Every Anniversary Weekend, nearly, for 47 years, our gorgeous harbour transforms into a floating village with a very lively atmosphere.
The Mahurangi Regatta blends history, community spirit, and maritime skills against the backdrop of the gorgeous Mahurangi Harbour.
A weekend filled with fun-filled events, both on the water and onshore
It is a prelude to the world’s largest regatta, the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, held on the Monday of the long weekend in the Waitematā Harbour. Our regatta is special. Unlike larger events, the Mahurangi regatta stands out for its fun, strong community involvement and the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
A day out for all the family
Dating back to 1884, the Mahurangi Regatta lapsed during World War Two but the ‘Friends of the Mahurangi’ breathed life back into this event in 1977, ensuring it also became an inclusive event for families.
Friday night’s spectacle
The regatta kicks off on a Friday evening with the night race to Mahurangi from Auckland. Boats of all shapes and sizes converge on the harbour.
The fleet arrives from dusk. The boats come in a continuous flow river of red and green navigation lights stretching from the heads back to Whangaparāoa Passage.
Experience suggests that it is best to watch this display from Tangutu Point. It’s even better watching with friends, gourmet treats, such as oysters, and a chilled one in hand.
Regatta day
By Saturday morning, the harbour looks like a bustling city of yachts. The hundreds of sails create a magnificent spectacle. The courses are close enough to provide a visual treat for picnickers at Sullivan Bay and Tangutu Point.
The Mahurangi Cup, featuring wooden yachts of pre-1955 design, takes centre stage in a glorious parade around Saddle Island.
Onshore fun
The action-packed Saturday also includes onshore activities at Sullivans Bay, starting around 11 am. From sand sculptures and beach and swimming races to sack races, boogie board races, dinghy races, tug of war, and the ultimate egg-throwing competition, there’s something for everyone. It’s a day with a good old-fashioned, leave-your-wallet-at-home picnic vibe.
And into the night
The regatta wraps up at Scotts Landing for the prize-giving and dance. The night is filled with the sounds of live music, laughter, and the occasional splash as revellers make their way back to their vessels or across the harbour.
A great day in the Mahurangi Harbour
With its blend of on-water excitement, onshore festivities, and the transformation of the harbour into a twinkling city of lights, the Mahurangi Regatta is an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a land-loving spectator.
The oyster of choice
Thanks to our careful husbandry and intelligent market selection, our plump Pacific oysters have become the oyster of choice in the Auckland restaurant scene and are exported in large numbers to Pacific Rim countries.
Feel free to contact us directly should you want more information. As a family business, we are very proud of what we produce and sell – and we only sell the best.
