About the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival

The relevance of wooden boats

Every wooden boat tells a story. Its story is in the mighty trees that were felled to make it. The craftsmanship of the builder, the people that sailed it, and the places it has taken them. The development of Auckland’s wooden boating legacy also mirrors the development of the region in its early decades. If we can understand the story of our maritime heritage, we can better understand how our city has been shaped, and perhaps how to face up to some of the challenges of the future.

Wooden boats sailing. Auckland Wooden Boat Festival 2024. Wynyard Quarter. March 2024.

This festival is about Auckland’s history, about living the past in the today, and bringing people together. The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) celebrates the working waterfront of Auckland and our indigenous navigation heritage, the natural environment and sailing and boating as a sport and as a way of life.

Boat Expression of interest form

Are you visiting Auckland for the festival?

We recommend the Discover Auckland website: your go-to guide for things to do, top attractions, places to eat & upcoming events.

Discover Auckland

Festival Hours & Location

Address:
Viaduct Event Centre, 171 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010

Jellicoe Harbour, next to the Viaduct Event Centre, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010

Also at,

New Zealand Maritime Museum, Corner of Quay and Hobson Street, Auckland 1140

Percy Vos Shed, 38/42 Hamer Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010

2026 Festival Hours* (subject to change)

Friday 13th March 4pm - 8pm

Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th March 10am – 5pm

Wooden boats sailing. Auckland Wooden Boat Festival 2024. Wynyard Quarter. March 2024.