Congratulations to our winner…
We’ve counted up the entries for our Win a Tugboat Race Experience competition and the random number generator has picked a winner. The lucky entrant who will be joining the Tugboat Race on Auckland Anniversary Day is…
Anna Loxton Todd
Congratulations Anna! You and a friend will be jumping on board with Captain Lance on the Christine Mary for the race of a lifetime, on Monday 26 January!
Watch Auckland’s harbour come alive
Even if you didn’t win the chance to take part in the Tugboat Race, there’s still so much to see and enjoy all around the City of Sails on Anniversary Day.
Watch the racing from a viewpoint on land, or get up close with the action by booking a cruise or taking your own boat out to watch the races on the water.
Here are some of the highlights not to be missed on Monday 26 January…
NEW Midday Sail-Past
Starting at midday from Westhaven, a parade of vessels will showcase our city’s rich maritime culture, following the city shoreline, then sweeping across to the North Shore before finishing off North Head. It’ll be one of the standout spectacles of the day, so don’t miss it!
Tugboat Race
Tugboats may not be designed to race, but when they do, they are a spectacular sight. Tugs of all shapes and sizes start off Westhaven at 10am, racing down to Orakei and back again, followed by an impressive display with tug-o-wars and water fights!
Classic Races
Auckland has the largest fleet of classics still actively on the water anywhere in the world. Classic races start from 11am, with great viewing from Orakei, Bastion Point, Westhaven and the public wharves downtown.
Radio Controlled Yachts
The Westhaven Promenade walkway is a fantastic spot to watch the regatta’s small-yet-mighty radio controlled yachts race in St Mary’s Bay, from 10am. But don’t let their size fool you – these tiny competitors are deadly serious when it comes to their racing!
Dragon Boat Racing
The Viaduct basin is full of energy on Anniversary Day, as the location for the Dragonboat races. These short, sharp and highly competitive events always draw a crowd of onlookers. Be sure to arrive early as spaces around the waterfront fill up fast, and racing starts from around 9am.
Waka Ama Races
Waka ama crews bring serious energy to the regatta, cutting fast, narrow hulls across the harbour from Resolution Buoy off Orakei Wharf up to Westhaven. It’s all rhythm, teamwork and raw power, with races that showcase the skill and spirit of Māori and Pacific paddling tradition.
Centreboards & Foiling Fleets
The centreboard classes are the grass roots favourites of New Zealand sailing, and hundreds of dinghy sailors will take to the water to compete on Anniversary Day. Racing takes place at clubs around Auckland, so check out the Schedule to see where your favourites are racing.
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