As the ski resorts close their doors, the snow melts and flowers begin to bloom, we know that Spring is in the air in New Zealand. Spring doesn’t just mean warmer weather though. The Spring season (September to November) is one the best times of the year for New Zealand events and festivals!
But, what Spring events are happening in New Zealand this year?
Well, we’ve created this extensive list of different events happening this Spring all around New Zealand. This way, you can plan your holiday accordingly, or even just see what’s going on when you’re in the area!
Auckland
Photo: Blue Planet Studio / Adobe Stock
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city so there is a ton to do and see. Events and festivals are always happening in Auckland for a variety of different celebrations and occasions with some of the best events occurring annually each Spring!
Here are some of the events you can look forward to in Auckland this Spring:
Auckland Diwali Festival: October 12 & October 13, 2019
The Diwali Festival is one of Auckland’s most anticipated annual festivals. Expect local entertainment of music and dance as well as a hung rage of mouth-watering Indian food. There are some workshops, street theatre, and the entire event ends with a firework display.
Auckland Art Week: October 12-20 2019
This week-long event celebrates visual art. Each day of the week throughout the city there are numerous events to check out showcasing different artists and galleries. This arts festival is one not to miss!
Italiano Day: October 20 2019
This one-day event is particularly interesting for those with Italian heritage, or even those who simply like Italian food. Dozens of Italian restaurants from around the city set up street stands for you to check out (and taste!) some of their food. Expect to see lots of live entertainment too!
Taste of Auckland: October 31 to November 2, 2019
The Queen’s Warf transforms into a paradise for foodies. With the best food from all around the city on offer in one place, this is the festival to attend if you want to eat! Just be sure to buy tickets online in advance as this festival is growing in popularity each year!
Related: Most of our self-drive tours start in Auckland so you can explore this amazing city for yourself!
Wellington
Photo: Martin / Adobe Stock
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. This culturally vibrant city really has an interesting range of events to offer this Spring.
Wellington Spring Fest: September 21-29 2019
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city welcomes Spring each year with an annual celebration – Spring Fest! It is held in the Wellington Botanic Garden and features different events each day. Expect to see music, games, crafts, plant displays and sales, guided tours and more!
World of Wearable Art: September 22 to October 8 2019
This is a two-hour long show happening in Wellington’s TSB Arena daily. The show displays some of the most incredible fashion from theatre, dance, music, and art.
Related: Our 18-day private guided tour spends a night in Wellington!
Other Spring Events around the North Island
Photo: Stephen / Adobe Stock
Whitianga Scallop Festival: September 21, 2019
This one-day event celebrates all things seafood in the Coromandel! Expect to try some of the freshest seafood in the world from the region as well as watch entertainment such as cooking demonstrations.
The Whitianga Scallop Festival is a ticketed event taking place in Whitianga in the Coromandel (a couple of hours from Auckland.)
International Hobbit Day, Hobbiton: September 22, 2019
Lord of the Rings Fans rejoice – it is time for the celebration of International Hobbit Day at the one and only Hobbiton! The Hobbiton Movie Set located in Waikato (only a short drive from Hamilton) is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions. This one-day ticketed event takes place in Hobbiton and offers food and drinks as well as a guided tour of the set.
This event sells out every year, so get your tickets well in advance!
Related: For Lord of the Rings Fans, we offer a large range of LOTR multi-day tours throughout New Zealand!
Bay of Island’s Food and Wine Festival, Paihia: October 1, 2019
Paihia in the Bay of Islands is best known for its amazing beach bays and turquoise water. But, the annual food and wine festival sheds some light on the incredible restaurants in the area and their tasty food and drinks (wine and craft beer!) Some of the most popular events of the festival include a pie-eating competition as well as an oyster shucking and eating competition!
Related: Winterless North Tour brings you right to the town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Here you can eat seafood, go dolphin watching, or just enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in all of NZ!
Christchurch
Photo: Beautifulblossom / Adobe Stock
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand so it is only natural that they have a few special events going on this Spring.
Big Band Fest: October 25-28 2019
This is one of the largest annual music events and jazz festival in Canterbury. Throughout the city, over the three days, there are a ton of different events to check out including workshops, concerts, street performances and more! Enjoy jazz music or even learn to swing dance – there’s something for everyone and all ages at the Big Band Fest.
New Zealand Cup and Show Week: November 5-12 2019
This is an exciting time of year in Christchurch. Get dressed up and go to the horse races at Riccarton Park Racecourse in Addington, Christchurch each day starting on November 5.
The AP show is also happening this week. It promises fun for the entire family with live entertainment, farm animals, rides, and lots of food!
Thai Festival: November 10, 2019
At Rauora Park from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. this festival showcases the best of Thai food and culture. It is a brilliant music festival as well as food festival! There will be several different Thai restaurants offering food as well as a beer and wine marquee. Live entertainment will include Thai music and dance.
Related: Explore Christchurch and the events going on on our 14-day South Islands Wonders tour.
Queenstown
No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the gorgeous little town of Queenstown. What Queenstown may lack in size, is made up for in excitement. Events are what this lakefront town does best and as the weather begins to warm up, Queenstown offers a few awesome events that you can attend.
Remarkables Closing Day: October 13, 2019
Queenstown is famous for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The Remarkables ski resort is one of the most popular places for tourists and locals to hit the slopes. Each year, they end the season with a bang hosting a closing party. Head up the mountain and enjoy the last day of the year out in the snow! There will be music, food, and drinks to celebrate!
Queenstown International Marathon Festival: November 19, 2019
This is Queenstown’s largest running event. There is a route for everyone ranging from 10 kilometres to 42.2 kilometres. The event isn’t just about running in one of the most beautiful places in the world, there will be markets, vendors, and plenty of parties going on afterwards!
Related: Enjoy a couple of days in Queenstown on our South Island Tailored Luxury Tour private guided tour!
Other Spring Events around the South Island
Photo: Ramunas / Adobe Stock
Port Chalmers Seafood Festival, Dunedin: September 28, 2019
This one-day ticketed event showcases some amazing seafood in Dunedin! There will be tons of food to eat as well as live music and various entertainment for children. It is a family-friendly event with something for everyone!
Alexandra Bloom Festival: September 27-29 2019
The small town of Alexandra in Central Otago welcomes spring with a festival each year. Enjoy markets and vendors, live entertainment, and a range of competitions including mountain biking, kayaking, and much, much more!
At the Road Trip, we are passionate about New Zealand and showing visitors everything New Zealand has to offer. Attend events, immerse yourself in culture, and see some of the most incredible sights on our range of both private and self-drive tours in New Zealand!
