Events in New Zealand
There are loads of really interesting events of all kinds around New Zealand. Here are some that we think you really must attend during your camper van rental holiday. Travelling by campervan is a great way to experience events – you can usually park nearby (very often event organisers will have designated campervan parking) – and you can escape the crowds and take refuge in your campervan whenever you like!
Some of our favourite events around New Zealand
Air NZ Fashion Week
New Zealand fashion designers promote their collections to the world.
Auckland
2 -8 September, 2013
Whitianga Scallop Festival
A popular Coromandel festival showcasing the best in seafood, wine and entertainment.
Whitianga
14 September 2013
World of Wearable Art
The prestigious wearable art competition featuring designers from around New Zealand and the globe.
Wellington
26 September – 6 October, 2013
Seafest
Kaikoura’s premier festival showcasing wine and food from around the region.
Kaikoura
5 October 2013
Busking Festival
Annual amateurs-only busking festival.
Mount Maunganui
6 October 2013
Okere Falls Beer Fest
German-style festivities, food and beer.
Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua
21-27 Oct 2013
Barry Sheene Oceania Challenge
Historic and modern motorcycle races, parades and racers from all over the world.
Hampton Downs
October 25-27, 2013
Taranaki Garden Spectacular
New Zealand’s premier spring garden festival.
Taranaki
1 -10 Nov 2013
Bert Munro Challenge
Motorcycle rally and racing.
Invercargill
28 November – 1 December 2013
Coromandel Peninsula Pohutukawa Festival
A variety of events to celebrate the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree.
Coromandel Peninsula
30 Nov- 7 Dec 2013
Rhythm and Vines
Music festival with top NZ and international acts.
Gisborne
29-31 December 2013
Kaikoura Summersounds Music Festival
Live music festival featuring blues, dub, and roots artists.
Kaikoura
11-12 January, 2014
Kumeu Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival
The largest classic car and hot rod festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Kumeu
18-19 January 2014
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
One of the world’s biggest one-day sailing regattas.
Auckland
27 January 2014
Ripponfest
A unique music festival featuring some fantastic New Zealand acts.
Rippon Vineyard, Lake Wanaka
1 February 2014
Hertz Rugby Sevens
New Zealand’s biggest annual sporting event.
Wellington
7-8 February 2014
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
New Zealand’s original and most successful wine festival.
Marlborough
8 February 2014
Splore
Outdoor summer music and arts festival.
Tapapakanga Regional Park, southeast of Auckland
16 February 2014
Battle of the Streets
A fun and spectacular day of motorsport.
Paeroa
16 February 2014
GEON Art Deco Weekend
An iconic New Zealand art deco weekend featuring over 200 events.
Napier
20-23 February 2014
Devonport Wine & Food Festival
Popular festival with top entertainment on Auckland’s North Shore.
Devonport
2014 dates to be announced
Ellerslie International Flower Show
Australasia’s biggest and best flower show.
Christchurch
26 February – 2 March 2014
Wildfoods Festival
An iconic event on the South Island’s west coast featuring interesting and unusual wild foods and top entertainment.
Hokitika
8 March 2014
Womad – World of Music, Arts & Dance
A celebration of music, arts and dance from around the world. Three-day camping tickets available.
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
14-16 March 2014
Waiheke Island International Jazz Festival
Three days of good times and great music in a stunning island location.
Waiheke Island
April 2014 – dates TBA
Bluff Oyster & Food Festival
A winter event with a uniquely Southland flavour.
Bluff
24 May 2014
New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays
The biggest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mystery Creek, Hamilton
11-14 June 2014
Mission Concert
Annual concert featuring top international acts.
Napier
2014 date TBA
Warbirds Over Wanaka
The largest Warbird airshow in the Southern Hemisphere. Every 2 years.
Wanaka
18-20 April 2014
There are loads of other events not listed here. Eventfinder is a great website to visit if you want to check out what’s happening in the places you plan to visit.
If you’ve attended one of the above events or another event in New Zealand which you think is worth going to, send us your review! You’ll find our contact details here.
