebrate the great diversity of our fine city. Plus, it's a good excuse for a short working week. A first-class spread of activities are on offer this long weekend, from an indie-centric music festival, a celebration of our rich Maori heritage, a quintessential Kiwi dub band, and lots of seafood.

Auckland International Buskers Festival

The world’s most talented buskers will converge around the Viaduct, Aotea Square and Auckland CBD over the long weekend to bring the eccentric and electric atmosphere of the International Buskers Festival. Witness the daring, comedy and breathtaking skill of numerous bizarre and talented performers, from a flaming whip juggler to an acrobatic bagpiper.

When: Friday, January 29 - Monday, February 1
Where: Aotea Square
How much: Free

Auckland Seafood Festival

More than 100 seafood dishes will be on offer at this year's event, including things from great depths that you didn’t even know about. There will be live demonstrations with local food experts, a fishing experience for kids, a fish filleting competition, and performances from Kiwi acts Tiki Taane, Anika Moa and Che Fu. Day two will sign off with the annual fireworks display.

When: Friday, January 29 - Monday, February 1
Where: Wynyard Quarter
How much: $20 - 120

LunarFest

To mark the Asian Lunar New Year and the impending arrival of the Year of the Monkey, the Vodafone Events Centre will host LunarFest. The free, day-long festival attracts attracts more than 60,000 people to make the most of cultural performances, more than 100 Asian food vendors, and a fireworks display.

When: Saturday, January 30
Where: Vodafone Events Centre
How much: Free

Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival

The family-friendly Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival will see its debut run across the waterfront and in the thick of the Waitemata this Anniversary Weekend. The festival celebrates the rich Maori heritage and culture of Tamaki Makaurau through thrilling inter-tribal waka races, performances by contemporary Maori artists, traditional and modern kapa haka, Maori crafts, and the chief drawcard of any cultural festival – food. The public will also have the opportunity to jump inside a waka and try paddling it themselves.

When: Saturday, January 30 - Monday, February 1
Where: Queens Wharf
How much: Free

Fat Freddy's Drop

Before embarking on a huge international tour, the quintessential New Zealand dub band will set up on the lawn of Waiheke's Cable Bay Vineyard. Hot off the back of releasing their new album BAYS, the seven-piece will jam some of their new material, as well as crowd pleasers like ‘Wandering Eye’.

When: Sunday, January 31
Where: Cable Bay Vineyard
How much: $79

St Jerome's Laneway Festival

Taking place at longstanding waterfront venue Silo Park, the eighth instalment of Laneway Festival will, as per usual, see an eclectic mix of artists take the stage. Making their way across international waters for the 2016 event are: Scottish electronic trio CHVRCHES, Las Vegas dance-pop artist Shamir, New York trio experimental-rock trio Battles, Los Angeles garage-punk band FIDLAR, experimental-pop artist Grimes, Glasgow beatmaker Hudson Mohawke, multi-genre bass player Thundercat, dream-pop duo Beach House, Sydney electronic producer Flume, and so many more that it’s ridiculous.

When: Monday, February 1
Where: Silo Park
How much: $149.50