Moana Auckland to kick off with free Shoreline Social weekend by the water
by Tataki Auckland Unlimited/aucklandnz.com 23 Feb 15:17 NZDT
Moana Pacific Festival returns to Auckland in February 2026 © Auckland Unlimited
Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival returns at the end of February opening with Moana Auckland Shoreline Social, a free, relaxed waterfront weekend bringing fresh seafood, live music and hands-on experiences to the Eastern Viaduct on 28 February and 1 March 2026.
Delivered by Auckland Council Events and produced by creative event agency Ballyhoo, Shoreline Social is the opening moment of Moana Auckland, a multi-weekend festival celebrating Auckland’s connection to the sea.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the festival is a great reflection of Auckland’s identity as a harbour city.
"With there being 3200km of coastline around Auckland, it’s only natural that those of us here have a natural affinity and a passion for the sea.
“From the Shoreline Social, which kicks off Moana Auckland, to the other events like the Boat Show and the dive-bombing world champs that will take place at Browny’s Pool, there will be something for everyone at this festival.”
Food is a central part of the Shoreline Social experience, with kina taking centre stage through dedicated tasting sessions that celebrate one of the Waitemata’s most iconic kai moana. Alongside kina, visitors can enjoy oysters, seafood boil, mussel fritters, fish and chips and other seafood favourites, as well as sweet treats, pastries, gelato and freshly roasted coffee from Coffee Supreme. The mix reflects Auckland’s diverse food scene, with options to graze, sit and stay, or wander with something in hand.
Running alongside the food and market offering are hands-on activities for all ages. Highlights include weaving workshops with Ngati Whatua weavers, ocean-inspired storytelling, creative activities for tamariki, ticketed Kina Table tasting sessions, where local Ngati Whatua Orakei divers share stories from beneath the surface of the Waitemata and show participants how to open, prepare and enjoy fresh kina.
As the afternoon goes on, the relaxed waterfront vibes continue with live performances throughout the weekend, highlighted by award-winning husband-and-wife duo ‘Aro’ on Saturday, before leading into sets from DJ Dick Johnson. An alcohol-free bar by Lyre’s keeps Shoreline Social accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Ballyhoo, the creative event agency behind Shoreline Social, brings over 20 years of experience producing large scale public events across Aotearoa.
“Shoreline Social is about connection,” says Emma Henderson, Head of Events for Ballyhoo. “We wanted to create a weekend where people can come together by the water and experience the best kai, music, art and culture that Auckland has to offer, while also learning about our relationship with the moana."
Moana Auckland runs across three weekends from 28 February to 15 March, and includes anchor events such as Z Manu World Champs, the Auckland Boat Show, and the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.
Event details
What: Moana Auckland Shoreline Social
When: Saturday 28 February, 10am – 8pm and Sunday 1 March, 10am – 4pm
Where: Eastern Viaduct, Auckland
Cost: Free entry (kina tasting sessions ticketed)
Part of: Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival
For event updates, kina tasting tickets and the full Moana Auckland programme, visit www.aucklandnz.com/moana and follow @moanauckland on Facebook and Instagram
Location: www.aucklandnz.com/moana/moana-auckland-shoreline-social
About Tataki Auckland Unlimited
Tataki Auckland Unlimited is Tamaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).
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About Auckland Council Events
Auckland Council Events are events supported by the Auckland Council Group, including local boards and council-controlled organisations, recognising events supported by Auckland ratepayer funding. This support can include investment, delivery or promotion of events, to bring our communities together, celebrate Tamaki Makaurau Auckland’s identity and deliver social and economic benefits.