Crowds swarmed the Viaduct in Auckland. Photo / Chris Loufte
Crowds swarmed the Viaduct in Auckland. Photo / Chris Loufte
Happy birthday Auckland. Even the weather came to the party yesterday as three days of celebrations to commemorate the City of Sails' 175th anniversary kicked off in glorious sunshine and temperatures in the high 20s.
Tens of thousands of Aucklanders soaked up the summer to celebrate the milestone in style.
The crowds flocked to the Seafood Festival, to a navy open day on board HMNZS Otago, and the Buskers Festival on the waterfront.
Those seeking a bit of sporting action headed to Mission Bay for the opening day of the two-day SLAM Beach Volleyball Tournament.
Julie Dali played beach volleyball at Mission Bay. Photo / Jason Dorday
Among the delicacies on offer at the Seafood Festival were the recently launched Kiwa oysters, which are farmed in the Marlborough Sounds.
Andy Elliot, from Kiwa producers Kono, was confident the product would one day challenge Bluff oysters. "Our initial focus is on supplying the US market where the potential is unlimited," he explained. "However, it is very important for us that Kiwis are also given the opportunity to experience the Kiwa.
"That is why we are coming to Auckland to serve them up ... [then] we will be making them available at a small number of restaurants in New Zealand."
Li Ying savouring a Kiwa oyster. Photo / Michael Craig
Christchurch dentist Li Ying gave the Kiwa oysters a big tick, saying they were as good as the Bluff variety.
"Bluff oysters have always been my favourite but the Kiwa ones are juicy and have a lot of flavour. At $10 for three they are a bit expensive but I would definitely have them again."
Organisers expect more than last year's turnout of 18,000.
Anniversary Weekend still has plenty to dish up over the next two days, including today's Karaka Million at Ellerslie Racecourse, and tomorrow's Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and the Laneway Festival.
WeatherWatch's Philip Duncan said sunshine and temperatures in the mid-20s would remain for the remainder of the long weekend. Showers in Northland and the Coromandel this morning would clear for a hot dry day.
