The Biggest Festivals in New Zealand

Experience the Best Celebrations in NZ!

New Zealand is a country full of vibrant culture and rich traditions, with a plethora of festivals that showcase the beauty of its diverse landscape and the warmth of its people. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year. From music and art to food and wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest festivals in New Zealand that you absolutely don’t want to miss!

🎉 Auckland Lantern Festival

The Auckland Lantern Festival is a celebration of Chinese New Year that takes place annually at the end of February. You’ll be dazzled by the thousands of lanterns that light up the Auckland Domain, along with live music, dance performances, and mouth-watering food stalls. This festival is a great way to experience Chinese culture and enjoy a fun night out with your friends and family.

🎵 Rhythm and Vines

If you’re a music lover, then Rhythm and Vines is the festival for you. Held in the picturesque vineyards of Gisborne every December, this festival is a three-day extravaganza of music and dance. With more than 100 international and local acts performing on multiple stages, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. The festival also offers camping facilities, making it a great way to spend your New Year’s Eve.

🍷 New Zealand Wine and Food Festival

New Zealand is famous for its wines, and what better way to sample them than at the annual New Zealand Wine and Food Festival? Held in Auckland every February, this festival is a celebration of the country’s most exceptional wines and food. With over 200 wineries showcasing their products and delicious food stalls, this festival is a must-attend for any food and wine lover.

🌺 Pasifika Festival

The Pasifika Festival is a celebration of Pacific Island culture, held every March in Auckland. With 11 Pacific Island villages showcasing their art, dance, and music, this festival is a fantastic way to experience these vibrant cultures. You’ll be treated to mouth-watering Pacific Island cuisine, traditional handicrafts, and live performances that will leave you mesmerized.

🎭 World Buskers Festival

The World Buskers Festival is a fun-filled event that takes place every January in Christchurch. With performers from all over the world showcasing their unique acts and talents, the festival is sure to leave you in awe. From comedy to music to circus acts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

🐟 Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

If you’re a fan of seafood, then the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival is the place to be. Held in Bluff every May, this festival is a celebration of the country’s famous Bluff oysters, along with other delicious seafood dishes. With live music, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of wine and beer, this festival is a great way to spend a day with your friends and family.

🐑 Golden Shears

The Golden Shears is an annual sheep-shearing competition held in Masterton every March. This festival celebrates the country’s rural heritage and showcases the skills of New Zealand’s top shearers and wool handlers. With live music, food stalls, and plenty of excitement, the Golden Shears is a fantastic way to experience Kiwi culture at its best.

🎨 Auckland Arts Festival

The Auckland Arts Festival is a celebration of the arts, featuring a range of performances and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world. Held every March, the festival offers a diverse range of events, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts. With something for everyone to enjoy, the Auckland Arts Festival is a must-attend for any art lover.

🌊 TSB Bank Surf Festival

The TSB Bank Surf Festival is a celebration of New Zealand’s surfing culture, held every January in Taranaki. With a range of surfing events, including the national championships, this festival is a great way to witness some of the country’s top surfers in action. With live music, food stalls, and plenty of activities for the whole family, the TSB Bank Surf Festival is a great way to spend a day at the beach.

🌸 Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival

The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival is a celebration of the arts, set in the beautiful surroundings of the Hamilton Gardens. Held every February, the festival features a range of performances, including music, theater, and dance, along with exhibitions and workshops. With something for everyone to enjoy, the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival is a great way to spend a day in nature.

🐴 New Zealand Horse of the Year

The New Zealand Horse of the Year is the country’s premier equestrian event, held every March in Hastings. With a range of equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing, this festival is a great way to witness some of the country’s top horses and riders in action. With live music, food stalls, and plenty of activities for the whole family, the New Zealand Horse of the Year is a must-attend for any horse lover.

🎭 New Zealand International Comedy Festival

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is a celebration of laughter, featuring a range of local and international comedians performing across multiple venues in Auckland and Wellington. Held every April and May, the festival offers a diverse range of shows, from stand-up comedy to improv to sketch comedy. With something for everyone to enjoy, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival is a great way to spend a night out with your friends and family.

🍺 Great Kiwi Beer Festival

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is a celebration of New Zealand’s craft beer, held every January in Christchurch. With over 300 beers on offer from more than 40 breweries, this festival is a must-attend for any beer lover. With live music, food stalls, and plenty of activities for the whole family, the Great Kiwi Beer Festival is a great way to spend a day out in the sun.

🍫 Chocolate and Coffee Show

The Chocolate and Coffee Show is a celebration of all things sweet and caffeinated, held every May in Auckland. With a range of exhibitors showcasing their products, including chocolate, coffee, and dessert, this festival is a great way to indulge your taste buds. With live music, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of activities for the whole family, the Chocolate and Coffee Show is a must-attend for any foodie.

🎥 New Zealand International Film Festival

The New Zealand International Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, featuring a range of local and international films across multiple venues in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Held every July and August, the festival offers a diverse range of films, from drama to documentary to animation. With something for everyone to enjoy, the New Zealand International Film Festival is a great way to spend a night out with your friends and family.

FAQs

1. When is the Auckland Lantern Festival held?

The Auckland Lantern Festival is held annually at the end of February to celebrate Chinese New Year.

2. Where is Rhythm and Vines held?

Rhythm and Vines is held in the picturesque vineyards of Gisborne every December.

3. When is the New Zealand Wine and Food Festival held?

The New Zealand Wine and Food Festival is held in Auckland every February.

4. When is the Pasifika Festival held?

The Pasifika Festival is held every March in Auckland.

5. When is the World Buskers Festival held?

The World Buskers Festival is held every January in Christchurch.

6. When is the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival held?

The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival is held every May in Bluff.

7. When is the Golden Shears held?

The Golden Shears is held every March in Masterton.

8. When is the Auckland Arts Festival held?

The Auckland Arts Festival is held every March in Auckland.

9. When is the TSB Bank Surf Festival held?

The TSB Bank Surf Festival is held every January in Taranaki.

10. When is the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival held?

The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival is held every February in Hamilton.

11. When is the New Zealand Horse of the Year held?

The New Zealand Horse of the Year is held every March in Hastings.

12. When is the New Zealand International Comedy Festival held?

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held every April and May in Auckland and Wellington.

13. When is the Great Kiwi Beer Festival held?

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is held every January in Christchurch.