The Nelson Blessing of the Fleet is set to return this May — bringing fireworks, fish, and heartfelt tributes to the heart of Nelson’s waterfront.
UPDATE: This event has now been postponed due to expected bad weather and high winds. It has been rescheduled for 22/23 May (instead of 8/9 May).
Fri: Blessing of the Fleet Fireworks
It all starts on Friday 22 May with the Nelson Blessing of the Fleet fireworks display at Tāhunanui Beach. The fun kicks off from 5:30pm, with food trucks and stalls on site, and the fireworks lighting up the evening sky over Tāhunanui Beach once it gets dark (expected around 6:45pm). Bring a blanket, grab some kai, and enjoy the show.
Sat: Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony
Then on Saturday 23 May, head down to Wakefield Quay for the main Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The day gets underway from 12.00pm at the Seafarers Memorial. The Blessing ceremony is later at 1:20pm providing a moving tribute to those lost at sea and a ceremonial blessing for the working fleet.
Parking will be available at the Port Nelson Office (8 Vickerman Street), which is about a 15 minute walk to the Seafarers Memorial. A free shuttle service will also be running regularly between the Port Nelson Office and the Seafarers Memorial car park.
There’s plenty to see and do throughout the afternoon:
- Live music and entertainment
- Sea cadet and rescue service displays
- Port Nelson tugboat demonstration on the harbour
- Fish filleting demonstrations from the team at Talley’s
- Delicious seafood and fish & chips available to purchase
- A vessel parade featuring working boats from local operators
- Helicopter demonstration and Yak classic fighter display
Schedule of Events
- 12.00PM: Seafood stalls commence
- 1.20PM: Blessing ceremony commences
- 1.25PM: Words of Remembrance
- 1.35PM: Opening prayer (Archdeacon Emeritus Harvey Ruru QSM)
- 1.45PM: Reading and music “Eternal Father”
- 1.50PM: Blessing of the Fleet service
- 1.55PM: Remembrance dedication and 1-minute silence
- 2.05PM: Vessel parade
- 2.15PM: Coastguard and Port Nelson Tug display
- 2.30PM: Nelson Rescue Helicopter and Yak flyover
The event is organised by the Seafarers Memorial Trust and the Rotary Club of Nelson, with support from Nelson’s fishing industry including Talley’s and Sealord.
This annual tradition is a celebration of the people who make their living at sea — and a chance for the community to say thanks. Whether you’re coming for the fireworks, the seafood, or the chance to honour our region’s maritime roots, the Blessing of the Fleet 2026 has something for everyone.
Save the dates — Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May — and ‘sea you there’. 😉