Events in New Zealand

For such a small country, there’s a lot to do anywhere and at any time of day.

From food and wine festivals to annual music concerts – NZ offers up year-round entertainment for everyone.

Local Events

To find regional events, try city council websites such as:

• Auckland          
• Hamilton          
• Tauranga         
• Wellington   
• Christchurch   
• Dunedin   

Other councils will have a “what’s on” section for all local events, festivals and activities.

Events Categories

You can search through these categories for some of the larger events held in New Zealand:

• Music
• Fashion
• Sports
• Comedy
• Food Festivals
• Family

To check out a range of other events try these sites:

•  www.ticketek.co.nz
• www.eventfinder.co.nz

Music

• Waiheke Island Jazz Festival:  An annual event showcasing International Jazz acts over three days and nights. Waiheke is famous for its relaxed vibe, friendly locals and mouth-watering food and wine. Only half an hour from Auckland, by ferry, prices start at $NZ49 and it happens all over the small island.
  For dates and more info, look online: http://waihekejazzfestival.co.nz/
  
  

• Big Day out: Live, International and Local acts come together for one day in January in Auckland to perform on seven stages to over 40,000 fans.  It’s open to anyone over the age of 15 and is probably New Zealand’s most anticipated festival. It’s around about $NZ150 which may seem a lot for one day but with the number of concerts in that day, it’s a blast and a day you’ll never forget.
  Check out their website: http://www.bigdayout.com/home.php
  And they’re on facebook
  
  

Sports

• Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge: New Zealand’s premier cycling event – 12 different cycling events based around Lake Taupo. It’s open to all ages.  Do it with friends or alone and experience the  gruelling but rewarding challenge!
  It’s under $NZ100 for each event and suits all fitness levels.
  Check here for dates and general info:  http://www.cyclechallenge.com/
  
  

• ASB Classic & Heineken Tennis Open: Held immediately prior to the Australian open, Tennis Auckland hosts two major tournaments in January over 7 days in Parnell, Auckland. Despite being in the city, when the big names come to play - watching a match over a cold beer in the sun, makes you feel like you’re on holiday!
  For accurate dates, scheduling and pricing check out the website: http://www.aucklandtennis.co.nz/events/
  
  

• Ohakune Mardi Gras: The perfect way to celebrate the start of winter – and the ski season. One night of fun, only 1km away from the slopes – rug up and celebrate with New Zealand artists, fireworks displays and all-round party atmosphere.
  The website can tell you more – visit: http://ohakune-mardigras.co.nz/
  
  

Comedy

• International Comedy Festival: Held in several locations across the country, the festival brings comedians from all over the world to grace our shores for one month over April/May. It’s a great alternative to Saturday night at the movies and generally cheaper, too.
  Go here for more information: http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/
  
  

Family

•  Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: Held in Auckland and Christchurch annually a few weeks before Christmas.  It’s a free event for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages! Perfect for families – take along a picnic, a few beers and a blanket and sing carols into the night. You can even get involved – auditions are open to everyone so you could even sing along with a few New Zealand celebs!
  Check out the website: http://www.christmasinthepark.co.nz/
  
  

• Ellerslie International Flower Show: This premier garden show not only celebrates Christchurch as the garden City, but showcases garden designers form all around the world. Christchurch has confirmed they will be holding it again in 2012 after the earthquakes, as Chrischurch residents start to rebuild their own gardens.
  Find out more at: http://www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz/
  
  

Food Festivals

• Hokitika Wildfoods: If you like the weird and wonderful, this is the festival for you.  Held in March, up to 18,000 people migrate down south to Hokitika to sample strange delicacies.  From huhu grubs to magpie pies – it’s a must do for anyone in New Zealand.  Don’t worry they have ‘normal’ food too, just in case! Monteiths Beer is always on tap as well as a few more interesting beverages (including gorse flower wine). 
  This always sells out so book in advance and check out accommodation information, and any other details, online:
  http://www.destination.co.nz/hokitika/wild_food_festival.asp
  
  

• Bluff Oyster Festival: The southern most point of the South Island holds an annual festival dedicated to its most famous export. There are competitions for creativity, live music and local kiwi food to try.For under $20, it’s a cheap way to entertain the whole family for a day and is something every kiwi must try, along with an oyster, at least once.
  For more information: http://www.bluffoysterfest.co.nz/node/194
  
  

Fashion

• NZ World of Wearable Arts (WOW): A show held annually in Wellington, during September. 35,000 people attend over the 10-show season, viewing extravagant garments created by designers and all are entries in a competition which could win their designer nearly $NZ150,000. The music, art and lights unite to make this show into a visual feast.
  Information is available online: http://www.worldofwearableart.com/
  
  

• New Zealand Fashion Week: The best of New Zealand’s fashion designers in Auckland, for one week in August/September. The hype takes place on Auckland’s viaduct and is a much publicised event for New Zealand fashion.
  Tickets are a necessity but you can get close to the action with a volunteer position! 
  Check it out here: http://www.nzfashionweek.com/NZ-Fashion-week/Home_IDL=20_IDT=811_ID=5994_.html