Unmissable Events in New Zealand

Hate missing out on a great party? We do too. And down here in New Zealand there’s a ton going on whether it’s January or December. Here’s a few totally unmissable events to fit into your New Zealand holiday schedule.

Cultural & Sporting Highlights

World of Wearable Art (WOW), Wellington, September/October
A truly unique design show, WOW attracts 60,000 visitors to Wellington each year to see an incredible range of wearable art and fashion designs on show— the only criteria are that submissions must be innovative and original! Submissions come from more than 40 countries worldwide, celebrating all that’s good about wearable art.

Warbirds Over Wanaka, Wanaka, April
A world-famous airshow that celebrates historic and memorable aircraft of all shapes and sizes, as they take to the skies over Wanaka for aerial displays. From iconic military planes like Spitfires and Mustangs to iconic pre-war airliners like the Douglas D-47 Dakota, the Warbirds offer a feast for the eyes for any history or aviation nut.

Art Deco Weekend, Napier, February

Turn back the clock to the 1930s in Napier, as residents and visitors alike celebrate the uniquely art deco architecture of Napier with a weekend festival of vintage cars, clothing, picnics, music and more!

Queenstown Winter Festival, Queenstown, June
Festivals aren’t just a summer thing when you’ve got as much cool charm as Queenstown. Each winter the alpine gem plays host to its winter festival including street parties, themed ski–events on the mountains, live music and much more!

New Zealand Open, Queenstown, February/March
NZ’s premier golf tournament, played at the stunning Hills and Millbrook resorts in Queenstown. With history dating back over 100 years and top pros competing for the silverware, it’s a must in the calendar of the avid golfer.

Coast to Coast, West Coast/Christchurch, February
Each year elite multisport athletes take on the challenge of gruelling mountain runs and brutal kayaking stretches as they conquer the 243-kilometre course from Kumara all the way over to Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

Food & Wine

Hokitika Wild Foods, West Coast, March
A food festival with 30 years’ of experience serving up crazy culinary delights, from huhu grubs and escargot to moss candy floss and mountain oysters (we’ll let you google that one), it’s a guaranteed fun time in true West Coast fashion.

Toast Martinborough, Martinborough, November
A one-day event spanning multiple vineyards, Toast serves up the best wine, food and music in the heart of one of NZ’s winemaking powerhouse regions. A great way to kick off summer in New Zealand.

Visa Wellington on a Plate, Wellington, August

The month of August sees Wellington’s best eateries, cocktail bars and music venues delighting guests as the city comes to life to revel in the joys of food & drink.

Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Classic (FAWC), Hawke’s Bay, June & November
The Hawke’s Bay region is one of the top producers of wine and fresh produce in NZ, so it’s only fitting that the region brings out its best and brightest for all to enjoy. Winter FAWC runs every June, and summer FAWC in November.

Enquire today to fit one of these iconic events into your perfectly planned New Zealand holiday.

What’s the best event you’ve ever been to? Let us know in the comments below 👇