Auckland Council proudly presents the 2026 Auckland Heritage Festival, running from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 11 October.
This year’s theme, Tastes of Tāmaki: A Heritage Feast, centres our celebrations on the history and heritage of food and beverage in Auckland. Food is a universal language that tells rich stories of migration, resilience, innovation, and manaakitanga (hospitality). It connects us to our past and reflects who we are today.
There are plenty of free and low-cost events happening across Parnell for you to attend.
New Zealand heritage recipe books - 1848-1949
Saturday 26 September–Sunday 11 October
John Kinder House, 2 Ayr Street
Maybe you’ve heard that our nation did not have its own cookbooks until about 70 years ago: this exhibition is here to tastefully challenge that idea.
Our publishing history goes back further than many might think. The first proper cookbook to be written and published right here in Aotearoa appeared in Napier in 1887. Before this, home cooks relied on books from overseas, as well as a creative mix of recipes printed in local newspapers and magazines.
While many believe that England’s famous Mrs Beeton’s book was the only guide available at the time, that is simply because it has been printed almost continuously since 1861.
Through this display of vintage book covers, take a stroll down memory lane – or rather ‘cookery’ lane. We hope to stir up fond memories of the cherished kitchens, traditional dishes, and wonderful meals that have shaped New Zealand homes over the generations.
No books will be for sale.
Jubilee Building Tour with Blind Low Vision NZ
Tuesday 29 September
11am–12.30pm
Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road
Explore the rich and detailed history of the Jubilee Building as a residential institute and school for the blind.
Learn about the classrooms, workshops, dining room and hostels of the Jubilee Building and surrounding structures, where residents lived, learned, and worked during the 20th century.
This tour is led by Chris Orr, former resident and current Blind Low Vision NZ board member who has dedicated over 46 years to the organisation. Chris is joined by his guide dog, Kiwi.
This special walk is facilitated by Blind Low Vision NZ, together with Parnell Community Centre and Parnell Library, who share the Jubilee Building space.
The tour is followed by another Auckland Heritage Festival event in the same location – an author discussion on Chinese market gardening in Parnell. Make a day of it and come along to both!
Author Talk: Chinese Market Gardening In Parnell
Tuesday 29 September
2pm–3pm
Parnell Library, 545 Parnell Road
Join local historian and author Ruth Lam for a talk on Chinese market gardening in Parnell from the late 1800s.
Ruth will discuss her research on Chan Dah Chee (1851 – 1930), known as Ah Chee, a significant Chinese market gardener in Auckland. He lived with his family in Parnell where they grew a market garden in the present-day Carlaw Park Student Village. Ah Chee additionally managed other gardens and ran a greengrocer business.
Ruth will also describe the history of market gardens in the Auckland Domain and on Khyber Pass Road.
This talk follows another Auckland Heritage Festival event in the same location – a tour of the Jubilee Building and its history as a blind residential institute. Make a day of it and come along to both!
Celebrating Parnell's Farmers' Market and History
Thursday 1 October
6pm–8pm
Parnell Library, 545 Parnell Road
A convivial meeting at the Parnell Library to celebrate the institution of the Parnell Farmers’ Market and its history.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided, and a speaker will share details of how the market came about and developed into a weekly event – which is now such an enjoyable part of life in Parnell.
This event is supported by Parnell Library.
A Taste of Parnell
Saturday 3 October
9am–12pm
Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road
Join us for a guided food walk of Parnell led by professional tour company White Glove Experiences.
Learn about the history of market gardens in the area and explore one of Auckland’s best farmers markets with your local guides. Discover the heritage of growers, meet artisanal food producers, and enjoy tastings from some of the finest food outlets in Parnell.
A wide range of foods will be available for tasting, including sweet and savoury dishes and non-alcoholic beverages.
Judges Bay heritage walk: Food and exchange
Saturday 3 October
10am–12pm
Judges Bay, 3 Judges Bay Road
Discover historic Judges Bay on a heritage walk exploring Auckland’s early food landscapes and cultural exchange.
Visit Te Hā, an ancient pōhutukawa, as well as Parnell Baths, St Stephen’s and the Parnell Rose Gardens.
Learn about Māori māra kai and mahinga kai traditions, and how waka brought kūmara, fish, fruit and firewood to sustain the young colonial settlement in the 1840s.
