Auckland's waterfront comes alive at the end of February when Moana Auckland, New Zealand's Ocean Festival, opens with the Shoreline Social, a free weekend event at the Eastern Viaduct on 28 February and 1 March 2026.
Delivered by Auckland Council Events and produced by creative event agency Ballyhoo, the Shoreline Social is the opening moment of Moana Auckland, a multi-weekend festival built around Auckland's deep relationship with the sea. Spanning three weekends from 28 February to 15 March, the wider programme includes anchor events such as Z Manu World Champs, the Auckland Boat Show, and the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown sees the festival as a natural expression of the city's character. "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," he says. "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."
Kai moana sits at the heart of the Shoreline Social experience. Kina takes centre stage through dedicated tasting sessions celebrating one of the Waitematā's most iconic seafoods. The ticketed Kina Table sessions are led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei divers, who share stories from beneath the surface of the Waitematā while guiding participants through how to open, prepare, and enjoy fresh kina. Beyond those sessions, visitors can graze on oysters, seafood boil, mussel fritters, and fish and chips, or round things out with sweet treats, pastries, gelato, and freshly roasted coffee from Coffee Supreme. The spread reflects the breadth of Auckland's food scene, with options to suit those who want to sit and linger as much as those who prefer to wander with something in hand.
Food is far from the only draw. Weaving workshops led by Ngāti Whātua weavers, ocean-inspired storytelling, and creative activities for tamariki all feature across the weekend, giving the event a hands-on, community feel that spans every age group.
Live music carries through both days, with award-winning husband-and-wife duo 'Aro' headlining on Saturday before sets from DJ Dick Johnson. An alcohol-free bar by Lyre's ensures the event remains welcoming and accessible to all.
Emma Henderson, Head of Events for Ballyhoo, says the intention behind the weekend was always about bringing people together. "Shoreline Social is about connection," she says. "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." Ballyhoo brings over 20 years of experience producing large-scale public events across Aotearoa to the project.
The Shoreline Social runs on Saturday 28 February from 10am to 8pm and Sunday 1 March from 10am to 4pm at the Eastern Viaduct. Entry is free, with ticketed sessions available for the Kina Table tastings.
