Ports of Auckland’s SeePort festival is THE place to be on Auckland’s Anniversary Weekend If you come down to the waterfront this weekend, you’re in for a big surprise. The cars are gone and in their place is one of the best, family-friendly, free events you will see anywhere. Get ready to be wowed by SeePort, Ports of Auckland’s annual open-port festival.

The Royal New Zealand Navy is back as our supporting partner, with two open ship events (HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS WELLINGTON), high speed RHIB displays on the water and Seasprite helicopter displays above. The RNZAF are joining the fun with a display from their NH90 helicopter, New Zealand Defence Force’s largest.

For the first time we’re joined by Sanford, the sustainable seafood company, with fun fishy games, fascinating science and some great culinary giveaways – a must for kaimoana lovers! Explore the working port by land, sea and air, with free boat and bus tours from Ports of Auckland or scenic helicopter flights from Heletranz*.

This is your only chance to drive around a working port and even on to the container terminal and the port’s newest wharf! You can also try out crane, train and helicopter simulators, see giant container-moving robots and learn about the future of the port.

On Sunday night there’s the SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks, with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, The Lady Killers and other special guests. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday evening and the fireworks are widely acknowledged as the best display in Auckland!

There are food stalls, games and so much more. Fun for all the family, young and old and with almost everything free, it won’t break the bank. Come on down and enjoy your port this Anniversary Weekend. You can see everything at www.seeport.co.nz, but here’s a sample of what’s on:

Discover

• Giant container-moving robots
• Navy ships HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS WELLINGTON
• Free tours of the working port by boat and bus
• Tugs! Open day on working tug Hauraki or William C. Daldy Steam Tug Sailings
• The city and port by air with Heletranz scenic helicopter tours *special SeePort prices $89 per person or $400 for a family of 5

Watch

• RNZAF NH90 Helicopter display – NZDF’s largest helicopter
• NZ Police Eagle Helicopter display – NZ Police’s high-tech eye-in-the-sky
• Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust – a rescue from the sea of SeePort MC Sam Wallace
• Royal New Zealand Navy Seasprite air show
• New Zealand Fire Service – jaws of life, kitchen fire
• Tugs! Watch the port’s working tugs ‘dance’
• Sunset Symphony and Orchestra with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, The Lady Killers and other special guests

Have a go

• Ports of Auckland crane and straddle training simulator
• Kiwirail Locomotive training simulator
• Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust training simulator
• Supply Chain Mini Golf
• Scouts Village – take aim and dunk a scout leader, tie knots, make bread
• Test ride an electric bike

Learn

• Port of the Future – discover how the port has changed and how it will change in the future
• Sanford – learn how Sanford is fishing smarter and more sustainably
• University of Auckland student’s ‘Solve It’ challenge, a look at futuristic port concepts

…and much more! Please be aware this list is not exclusive and subject to change. Stay late on Sunday night for the SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks, with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, The Lady Killers and other special guests. See a full schedule of events at www.seeport.co.nz WHEN: Saturday 27 January to Monday 29 January, 9am – 6pm daily. SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks will take place from 6pm on Sunday, 28 January.

WHERE:
Captain Cook and Marsden Wharves, opposite Britomart on Quay Street. Public access is gained via Quay Street and Queens Wharf.

WHY:   
Ports of Auckland belongs to the people of Auckland. SeePort allows Aucklanders the chance to discover their port, learn how it works hard and constantly to bring us the goods we use every day and also how it fits within the maritime and local community.

BOOKINGS: SeePort is a free-entry event. Rides, tours and activities are also free with the exception of Heletranz helicopter rides and heritage sailings on the William C Daldy steam tug. Bookings are only required for the Control Centre tours and William C Daldy sailings. People will need to pay for any food from the food stalls. Free water and sunscreen will be available.

MORE INFO: For more information of timings and exhibits visit www.seeport.co.nz