New Zealand celebrates its exceptional food and wine year-round, with seasonal events across every region.
The South Island Wine & Food Festival is a one-day celebration, showcasing the best of the South Island’s diverse wine and food regions – from Marlborough’s crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Central Otago’s bold Pinot Noirs to Southland’s prized Bluff Oysters. Held each December in Christchurch, visitors meet winemakers, taste boutique wines, and enjoy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is New Zealand’s longest-running event of its kind, held annually in the heart of one of the country’s most important wine regions. Marlborough is internationally recognized for its distinctive Sauvignon Blanc and is equally celebrated for its exceptional seafood, including Greenshell™ Mussels harvested from the Marlborough Sounds. The next festival takes place on Saturday 14 February 2026 – a perfect opportunity to explore the region’s flavours and meet local producers.
North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s finest flavours. Enjoy a relaxed day of wine tasting and gourmet dining, showcasing the creativity of local winemakers, chefs, and producers.
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is known for its adventurous menu. Visitors sample everything from whitebait and venison to more unusual delicacies such as huhu grubs. The festival also features live music, cooking demos, and quirky events like the Feral Fashion Show, making it one of New Zealand’s most unique food experiences.
The Flavours of Plenty Festival is where the Bay of Plenty’s passionate foodies, chefs, producers come together each autumn to celebrate all the region has to offer. From pop-up restaurants to hands-on workshops, degustation dinners to meet the makers tours, everyone’s appetite is catered for.
Bluff Oyster & Food Festival celebrates Southland’s famous local seafood. Visitors enjoy fresh Bluff oysters, blue cod, pāua, crayfish, and more – served alongside alongside live music, competitions, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Auckland Restaurant Month is an annual event that takes place every August, featuring over 100 central city restaurants offering special menus and culinary events. It celebrates the city's diverse food scene by bringing together chefs, cultures, and culinary collaborations.
Visa Wellington On a Plate is New Zealand’s biggest food festival, turning the capital into a culinary playground every August. From themed menus and inventive cocktails to the iconic Burger Wellington challenge, hundreds of events celebrate creativity, sustainability, and local flavour.
Feastival Taranaki is more than a food festival, it's a celebration of local cuisine, creativity, and community. Twice a year, the Taranaki region transforms into a culinary playground, where local producers and chefs take centre stage. Over multiple days, guests are treated to an extraordinary programme of experiences: from indulgent long lunches and elegant degustation dinners to hands-on workshops, cooking demonstrations, and themed tastings.
Whitianga Oceans Festival is a vibrant celebration of The Coromandel’s coastal flavours and community spirit. Held annually on the stunning Whitianga waterfront, the festival showcases sustainably sourced seafood, live music, and chef-led cooking demonstrations. Originally known as the Scallop Festival, it has evolved into an event that honours the region’s marine heritage while championing ocean conservation.
Savour Northland is a month-long food and drink festival held every October across the Northland region. It celebrates the best of the region’s local produce, seafood, and craft drinks. Throughout the month, you’ll find events, chef collaborations, workshops, and tasty dishes inspired by Northland’s flavours – all served with the region’s signature hospitality and stunning coastal views.
Held across multiple dates in winter (June in Wellington) and spring (October in Auckland), Winetopia showcases the best New Zealand wines. Get hands on with a 40-minute-wine masterclass with expert winemakers or learn new wine making tricks at talks with industry professionals.
Toast Martinborough is an annual wine and food festival held in Martinborough, the heart of Wairarapa’s wine country. Taking place each November, guests stroll between the vineyards, tasting award-winning wines and sampling gourmet dishes from top chefs. And with live music and craft beverages, it’s the region’s signature celebration of its food and wine culture.
