Ready for an epic summer? 10 of the best New Zealand events for warmer climes

NZ Festivals and Events in spring and summer. Photo / 123rf
It’s time to wish winter a “fond” farewell. There are several events to look forward to in Aotearoa in the coming months, writes Mauriz Coronel.
New Zealand comes alive during spring and summer, offering a vibrant lineup of festivals and events that celebrate the culture, stunning landscape, and enviable outdoor lifestyle of Aotearoa.
Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, beer fan, gardener, or music lover, there is an event or festival for you to look forward to during the warm season.
Here’s a breakdown of the best festivities coming your way this spring and summer.
Read more: Summer holidays: 10 campgrounds within an hour’s drive of New Zealand cities
When: August 31 to September 28, 2024
Where: Wellington Gardens
Of course, you need to welcome this season with a bang. What better way to do so than attending the Te Wā o te Kōanga – Spring Festival in Wellington. As the first blossoms of spring dot the New Zealand landscape, the Te Wā o te Kōanga festival comes to life with a celebration of renewal, culture, and community. This year’s event started last month with the showcase of The Art of Ikebana Exhibition, and it is now halfway through its planned activities. In the last week of the festival, you can watch performances from Kaiwhakaataata Māra (Garden Performers) at the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush & Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, or see experts compete for Registered Master Landscapers Young Landscaper of the Year 2024 competition.
wellingtongardens.nz/events/te-wa-o-te-koanga-spring-festival
When: September 26 to October 13, 2024
Where: TSB Arena Wellington
World of Wearable Art is where art becomes an interactive experience — ready to fill the arena with “oohs” and “aahs” the moment the first model hits the runway.
WOW is a showcase where artists participate in creating a spectacular show that combines theatre, art, fashion, music and performance. The event is often described as Broadway meets Cirque Du Soleil, as dancers, models, aerialists and the electric ambience bring life to magnificent clothes. Think garments that light up in time with the music or outfits that look like they’ve walked straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Every year, the spectacle gets bigger and better. This year’s theme focuses on the “mesmerising state between dream and wake,” and will offer six shows inspired by the 2024 WOW Competition sections, which this year include Geometric Abstraction, Crazy Curiosities of the Creature Carnival, and Natural World. This year’s event promises a new stage design and incredible headliners including Sharn Te Pou and Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant, and will feature 90 finalist entries.
worldofwearableart.com
When: September 30 to October 1, 2024
Where: Wellington Waterfront
You don’t have to fly to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. Just go to Wellington for the scent of sizzling sausages as well as brass bands livening up the mood, and Kiwis downing frothy local and German beer. This year’s Oktoberfest features Wellington’s best breweries with German-style beers on tap and food stalls that serve savoury German food like bratwursts, sauerkraut, and bretzels. Don’t miss Wellington legends like Das Steinbenders – NZ’s most famous Bavarian-style brass band – entertaining the crowds.
oktoberfest.co.nz
When: November 1 to 2, 2024
Where: Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
Known as one of the top wishlist destinations for film buffs, the Hobbiton Movie Set welcomes hundreds of guests on the regular. But the warm spring brings a different glow to the iconic set, painting Tolkien’s Middle-earth with a touch of lush green and light yellow. Aside from exploring its beauty during the spring season, an exciting event held every November draws the crowd of fans to the Hobbiton this season: the annual Beer Festival.
This festive event brings a community of Hobbiton fans together at the Green Dragon Inn, where guests enjoy exclusive brews crafted for this very occasion. The sound of live folk music echoes through the shire, and festival-goers wander through the hobbit holes, taking in the festive lights that twinkle at dusk. There’s a sense of joy and wonder in the air, and everyone, from Tolkien enthusiasts to craft beer lovers, will revel in this one-of-a-kind experience.
hobbitontours.com/experiences/beer-fest
When: November 8 to 9, 2024
Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Lovers of craft beer will find Utopia at the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival. The spring season brings an abundance of ingredients to the breweries and in turn, we get to taste the most unique and tasty beers, each with its own story to tell. Though the beer is the star of the show, attendees also rave about the delicious food options. There’s nothing better than having a glass of beer in one hand, and a handful of gourmet barchow in another. Enjoy good beer, complementary food, and listen to live music. It’s the perfect occasion to sit down and catch up with friends, and share your beer appreciation.
dunedinbeerfest.co.nz/festival-info
When: December 29 to 31, 2024
Where: Cardrona Valley and Gisborne
Quite possibly two of the most anticipated music festivals on the New Zealand calendar, Rhythm and Alps and Rhythm and Vines are twin New Year’s Eve party festivals where Kiwis welcome the New Year with the country’s hottest music. Festivalgoers often find themselves choosing between these two legendary events, either with the view of South Island’s alpine scenery or of Gisborne’s beautiful vineyards. Becky Hill, Andy C, and Shapeshifter headline R&A’s first lineup, while Ice Spice, Sammy Virji, and Meduza headline the Vines. Aside from the numerous stages hosting world-class performances, guests can also camp at both festivals – and is there anything better than an NZ summer campout? Whatever show you choose to get tickets to, the vibe is guaranteed to be epic.
rhythmandalps.co.nz
rhythmandvines.co.nz
When: December 29 to 31, 2024
Where: Kaiwaka
Word on the street is Northern Bass is scheduling a stellar lineup this year — one that could potentially be better than RnA and RnV, but we’ll leave you to be the judge of that. Northern Bass also invites guests to welcome the New Year with a series of music gigs. This year’s event will feature more than 50 artists, with headliners like A.M.C + Phantom, Andy C+Tonn Piper, Hybrid Minds + Tempza hyping up the crowd. Northern Bass also offers an on-site camping option for festivalgoers, complete with picnic tables, food courts, showers, toilets, and easy access to the stages.
northernbass.co.nz
When: January 17 to 19, 2025
Where: Raglan
There’s a handful of music festivals happening in New Zealand every summer, but one that Kiwis of all ages, from teens to adults, can enjoy is Soundsplash. This three-day event is known as the rite of passage for young festivalgoers hoping to get their first taste of summer festivals in NZ. The eco-friendly event brings together live music, art, and culture with packed artist lineups, performance arts, workshops, and great food. Anticipate a variety of musical performances across different genres, from reggae and electronic to indie rock and hip-hop. The event is also family-friendly, equipped with family camping zones and activities for younger patrons.
soundsplash.co.nz
When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Auckland
Auckland’s Pasifika Festival brings together the largest celebration of Pacific Island culture in the world. In this celebration of identity, community and culture, the best of 11 Pacific Island nations is showcased via several festival villages – each presenting their world-class traditional and contemporary performances, soul food, handicrafts, art and more. Alongside a wealth of entertaining performances, guests also come to satisfy their love for authentic and traditional cuisine served at various food stalls. The 2025 festival programme is still to be announced, but this free entry event is one that you should look forward to.
aucklandnz.com/pasifika
When: February 8, 2025
Where: Marlborough, New Zealand
This list wouldn’t be complete without feeding our country’s love for food and wine. The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival is the ultimate excuse to feast. Known as New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region and for harvesting world-famous sauvignon blanc, Marlborough is at its best in summer. Guests get a chance to sample award-winning wines right where they’re grown, paired with dishes that showcase the region’s freshest produce. All of this while appreciating the picturesque view of the sun-drenched vineyards of the Marlborough region.
marlboroughwinefestival.com/home