Tourism New Zealand's Trade Website

January

Central Otago Food and Wine Festival, Queenstown - sample award-winning local wines from throughout the region. Held late January early February

Street Harness Racing - is the only race of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. A main street in Te Anau is closed off for the day, sand laid and the course prepared. Horses race one on one in a knockout type competition and betting is by way of ‘Fiordland pounds’.

March / April

Warbirds Over Wanaka (Easter) - historic aircraft, Royal New Zealand Air Force jets, aerobatic formations, helicopters and fun for all the family at Wanaka airport. www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Race to the Sky - an international hill climb race in motor vehicles held at Waiorau Snow Farm. www.racetothesky.com

Arrowtown Autumn Festival - Each autumn Arrowtown’s trees put on a show of colour and the town celebrates by way of the Autumn festival www.arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz

June / July

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival - nine days of events celebrating the winter season in Queenstown. www.winterfestival.co.nz

Peak to Peak - mountain multi sport race where competitors can travel by skis, snowboard, mountain bike, kayak and foot. www.southerntraverse.com

Compaq 50k of Coronet - international ski teams from around the world gather for a 16-hour endurance ski race at Coronet Peak ski area

October

Wanakafest - a five-day fun-filled programme bringing the town's lakefront alive with music, parades, food, wine, fireworks, sports and crazy antics.

The town buzzes with activity as the annual community festival takes hold of downtown Wanaka. It is a chance for both locals and visitors to join in the celebrations with plenty of kids and family activities to entertain. www.wanakafest.co.nz

Queenstown International Jazz Festival - Over 10 days more than 100 musicians from all parts of the world descend on Queenstown, New Zealand. www.queenstownjazz.co.nz

December

Kepler Challenge - an ultra marathon event has been staged annually since 1988. Recognised as a popular event within running circles, entrants are attracted from around New Zealand and overseas. The event serves two groups: elite ultra marathon runners and individuals running for a personal challenge. www.keplerchallenge.co.nz