Waitangi Day on February 6 2020 marks 180 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The public holiday falls on a Thursday this year and there’s plenty going on around Auckland.
Whether you’re looking for cultural events, family fun or restaurants that aren’t charging a surcharge, we’ve got you covered.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will be hosting a free, fun and informative day out at Ōkahu Bay, Ōrākei.
Kicking off at 10am, expect live music, delicious food, arts and crafts stalls, games and activities for the whole whānau.
Waitangi @ Waititi
Live music, tasty kai and whānau vibes are on the bill for Waitangi Day at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.
The line up includes Katchafire, KORA, Ardijah, Che Fu & the Krates, 1814, and lots more Kiwi acts.
The event is free and runs from 9am until 5pm. It’s also alcohol-free and free fruit and water will be on offer.
Summer Vibes North Shore Festival
Summer Vibes is the first event of its kind at Awataha Marae, which you’ll find behind AUT North Shore Campus.
There will be entertainment from local and international acts, a kids’ zone and the chance to learn about te reo and Waitangi.
The event is being put on in in association with Auckland Council and Waitangi ki Tamaki Collective and will run from 10am until 4pm.
Waitangi ki Manukau
Enjoy culture, music, te reo Māori, kōrero and kai at the free annual Waitangi Day celebration at Hayman Park in Manukau.
Arrive by 8.45am for the pōwhiri to open the day, then stay for hāngi demonstrations, live music and the chance to learn more about the Treaty of Waitangi.
The event recognises Manukau’s history as a treaty signing location.
Sundown Sessions
ASB Showgrounds is being turned into an inner-city beach for Waitangi Day, complete with 100 tonnes of sand.
Armand van Helden will be headlining the party, joined on the line up by house hero Erick Morillo and a host of local and international DJs.
Sundown Sessions runs from 2pm until 10.30pm and tickets start at $149.
Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge
Auckland’s Harbour Bridge will light up from 9pm until midnight to commemorate 180 years since the Treaty was signed.
The light show runs every 30 minutes from February 2-6 and tells the story of Waikato-Tainui through the years.
Looking for the best view of the lights? Here are a few suggestions: Little Shoal Bay, Northcote; Bayswater Marina; Mt Victoria, Devonport; Queens Parade, Devonport; Bastion Point; Auckland waterfront; Harbour View Beach Reserve, Te Atatū Peninsula; Sentinel Beach, Herne Bay; Mt Eden.
Screening of Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Grab the whānau and a picnic rug and head to Aotea Square’s pop-up outdoor cinema.
Hailed as the “feel-good Kiwi movie of the year” when it was released, Poi E tells the story of New Zealand’s much-loved unofficial national anthem.
The free screening starts at 4pm, with music in the square from midday.
Visit Heritage New Zealand properties for free
Properties including Highwic in Epsom, Alberton in Mt Albert and Parnell’s Ewelme Cottage will be free of charge on February 6.
The aim of the day is to promote the significance of these places in the story of early Māori and Pākehā interaction.
The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga properties will be open from 10am to 4pm.
Crafters Destash Market
Was your New Year resolution to get crafty? Here’s your chance to stock up on supplies.
Crafters will be selling their surplus materials, including fabric, scrap booking and jewellery making supplies, making it an eco-friendly way to shop.
Running from 11am-3pm at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, the market is $2 on the door and free for kids. Bring cash!
Cafes and restaurants with no surcharge
Reluctant to pay an extra 10 per cent on the price of your eggs bene just because it’s a public holiday? Here are a few places you could check out.
If it’s brunch you’re after, look to Dear Jervois in Herne Bay, Morningside’s Crave or Petit Bocal on Sandringham Rd.
Best Ugly Bagels will be serving up its delicious bagels at their regular prices and Takapuna Beach Cafe will be keeping beachgoers fed and watered with no surcharge.
