Auckland Seafood Festival is a two-day celebration showcasing the vast array of seafood found in surrounding New Zealand waters. Auckland Fish Market hosts the festivities, which include a street party, free family entertainment, cooking classes, and of course, food.

Because proceeds from the festival go to charities that benefit fishermen and sea search and rescue organizations, it seems only fitting that the event begins with a ceremonial blessing of the fleet. After representatives of various religions bestow blessings on commercial fishing vessels circling the harbor, spectators are treated to a series of free on-the-water events.

Then Jellicoe Street is closed off and the party gets underway. A fully licensed zone, the street party features stalls serving plenty of seafood, from scallops to scampi to snapper, plus wine and beer, with party-goers having an opportunity to learn food and beverage matching. A stage provides ongoing popular entertainment.

An admission is charged for the street party, but there also is a free family fun area, where children and adults can learn about the fascinating world of fish and view demonstrations such as “How To Shuck an Oyster, Fillet a Fish and Peel a Prawn.” Seafood selections and non-alcoholic beverages are available, and multicultural performances are featured

A third area is the ticketed VIP lounge, an exclusive base from which to enjoy all festival activities. Ticket price includes admission to the street party, additional quality entertainment, gourmet seafood dishes paired with award winning New Zealand wines, and cooking lessons at the Auckland Seafood School. The hands-on cooking classes, taught by well known chefs, run throughout each day and cover such topics as barbecue, canapes and sushi.

Auckland Seafood Festival is scheduled the last weekend in September to coincide with the start of New Zealand’s fishing year.

British Columbia travel writer Toni Dabbs is a regular contributor to The Cultured Traveler.