Auckland Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of Governor Hobson in 1840 and the founding of the Auckland Province, celebrated with public holidays, sailing regattas, and community festivities.

When is Auckland Anniversary Day?

Auckland Anniversary Day is observed on the Monday nearest January 29.

The following is the list of Auckland Anniversary Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Auckland Anniversary Day?

On January 29, 1840, Captain William Hobson, who had been appointed the first Governor of New Zealand, arrived at the Bay of Islands. This event marked the beginning of formal British colonial administration in New Zealand. Just a week later, on February 6, 1840, Hobson signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Māori chiefs, establishing New Zealand as a British colony.

In 1842, the date January 29 was set aside as a holiday to commemorate Hobson's landing and the founding of the Auckland Province. It became an official provincial holiday and was celebrated in the northern part of New Zealand.

Over time, the holiday became associated not only with Hobson's arrival but also with the growth of Auckland as a major city.

One of the earliest and most enduring traditions tied to the holiday is the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, first held in 1840 to mark Hobson's arrival.

The regatta quickly became a highlight of the celebration, featuring yachts, naval ships, and traditional Māori waka. Today, it is considered one of the world's largest one-day regattas and remains the centerpiece of the holiday.