NZ winter feasts and festivals 2008
08 May 2008
Winter in New Zealand is a world away from dull and drab. Here crisp blue skies and dramatic scenery provide a veritable playground for winter sports, relaxing breaks and special festivities.
The months from June to August herald the main ski season with national and international enthusiasts targeting New Zealand’s world class ski fields in both the North and South Islands. But aprés ski and off-the-slope activities create just as much interest and a variety of key events are scheduled throughout the country this winter.
JUNE: Matariki
Matariki or Maori New Year is the most important festival in June and 2008 will see the most extensive celebrations ever, due to a growing awareness in New Zealand of the significance of this unique event. Maori have traditionally celebrated by preparing land for replanting after the harvest, renewing associations with whanau (family) and friends, reflecting on the past and setting goals for the future. This year celebrations will take many forms with public and private events throughout the North Island and parts of the South. Dates of celebrations differ throughout the country depending on various Iwi or tribes. Festivals and community events will showcase local food, art, fashion, music and every aspect of Maori culture. Key regions for this year’s celebrations are Wellington, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Northland and parts of the South Island.
JUNE 6 :World Environment Day
New Zealand’s capital city Wellington has been chosen to host the 2008 World Environment Day and the country has risen to the occasion with events that will showcase the country’s commitment to the cause.
There’s growing global response to World Environment Day which is a United Nations objective to raise environmental awareness and enhance political attention and action. New Zealand was chosen as host country because it is one of the first and among only a handful of countries committed to accelerating a transition to a low carbon-neutral economy. The slogan for 2008 is "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy." Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. Key celebrations will centre on Wellington but other communities around New Zealand are embracing the opportunity to showcase the country’s devotion to the environment by getting involved in a variety of events including art and photography exhibitions, poster and painting competitions, award ceremonies, symposiums and lectures, expos, auctions, fun runs and festivals.
JUNE/JULY: American Express Queenstown Winter Festival
A ten day winter festival that has become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter parties and attracts more than 60,000 people to Queenstown. The alpine resort was recently voted second most desirable destination in the world by the TripAdvisor online travel community. The Queenstown Winter Festival runs from June 27 to July 6 and as well as competition on the ski slopes it’s become renowned for fun and frivolity with street parades, music, food and wine events, competitions and quirky entertainment. A special themed Air New Zealand flight from Sydney to Queenstown on June 27 will get the festival off to a flying start. Passengers will enjoy onboard entertainment including live sets from the New Zealand rock band Goodnight Nurse. Queenstown will also be getting a temporary headquarters for the festival - it’s the Kawarau Falls Station Pavilion which will become the setting for much of the live entertainment.
JULY : Burton New Zealand Open
The Burton NZ Open is the pinnacle of snowboarding competition in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts the world’s top professional riders including X Games champions, Olympic gold medallists and world champions, all competing for the largest title payout in snowboarding. The event is held at Snow Park in Wanaka (South Island) from July 29 to August 2. New Zealand is the first port of call on the international circuit for the competition which then takes competitors on to events in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan and USA.
JULY: Rotorua MUD Festival
The popular North Island tourist destination of Rotorua comes into its own in winter with geothermal activity offering tempting winter warming activities. Relaxing in a hot pool or enjoying the local unique therapeutic treatments is enticing but now there’s an event for the more adventurous. It’s the Rotorua MUD Festival from July 4 to 13 featuring events like a Quad Bike MUD Shoot, a Mud Arts Program, a MUD obstacle course, MUD rugby competitions and various other mud races and experiences.
AUGUST: Whitianga Scallop Festival
A weekend where foodies flock to the North Island coastal town of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsular to feast on the popular seafood delicacy and enjoy live entertainment. The laid-back atmosphere in this popular holiday town and its proximity to one of New Zealand’s best scallop fishing grounds has contributed to the success of the annual festival. Scallops are served up in every imaginable way with more than 60 food and wine stalls centred on the town’s marina and local restaurants and cafes hosting special events. Cooking demonstrations, competitions and live entertainment also feature during the festival which runs from August 27 to 31.
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