What's on for Auckland Anniversary Day

It is a holiday in the north of the North Island to commemorate the founding of the 19th century provinces of Auckland and Northland.

Shops are open but some services, like local councils, have a weekend skeleton staff working.

Some restaurants and cafes will add a 15 per cent surcharge to make up for the extra rates they must pay workers.


On the water

To celebrate the holiday, Auckland throws a party on the water. The New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is said to be the largest one-day regatta in the world, on both the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. There are dozens of races covering all classes of boats. The regatta lasts from 9.30am until 3pm.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for places on the Spirit of New Zealand, Soren Larsen or the Windeward Bound and are $125. Good places to see the action include Bastion Pt, all along Tamaki Drive and North Head in Devonport.


On the land

There will be a funfair at Princes Wharf starting at 10am and going through until 9pm. Costs for rides vary from $2 to $5. The free Symphony on the Sea concert starts at 1pm, featuring the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra on Te Wero Island.

There are other events: The Edge Jam in the Park at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier. This free concert is part of the Music in Parks series and features Good Night Nurse and Nesian Mystik. It runs from 2pm until 6pm.

Auckland Folk Festival at Kumeu Showgrounds featuring overseasand local folk bands. Open 8am to 9pm. Tickets cost $60 to $80 and are available at the gate.

Auckland Anniversary Day Art and Craft Market at Mission Bay.

The Fossil Bay Steiner Kindergarten Country Fair will take place on Waiheke Island from 10am to 4pm.


Chinese New Year

The Chinese community is also celebrating the Chinese New Year, for The Year of the Dog, also known as the Spring Festival.

Chinese New Year Acrobatic Show at SkyCity Theatre at 8pm. Tickets are $30 VIP, $20 adults, $15 children and $59 a family, from Ticketek.The weatherIt should be fine today for the holiday, although there could be some showers developing.