Judges Bay was a key harbour-edge site where trade began, with Parnell forming a vital corridor linking landing sites to inland gardens.
Guided by Luke Nuie, this walk reveals how food shaped early relationships and Auckland’s growth.
Auckland Historic Places Heritage Garden and Building Tour
Sunday 4 October–Sunday 11 October
9am-5pm
John Kinder House Art Gallery, 2 Ayr Street
This is an opportunity to step behind the gates of four exceptional, private historic Auckland properties and their magnificent gardens.
Led by John Adam, owner of Endangered Gardens and renowned landscape historian, this tour offers an insider look at the heritage status and fascinating plantings of these hidden gems. At each destination, you will enjoy a detailed introduction and spend at least an hour exploring the grounds. You will also be able to hear directly from the property owners, who will share their own stories about caring for these historic spaces.
To add to the day, a delicious lunch is included. Participants will need to travel between the sites using their own transport or pre-arranged car-pooling. Come along for a special day of history and nature.
Auckland Domain heritage walk: Māra Kai to Park
Tuesday 6 October
10am–12pm
Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain
Explore Auckland Domain, New Zealand’s oldest park, nestled within the crater of one of Auckland’s earliest volcanoes.
Join long-time local guide Shelagh Coop on a walk through this historic landscape, uncovering its rich Māori and European heritage.
Learn how fertile volcanic slopes once supported thriving māra kai and discover how the area evolved into Auckland’s first public park in the 1840s.
Stroll through the Domain’s rolling grounds, visit the Wintergardens to explore stories of botanical exchange and journey through the museum precinct as a place of layered cultural memory.
Food Histories: A Community Conversation
Tuesday 6 October
6pm–7.30pm
Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain
Across generations and communities, recipes carry stories of tradition, migration, resilience and belonging. Join Auckland Museum for an evening of discussion around the connections between food, culture, history, and identity. Bringing together community voices and cultural perspectives from across Tāmaki Makaurau, this panel discussion will examine how food preserves heritage and keeps memories alive.
Panellists will share personal experiences and reflections on the role of cooking, family traditions, dining, and their importance in strengthening connections between people and place. Participants will also have the opportunity to join the conversation by sharing a recipe. Recipe cards will be provided as a keepsake.
Tickets for this event are ‘Pay What You Can’ – we’re inviting you to set the price for your ticket to attend. Te Taunga Recipe and Stories cookbook will also be available for purchase at Hokohoko Auckland Museum store for $29.50.
History - Jubilee Blind Institute, Parnell
Thursday 8 October
6pm–7pm
Parnell Library, 545 Parnell Road
Parnell historian and local Carolyn Cameron reads from her recently published work ‘Parnell: A Victorian Tapestry’ at Parnell Library.
In keeping with the venue, the selected chapter explores the establishment of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind in Parnell (now Blind Low Vision New Zealand) and covers the early, largely overlooked history of the site.
Parnell Streams and Gullies Heritage Walk
Saturday 10 October
1pm–3pm
Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road
Explore a different side of urban Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland on a walk through the bush-clad gullies of Parnell.
This trail links five separate reserves, starting near the Hobson Bay foreshore and winding past colonial villas and pockets of native bush.
Following streams and navigating somewhat rugged terrain, this guided walk requires a moderate level of fitness. You’ll follow the coastal track, and climb the historic Bullock Track, which was used by early settlers to haul heavy goods inland from the water.
Along the way, you’ll learn about waka transporting fresh food into early Auckland and discover how the Parnell gullies functioned as a vital transport corridor for the growing settlement.
Developed and led by Tom, this walk is an enriching look into the early connection between the natural landscape and the development of the city.
Commemoration of the Battle of Passchendaele
Sunday 11 October
11am–12.30pm
Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain
Join the Passchendaele Society to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the fateful Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.
An annual tradition, this ceremony in the World War Two Hall of Memories at the Auckland War Memorial Museum is regarded as the most impressive and moving in New Zealand.
The ceremony will feature a guest speaker, bugler, piper, vocalist, the Artillery Band and cadets. Guests are welcomed to lay floral tributes or poppies and medals may be worn. Please be seated by 10.45am.
