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Auckland Council brings World of Cultures back to Tāmaki Makaurau from March 21 to April 5 to take Aucklanders on a worldwide trip without leaving home.
From international street food and traditional dance to hands-on workshops, arts, crafts and performances, the two-week festival features more than 130 free or low-cost events celebrating New Zealand’s cultural diversity.
Auckland Council’s head of community Events, Glynn Leggat, says that festivals like this are essential for Auckland’s multicultural identity.
“Each year, World of Cultures becomes a bigger, bolder stage for the diverse voices of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The festival opens on March 21, alongside International Race Relations Day. Events are spread across the city, giving residents plenty of opportunity to experience cultures from around the world.
A festival highlight is CultureFest on March 29 at Mt Roskill, bringing together more than 70 cultures for a full day of music, dance, entertainment and delicious cuisine.
For those keen to venture beyond the city centre, highlights include the Kite Show at Keith Hay Park, K-Pop Culture Day and Nowruz celebrations at Ellen Melville Centre, and the popular Bollywood Bike Rave travelling from Avondale to CultureFest. In the south, food lovers can enjoy Te Oro Food Market, while west Auckland hosts Culture of Clay workshops and Filipino festival Panlasa in New Lynn.
Hibiscus Coast locals can use public transport to avoid motorway congestion and city parking.
The Northern Express (NX1 or NX2) buses from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station connect directly to Britomart. From there, regular train and bus services run to Mt Roskill, New Lynn and other event hubs. For North Shore events at Glenfield Library or Kaipātiki, buses run from Albany Bus Station.
Drivers can travel via State Highway 1, though organisers recommend allowing extra time for weekend traffic and using park-and-ride facilities where possible.
For the full programme and information for each event, visit worldofcultures.co.nz
