Go back in time with an Art Deco festival, experience a magical winter festival, or welcome the Maori New Year at one of these unique, cultural events.
The world’s southernmost festival of its kind, the Dunedin Fringe Festival(opens in new window) is an eclectic mix of theatre, music, dance, comedy and visual art. Held annually every March, this 11-day extravagant theatre festival highlights innovative and avant-garde art to support the work of emerging artists.
Where better to celebrate International Hobbit Day(opens in new window) on 22nd September than The Shire? It's the perfect party venue for Hobbit fan, with a day full day of activities and feasting. From a fantastical day tour of the Hobbiton movie set(opens in new window) in Matamata to traditional Hobbit feasting to a moonlit journey back over the rolling hills and past Hobbit holes, it is surely one of the most magical New Zealand experiences.
Pilots, aviation enthusiasts and families flock to Wanaka to witness the unique Warbirds Over Wanaka(opens in new window) airshow ever year for four days of high-octane aviation excitement. Check out Air Forces from around the region, view the Nasa display, talk to pilots or even purchase your own aircraft!
Top tip: Warbirds Over Wanaka and Yealands Classic Fighters(opens in new window) events are held on alternate years.
iD Dunedin Fashion Week(opens in new window) is one of the New Zealand’s premier fashion events held annually. With quirky fashion events including runway shows, designer exhibitions and talks, food events, fashion films and shopping experiences, Dunedin fashion week brings out the best talent including both established and emerging designers from across the world.
Balloons over Waikato(opens in new window) is New Zealand's premier hot air balloon festival. Held annually in Hamilton, this five-day iconic event attracts balloonists from all over New Zealand and around the world. Experience the fun, friendship and warmth this balloon-friendly city provides and watch the professionals demonstrate their skills in a range of competitive activities.
Napier's annual highlight is the Art Deco Weekend(opens in new window) held on the third weekend of February when the town turns back the clock and dresses in its Deco finest. Vintage vehicles and planes, picnics and jazz concerts, parades and dancing in the street, good food and wine are some of more than 100 events that celebrate the city's unique heritage.
Every year in June, all the regions throughout New Zealand come together to celebrate Matariki(opens in new window), (Māori New Year) with more than 100 events happening across the country. Be part of this unique festival which celebrates the people, culture, language, spirituality, and history of New Zealand. Experience a range of activities from haka performance to art exhibitions, music and dance events, themed planetarium events, workshops, light shows and much more.
The World of Wearable Art(opens in new window) (WOW) is a leading design competition held in Wellington, that includes a spectacular stage production - a must-see event for nearly 60,000 people every year. WOW also produces ongoing exhibitions within New Zealand along with a successful international touring exhibition programme.
