Auckland - City of Summer Festivals

Festivals of food, wine and music fill the weekends in Auckland this summer, offering a great opportunity to celebrate the long summer days.

Some of the larger festivals in the line-up include Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival, Mission Bay Jazz and Blues StreetFest, as well as the Auckland Lantern Festival, New Zealand Beer Festival, the CheeseFest, Pasifika Festival and ASB Polyfest.

So, for a fun summer weekend in Auckland, pack together a delicious picnic, a blanket to relax on, plenty of sun block and your family and friends. Head along to a festival, laze in a grassy park or on a scenic beach and enjoy the festivities. Below is a guide to several of Auckland's summer festivals.

For more information about the festivals or to book accommodation, transport or activities, phone Tourism Auckland on 0800 AUCKLAND or +64 9 367 6009. Alternatively email reservations@aucklandnz.com.

Waitangi Day Festival

6 February, Okahu Bay, Auckland
Celebrate Waitangi Day at Okahu Bay with a free family festival filled with culture, tradition and live entertainment! www.aucklandcity.govt.nz.

Devonport Food, Wine & MusicFestival

16-17 February, Windsor Reserve, Devonport
Bask in the sunshine beside the sea and enjoy this iconic event showcasing an array of quality wines and tasty treats from wineries, restaurants and NZ's most celebrated chefs. On stage entertainment includes Hello Sailor, Hollie Smith, Greg Johnson and The Lady Killers. www.devonportwinefestival.co.nz.

Hoegaarden Mission Bay Jazz and Blues StreetFest

16 February (rain date, 17 February), Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
This popular festival sees Tamaki Drive fill with national and international jazz musicians, offering an ideal setting for a picnic with friends on the beach or a night out in the bars and restaurants of spectacular Mission Bay. Entry $5 or free if under 5 years old. No BYO alcohol. www.jazzandbluesstreetfest.com.

Auckland Lantern Festival

22-24 February, Albert Park, Auckland
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at this delightful festival. Admire thousands of glowing lanterns slung throughout Albert Park and sample international delicacies from the many food stalls. www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson.

New Zealand Beer Festival 08

23 February, Ellerslie Race Course, Greenlane
A great day out with friends! Celebrate New Zealand's fine craft beer and its perfect accompaniments - food, friends and entertainment! www.beerfestival.co.nz.

CheeseFest

5 March, SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland
An event for all cheese lovers! Sample the 2008 Cuisine NZ Champions of Cheese award winners. www.nzsca.org.nz.

Pasifika Festival

7-8 March, Western Springs, Auckland
The South Pacific's largest Pacific Island community event showcases songs, dance, crafts, food and more, providing a great opportunity to discover the brilliance of the Pacific. www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson.

ASB Polyfest

12-15 March, Manukau Sports Bowl, Manukau
See a colourful performance of Auckland's Secondary Schools best Maori and Pacific Island cultural groups.