World of Wearable Art​

The World of Wearable Art (WOW) is a leading design competition held in Wellington, that includes a spectacular stage production - a must-see event for nearly 60,000 people every year. The stage features everything that is wearable art, as long as it is original and well executed. WOW also produces ongoing exhibitions within New Zealand along with a successful international touring exhibition programme.

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Matariki

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. The cluster rises in mid-winter and heralds the start of a new year. The stars represent a time of seasonal change, the opportunity to reflect over the passing year, prepare ground for new growth and is a time for the community to celebrate.

Every year in June, all the regions throughout New Zealand come together to celebrate Matariki, with more than 100 events happening across the country. Be part of this unique festival which celebrates the people, culture, language, spirituality, and history of New Zealand. Experience a range of activities from haka performance to art exhibitions, music and dance events, themed planetarium events, workshops, light shows and much more.

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Balloons over Waikato​

Balloons over Waikato is New Zealand's premier hot air balloon festival. Held annually in Hamilton, this five-day iconic event attracts balloonists from all over New Zealand and around the world. Experience the fun, friendship and warmth this balloon-friendly city provides and watch the professionals demonstrate their skills in a range of competitive activities.

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Queenstown Winter Festival​

Started in 1975, the Festival was born when a group of clever locals thought the arrival of snow was a ‘great excuse for a party’. The group organised races on the mountain and in town, lollies for the kids, beers for the grown-ups, a concert or two and a local ball, all of which were a great success. News quickly spread and over the years it has grown in size and stature to become the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration. Now an iconic event cemented on Queenstown’s calendar it attracts 45,000 attendees. Despite phenomenal growth, the Festival has stayed true to its roots and is still a Festival by the community, for the community. It has evolved to forge a unique identity as New Zealand’s premier celebration of all things winter and holds a special place in the heart of Queenstowners.

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Hobbit Day

Where better to celebrate International Hobbit Day on 22nd September than The Shire? It's the perfect party venue for Hobbit fan, with a day full day of activities and feasting. From a fantastical day tour of the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata to traditional Hobbit feasting to a moonlit journey back over the rolling hills and past Hobbit holes, it is surely one of the most magical New Zealand experiences.

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Warbirds Over Wanaka

In 1988 aviation entrepreneur Sir Tim Wallis shared his passion for Warbirds and Classic Aircraft with the public by creating an Airshow that is now a biennial centre piece of Central Otago’s tourist attractions. The first airshow and country fair attracted 14,000 visitors to Wanaka Airport. Delighted with this success, he decided to expand on the theme and hold a biennial event over the long Easter weekend. As the show grew so did its support and now around 50,000 people make the pilgrimage to Wanaka for their weekend of excitement. Now acclaimed as the largest Warbird Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the world's top four Warbird airshows.

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Taste of Auckland

Delight your palate at Taste of Auckland, where you will find the city’s top restaurants and artisanal producers. Stroll around the many marquees or sit in on a lesson and get inspired by fellow foodies and award-winning chefs.

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Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

Celebrating the unique food and drink of the West Coast, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is unlike any other food festival. From crocodile bites to deep fried pigs ears, you'll need to be adventurous to sample the locals' culinary creativity.

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Whitianga Scallop Festival

The concept of the event is simple – Scallops cooked in a myriad of different ways by talented national chefs, restaurants and community groups and matched with quality entertainment including live bands, seafood cooking classes and demonstrations. The festival is nestled alongside the Whitianga marina and the stunning harbour entrance is the backdrop to this seafood extravaganza!

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Marlborough Food and Wine Festival

The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is New Zealand’s original and longest running wine festival held in a world-renowned wine producing region. Festival goers will get the opportunity to sample a unique selection of world-class wines and delicious local cuisine all in the heart of one of Marlborough’s oldest and most picturesque vineyards – Brancott Vineyard.

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Bluff Oyster & Food Festival

Where better to sample the famous Bluff oyster than in Bluff itself? Locals of the salty seaside town play host in this festive winter event that promises a variety of seafoods including crayfish, paua (abalone), scallops, salmon, blue cod and whitebait. Grab your hat, scarf and a winter coat for an event filled day of live music, along with oyster shucking and eating competitions.

