The harbour’s loudest, proudest spectacle returns with a call for working tugs to join the fleet.
A harbour show that never disappoints
Few events capture Auckland’s maritime personality quite like the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta Tugboat Race. It is pure waterfront theatre. The moment the fleet winds up, the harbour lifts with engine noise, rolling wake and the unmistakable swagger of boats built to work for a living. Thousands come out each year to watch it. From the Viaduct to Devonport, it is one of the easiest events to spot. Just look for the whitewater.
Crews embrace it with the same enthusiasm. For many operators these tugs spend their days towing barges, shifting ships and doing the unseen heavy lifting that keeps the waterfront moving. Anniversary Day is their moment to bring that hard graft into the spotlight. The result is a race unlike anything else on the summer calendar. It is noisy, honest, full of character and steeped in maritime history.
Momentum from a strong 2025 race
Last year saw one of the best fleets in recent memory. The tug community turned out in force, delivering tight action across the course and plenty of stories in the wash. Mayflower added another chapter to her racing legacy by taking line honours, reinforcing her reputation as the boat to watch whenever she shows up.
That 2025 spectacle also reaffirmed a simple truth. The Tugboat Race thrives because it blends rivalry with goodwill. Crews push hard, yet everyone on the rail knows they are part of something much bigger than a result sheet. This event keeps Auckland’s working heritage alive in a way few other races can match.
The Mayflower again wins line honours in the Tugboat Race at the 2025 Auckland Anniversary Regatta
Entries open now for 2026
Organisers want that momentum to carry straight into 2026. With planning well underway for next year’s Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta Tugboat Race, operators across the Waitematā are being encouraged to step forward early.
If you have a tug based on the harbour, this is your invitation to join the line-up. You do not need to be a seasoned campaigner. You simply need a vessel with heart, a crew who enjoy a day on the water and a willingness to put on a show. Every additional tug adds more wake, more noise and more delight for the spectators.
Entries are open now. If your tug is ready to shine in front of Auckland, here is your sign.
Enter your tug: https://regatta.org.nz/regatta…/how-to-enter-the-regatta/
