Free rides, free entry, free parking and four massive days of entertainment! South Auckland’s much-loved Funfest is preparing to celebrate a decade in Manukau with its biggest family festival yet, promising thousands of tamariki and whānau an unforgettable summer experience without the financial burden.
The popular community festival will return to the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau from January 14 to 17, 2027, marking ten years since Funfest established its home in South Auckland.
With the cost of living continuing to squeeze household budgets, organisers say the event’s commitment to keeping its major attractions completely free has never been more important.
TEN YEARS IN SOUTH AUCKLAND, MORE THAN HALF A MILLION VISITORS
Originally launched in Auckland more than two decades ago, Funfest has grown into one of the country’s largest free family festivals.
Since moving to Manukau in 2017, the event has welcomed more than 550,000 visitors, bringing together families from across Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond.
Funfest founder Robert Blake says the tenth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the families, volunteers, sponsors and community organisations that have helped make the festival a South Auckland summer tradition.
He says the event was established around a simple principle: every child should have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable day out, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
That commitment remains at the centre of the 2027 celebrations.
FREE RIDES, LEGO, STAR WARS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The anniversary festival will feature an extensive programme of attractions and activities for all ages.
Highlights include:
- Free amusement rides, including attractions provided by Mahons Amusements.
- New Zealand’s biggest free LEGO show, supported by All Blocks NZ and Toyworld Manukau.
- A Star Wars celebration, with NZ Cosplay Club’s Outpost 42 marking 50 years of the popular franchise.
- Wonder Wai Discovery Centre, presented by Watercare.
- Kids Learn to Ride, supported by Auckland Transport.
- Free face painting, karaoke, prizes and live entertainment, including community performances.
- A new Wellness Zone, connecting families with health, wellbeing and community services.
The festival’s Main Arena will be presented by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, providing a space for learning, entertainment and community engagement.
Organisers say the combination of entertainment, education and community participation is designed to ensure there is something for every member of the whānau.
A SPECIAL DAY FOR TAMARIKI WITH DISABILITIES
One of Funfest’s most significant achievements has been the development of its annual VIP Day.
Established in 2017, the initiative provides children with disabilities and additional support needs, alongside their parents, caregivers and support networks, with an opportunity to experience the festival in a welcoming and accessible environment before the public opening.
Over the past decade, more than 50,000 children with special needs and disabilities, together with their families and support networks, have participated in VIP Day.
The initiative is supported by hundreds of schools, disability services, community organisations and partner agencies.
VIP Day Executive Producer and Funfest Trustee Jonda Mahanga says the programme is about much more than entertainment.
It provides opportunities for children and their whānau to experience inclusion, connection and a sense of belonging in an environment designed around their needs.
For families who can face significant barriers when accessing major public events, the dedicated day has become an important part of Funfest’s identity.
The programme will also celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2027.
MORE THAN A FESTIVAL FOR SOUTH AUCKLAND WHĀNAU
For South Auckland communities, Funfest represents more than a collection of amusement rides.
It provides an accessible space where tamariki, rangatahi, parents and kaumātua can come together and enjoy activities that might otherwise be beyond their household budgets.
With many Māori and Pacific whānau facing financial pressure, free community events can make a meaningful difference during the summer school holidays.
The festival also brings together community organisations, education providers and health services, creating opportunities for families to connect with information and support.
The involvement of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi reinforces the event’s commitment to education, community participation and whānau development.
Meanwhile, the new Wellness Zone will place additional emphasis on hauora and wellbeing.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT KEEPS THE FESTIVAL FREE
Funfest’s organisers acknowledge that the festival’s success depends on the continued support of community partners and sponsors.
Supporters include Trillian Trust, Wiri Licensing Trust, Tip Top, Matson Shipping, Auckland Transport, Watercare and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
The event also receives support from the Howick, Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local boards.
Organisers say those partnerships help ensure that entry, rides, parking and entertainment remain free.
While food and other optional purchases may be available at the event, families will not need to pay to access the festival’s main attractions.
FUNFEST 2027: EVERYTHING WHĀNAU NEED TO KNOW
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Dates: Thursday 14 January to Sunday 17 January 2027
Times: 10am to 6pm daily
Venue: Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau, Auckland
Cost: Free entry, free rides, free parking, free entertainment and free face painting
Website: www.funfest.co.nz
A DECADE OF SMILES AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
As Funfest prepares to enter its second decade in South Auckland, organisers say the focus remains on making summer memories accessible to everyone.
The anniversary celebrations will recognise the thousands of volunteers, community organisations, sponsors and families who have supported the festival since it arrived in Manukau.
But the emphasis is firmly on the future, with plans to continue expanding accessible and inclusive experiences for tamariki and whānau.
At a time when a family day out can place real pressure on household finances, Funfest is offering something increasingly valuable: four days of entertainment, connection and community spirit without an admission bill.
For South Auckland whānau, January 2027 is shaping up to be a celebration worth marking on the calendar.
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