Celebrating Maritime Heritage: The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival

The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival is set to make its debut from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 March 2024, and it promises to be a celebration of New Zealand's rich maritime heritage.

Hosted at the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Jellicoe Harbour in Wynyard Quarter, the festival will showcase the craftsmanship and stories behind wooden boats, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of Auckland's working waterfront and indigenous navigation heritage. The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including engaging speaker sessions, films, on-water displays of over 70 boats, and on-shore demonstrations such as boat building and knot tying. Visitors will have the chance to hear captivating stories from experienced sailors, boat builders, and enthusiasts, providing insights into the art of wooden boat building, ocean voyaging, navigation, and vessel restoration.

This inaugural event is a collaborative effort involving the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the Auckland classic yacht community, and Eke Panuku, aiming to bring people together to appreciate and preserve the legacy of wooden boats. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just curious about maritime history, the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival is an unmissable opportunity to witness living history and celebrate the enduring allure of wooden boats. Don't miss the chance to be part of this unique event and immerse yourself in the captivating world of wooden boats.