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“SeePort is a fantastic way for us to celebrate the City’s maritime heritage with our community, giving Aucklanders the chance to experience their port from behind the Red Fence” said Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

“We’re excited to build on 2015’s momentous celebration of Auckland’s 175th birthday with the addition of some new partners, activities and entertainment this year” he added.​

Following on from a record breaking 2015 event, which saw 65,000 people visit the port over the three day festival, this year promises to be even bigger with a sunset performance by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra followed by a vibrant and colourful fireworks display to finish the Sunday evening.

For the first time at SeePort, Aucklanders will have the chance to; take drop-in tours of the Port’s newest tugboat, Hauraki, experience heritage sailings aboard the 80 year-old William C. Daldy​​​ steam tugboat and the Maritime Museum’s Ted Ashby, tour the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS WELLINGTON off-shore patrol vessel (Sunday only) and enjoy demonstrations from the New Zealand Cadet Forces.

Returning to the festival are the Port’s popular free boat, bus and Control Centre tours as well as demonstrations and activities from maritime partners, including; SCOUTS New Zealand, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, New Zealand Customs Service and the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Heletranz will once again be offering helicopter rides at a discounted rate during the event.

To round out the festival, visitors will be treated to a summer carnival atmosphere with games, food stalls, live music and entertainment. TVNZ’s popular roving weatherman Sam Wallace, will be hosting the three day event.

Ports of Auckland SeePort will be held at Captain Cook Wharf (opposite Britomart) on the waterfront from 10am to 6pm each day during Auckland Anniversary Weekend. The Sunset Symphony with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and fireworks display will take place from 6pm on Sunday. 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.​

NOTES

• Images from SeePort 2015 can be viewed here

• Watch the SeePort 2015 video here

NOTES​​​

Ports of Auckland SeePort is one of a host of exciting events happening on Auckland’s waterfront and harbour over Auckland Anniversary Weekend (Saturday 30 January – Monday 1 February), including ASB Auckland Seafood Festival; Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival; St Jerome’s Laneway Festival; Silo Cinema and Silo Sessions; Auckland International Buskers Festival; Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta; HMNZS WELLINGTON Open Day and Sunset Navy Concert; and the At The Beach - 100 Years of Summer Fashion exhibition, family activities and heritage vessels sailings in and around the NZ Maritime Museum.

ENDS

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