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Toast Martinborough

Toast Martinborough, New Zealand’s iconic wine celebration, weaves together the best of wine, food and music to create an unforgettable day in the vines. No matter how festival-goers want to layer their day – whether it’s ticking off the bubbles bars, comparing the new release Rose and Sauvignon Blancs, working through the older vintages of Pinot Noir, or simply chatting to the winemakers - Toast has every option covered, thoughtfully paired with the perfect food match of course.

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Rhythm and Vines, Gisborne

Where better to experience the first sunrise of the year than at New Zealand’s biggest music festival, Rhythm and Vines? The internationally acclaimed three-day music festival showcases the world’s best musicians in one of the most beautiful locations on earth, Gisborne. Widely regarded as one of the world's best New Year's destinations, 20,000 people from all around the world will once again be travelling to the most eastern point of Aotearoa to farewell the decade in style and welcome in the first sunrise of 2020.

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Pasifika Festival, Auckland

What started as a picnic day, Pasifika Festival has become the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Nowadays, 11 stages resonate with the sounds of brass bands, drummers, ukuleles and melodic voices every year, showcasing the traditions and prowess of the Pacific peoples, including the Maori of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Celebrated since 1993, it is the largest festival of its type in the world and attracts over 200,000 visitors every year.

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Homegrown, Wellington

Every year Wellington waterfront comes alive with banging Kiwi beats and a carnival atmosphere for Homegrown music festival. Five stages showcase an array of New Zealand talent, covering everything from rock, electronic and dub step. Expect nothing less from the coolest little capital.

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WOMAD, Taranaki

WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is an internationally established festival that brings together artists from all over the globe to celebrate music, arts and dance. Held annually at the stunning New Plymouth site in Taranaki, the three-day festival is family-oriented, with different camping options, food stalls and plenty of activities.

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Splore, Auckland

Splore is a festival of music and arts staged annually at one of the most beautiful festival sites in the world. It is New Zealand owned and operated and has set a benchmark for sustainability and respect. Splore's multiple stages feature a diverse line-up of compelling musicians, singers and DJs from around the world – but it's also a place for more than music. For three days, the site buzzes with performing arts, visual and interactive art installations, workshops and forums.

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Beach Hop, The Coromandel

The Beach Hop is New Zealand’s number 1 Nostalgia Festival that celebrates the best of the 50’s & 60’s. The popular seaside resort of Whangamata in The Coromandel roars to life once a year for Beach Hop, a five-day festival celebrating the music, culture, fashion, music, hot rods, motorbikes, dancing, dragsters and scooters of this golden era. The festival has grown from 6000 to over 120,000 people since its inception in 2001.

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Crankworx Rotorua

A world celebration of mountain biking, the Crankworx tour starts in New Zealand before continuing on to Australia, France and Canada. Events are staged in picturesque locations throughout Rotorua including Skyline Gravity Park and the famed Whakarewarewa Forest. Witness the speed-loving pros compete or ride some epic trails yourself. In your downtime, soak in hot tubs, visit Eat Street, or catch a cultural performance.

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Queenstown International Marathon

Set between the backdrop of the spectacular Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges, the picturesque Queenstown International Marathon offers run options from 42km to 10km, and a 2.2km fun run for the kids. This is the perfect opportunity to take in the region’s best highlights including Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Shotover River and Lake Wakatipu.

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Winter Games NZ

The highlight of the southern hemisphere ski season, you may go to the Winter Games for the world-class competition but you'll stay for the spectacular scenery. Held every year in Queenstown and Wanaka, the resort towns come alive with a jam-packed programme promising heaps of fun-filled festivities.

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Hawke's Bay Marathon

Hawke's Bay is famous for its vineyards, beaches and orchards. So what better way to take in a region's highlights than by running or walking? You can opt for the full Hawke's Bay Marathon and go for 42km or take it a little easier with a 21km and 10km walk or run.

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Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

From humble beginnings in 1977, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge has become New Zealand's largest cycling event, with around 7000 riders visiting the pristine and picturesque Lake Taupo every year. With options for all ages and experiences, anyone can enjoy New Zealand's premier cycling event.

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New Zealand Open

Held in Queenstown, the ISPS Handa Open is a major event on the New Zealand sporting calendar. Hosted at two spectacular golf courses – Millbrook Resort and The Hills – the tournament incorporates a unique Pro-Am format that brings together a prestigious blend of professional and amateur golfers.

For event dates and more information click here.