Five Things To Do At the Auckland Seafood Festival

If you're floundering for what to do this weekend, the Auckland Seafood Festival is back and running this Auckland Anniversary weekend (January 25-27) at the Halsey Wharf in Wynyard Quarter. The festival runs from 11am til 6pm, and tickets are $20.

For those of you who do end up going, here are five things you should try out:

1. EAT SEAFOOD

The primary goal of the festival. Your choices include trying scallop dumplings, BBQ salmon, deep fried calamari; enjoying a front row seat in watching your sushi being made teppanyaki-style; or just grabbing some freshly-cooked mussels. Check out the full ist of available food here.

2. HAVE A VIP EXPERIENCE

For those of you who enjoy drinking some bubbly, having a few complimentary dishes and other beverages, as well as some other special privileges, you can pay $109 to become a VIP for the day. For the full list of perks click here.

3. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Headlining the event is Phil Madsen, who was a finalist for an APRA scroll in 2009 for his song "Dancing on the Moon". For the full list of performers click here.

4. FISH FILLETING COMPETITION - Monday, 2.30pm - 3.30pm

"Glory, prizes and bragging rights all rest on this moment for New Zealand’s leading filleters as they race against the clock to fillet 10kg of fish in the fastest time, whilst also obtaining the highest yield possible! Knives will slice and scales will fly in this exciting event." Cool. We're in.

5. THE SLIPPERY POLE

What began as a competition in Sicily in the 19th century has been turned into a contest of "glory and riches". The game's simple. A heavily-greased up pole the size of a telephone is positioned on a barge, hanging over the water. Fisherman (or anyone), attempt to reach the end of the pole and grab the flag. Whoever grabs the flag wins $1000. Although, in all the years it's featured at the Auckland Seafood Festival no one has ever won.