Tens of thousands expected to attend SeePort over Auckland Anniversary Weekend

Ports of Auckland is once again inviting Aucklanders behind its iconic red fence this Auckland Anniversary Weekend (January 27-29) to discover the port from land, sea and sky. 2018 will mark the fifth anniversary of the event, with more than 70,000 people expected to attend over the three-days.

“We started SeePort as a thank you to the community for its support and to give visitors a chance to come behind the red fence to see what goes into keeping Aucklanders supplied with the goods they use every day,” said Tony Gibson, Chief Executive of Ports of Auckland.

“2018 marks the fifth anniversary of SeePort and each year we have grown what’s on offer to give visitors a bigger and better experience than the previous year. This year we’re still getting people up close to the big machines and vessels people will expect, but we also have some technology that people may not expect to be associated with a port.

“Auckland is a fantastic maritime city with a history spanning more than 800 years, but a lot of the ways we do things here has changed, even in the last 30 years, and SeePort is a great opportunity to tell our story – including what is planned for the future.”

Entry to SeePort is free, with almost all activities also being free or offered at heavily reduced rates (including half-price helicopter rides).

In 2018, exhibitors at SeePort include the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal New Zealand Airforce, the New Zealand Customs Service, the New Zealand Fire Service, along with Sanford’s, Scouts New Zealand, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and KiwiRail, with a few surprises in store too.

Activities are on the port, on the water and in the air. They include carnival rides, tug boat displays and races, harbour tours, helicopter rides and displays, and the opportunity to try out the ports state of the art training simulators. There will also be an AJ Hackett Helicopter Bungy Stunt.

Visitors can explore the ports’ new robotic machinery and uncover the inner-workings of some magnificent vessels – including the Royal New Zealand Navy’s offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Te Kaha and one of the oldest steam tugs in the world, the William C. Daldy.

A range of food and drink vendors will be on site, with an entertainment stage featuring a programme of live music throughout the day.

On the Sunday evening, the free SeePort Sunset Symphony concert features the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and special guests, including the iconic New Zealand female vocalist trio The Lady Killers, made up of Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch and Jackie Clarke. The evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks and laser display on the harbour.

For visitors attending SeePort on the Monday, Captain Cook Wharf provides a great vantage point from which to watch the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on the Waitematā harbour. The regatta attracts a huge fleet of vessels from tall ships and perfectly restored classic yachts, to multi-hulls, sailing dinghies, waka ama, and an armada of over 20 vintage tugboats.

• Ports of Auckland SeePort is held on Captain Cook Wharf (opposite Britomart) on the waterfront from 9am to 6pm each day during Auckland Anniversary Weekend.
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• The Sunset Symphony with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and fireworks display will take place from 6pm on Sunday.
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• Captain Cook Wharf will open from 8am on Monday to allow for perfect viewing of the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and the spectacular Tugboat Race.
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Event summaries:

SeePort 2018 - Captain Cook Wharf

When: Saturday 27 – Monday 29 January 2018, 9am -6pm (10pm on Sunday)

Where: Captain Cook Wharf, Quay Street, CBD, Auckland

Restrictions: All ages

Ticket Information: Free Admission

Port of Auckland invites you behind the iconic red fence to discover the port from land, sky and sea over three days at their annual SeePort Festival.

Captain Cook Wharf is transformed into a bustling summer carnival that includes family-friendly rides, tours and day-long entertainment on and off the water for the whole family. Sun and sea are the perfect mix for a long weekend, and best of all it’s mostly free!

Watch dancing tug boats, explore robotic machinery and uncover the inner-workings of some magnificent vessels –including the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS TE KAHA & HMNZS WELLINGTON and one of the oldest steam tugs in the world! You can also take in the view from above by taking a helicopter ride high above the harbour.

SeePort Sunset Symphony & Fireworks

When: Sunday 28 January 2018, 6pm-10pm

Where: Captain Cook Wharf, Quay Street, CBD, Auckland

Restrictions: All ages

Ticket Information: Free Admission

To round out the second day of the Port’s annual SeePort Festival, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra will be performing on Captain Cook Wharf alongside other artists, including The Lady Killers. With the city, harbour and boats in view, pack a picnic (plus something soft to sit on!) and relax with family and friends as you experience a mix of orchestral favourites, kiwi pop classics and arrangements from much-loved film soundtracks.

The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks finale over the harbour– a fabulous way to celebrate Auckland Anniversary with family and friends, and best of all it’s free!

ENDS

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