If you are looking to experience a little bit of everything, don’t miss New Zealand’s events. From experiencing local produce and world-class wines at food festivals to watching the major sports event we made you a list. Explore the rich Maori culture, enjoy outdoor music festivals with stunning views, and dive into the arts scene. You’ll find an event that’s perfect for you!
Food and drink events
You can’t visit New Zealand without experiencing its food and drink events across the different regions. Winetopia, held in Aukland and Wellington, celebrates the best of New Zealand wines with tasting and talks from industry expert. The flavours of Plenty Festival in the Bay of Plenty showcases the region’s food culture with pop-up restaurants and workshops each autumn. Over in Hawke’s Bay, the Food and Wine Classic offers a taste of the region’s finest food and drink in June and November. In Central Otago, Eat.Taste.Central offers a regional menu at local cafes and wineries. Toats Martinborough in Wairarapa is perfect for wine enthusiasts offering tasting and live music every November. Lastly, Beervana, Wellington's ultimate beer festival, takes place over two days in August. With over 60 breweries, you'll find an impressive selection of beers, sours, and ciders. Just to be sure book early!
Sport events
New Zealand offers a range of exciting sport events. For rugby lovers, Eden Park in Auckland will host an epic game between the All Blacks and South Africa in September. It’s an event you won’t want to miss. The key events to check out are the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships along with the Special Olympic National Games in Christchurch. Then, cricket fans will have something to look forward to the game between England and New Zealand in October. The country also offers some great events for those into running and winter sports. If you are visiting in August or September don’t miss the Winter Games in Queenstown. It’s New Zealand’s biggest winter sports event, offering a mix of skiing, snowboarding, and more.
Art and culture events
New Zealand is home to some great cultural festivals throughout the year. The Dunedin Fringe Festival in March offers a creative mix of theatre, music, dance, comedy, and visual art. In June, the entire country celebrates Matariki, the Maori New Year, with over 100 events nationwide, including performances, workshops, art exhibitions, and light shows that honour Maori culture and history.
For Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbit Day in September is a magical experience in Matamata, where you can visit the iconic Hobbiton movie set for a tour and walk through the glowing hills at night. Fashion enthusiasts won’t want to miss iD Dunedin Fashion Week, which showcases the best in international and local design with runway shows, exhibitions, and fashion talks. Finally, Balloons Over Waikato in Hamilton is a beautiful five-day event where hot air balloons take over the sky, creating a colourful and festive atmosphere.
Music events
When it comes to events, New Zealand has some music festival you need to check out. Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne is the place to catch the first sunrise of the year while enjoying three days of live music. It’s one of the country’s biggest music festivals. In Auckland, the Pasifika Festival celebrates the rich traditions of the Pacific, including Maori culture. With 11 stages offering a diverse range of music. For reggae and roots music lovers, One Love in Tauranga is a must. This two-day festival brings the biggest reggae bands from New Zealand and around the world.