New Zealand’s event calendar for 2025 is brimming with world-class festivals, sporting spectacles and gourmet food & wine experiences. Whether you are seeking to broaden your cultural experiences, indulge in the finest food and local cuisine or witness exciting sports events, New Zealand has something for everyone.
We have put together a guide to New Zealand’s best events for travellers in 2025, to help you plan ahead for your travels.
January – March Events
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
(21-24 January 2025, Bay of Islands)
For those who love sailing and the open waters, this is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier sailing regattas. At Bay of Islands Sailing Week you can expect a mix of serious competition and laid-back coastal vibes in one of the country’s most spectacular maritime playgrounds.
Coast to Coast
(7-8 February 2025, Christchurch)
This legendary multisport race takes competitors across 243km of pure New Zealand wilderness, from the West Coast to the East. It’s brutal, beautiful and one of the world’s most challenging endurance events.
Marlborough Food and Wine Festival
(8 February 2025, Marlborough)
If you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur, this is the event for you. Held in the heart of New Zealand’s most famous wine region, this festival is all about crisp Sauvignon Blancs and gourmet food pairings. With the addition of live music, masterclasses and incredibly stunning scenery, you’ve got the perfect day out.
Pinot Noir New Zealand
(11-13 February 2025, Christchurch)
Every few years the world’s top Pinot Noir experts descend on New Zealand to taste, debate and celebrate New Zealand’s most elegant red wines. For those with a strong interest in New Zealand Pinot Noir, this is a must-attend event.
Art Deco Weekend
(13-16 February 2025, Napier)
If you love vintage, jazz music and 1930s-style celebrations, Napier city is somewhat of a time capsule itself and its charming Art Deco Festival will transport you back in time.
New Zealand Open
(27 February – 2 March 2025, Queenstown)
Hosted in the stunning Millbrook Resort golf course in Queenstown, the New Zealand Open features top professional golfers from around the world competing against one another. Amateur golf enthusiasts can also apply to participate in the amateur division.
Auckland Arts Festival
(6-23 March 2025, Auckland)
A combination of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, featuring world-class performances from local and international artists – explore Auckland’s vibrant art scene at Auckland Arts Festival.
WOMAD Aotearoa
(14-16 March 2025, New Plymouth)
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) is New Zealand’s most iconic global music festival, bringing together a diverse line-up of artists and performers from across the world for a three-day celebration of music, culture and creativity. Featuring cultural workshops, live performances and immersive experiences, WOMAD is a creative fusion of global artists and Kiwi hospitality.
Food and Wine Classic
(14-23 March 2025, Hawkes Bay)
The Food and Wine Classic in Hawkes Bay is a festival that brings together top chefs, boutique winemakers and food lovers for exclusive tastings, long lunches and special events in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.
Club rugby season
(February – June 2025, multiple venues)
If you want to experience the spectacle of a high-level rugby game, there’s no place better than New Zealand. The Southern Hemisphere’s Super Rugby season runs from February-June.
April – June Events
Dunedin Fashion Week
(1-6 April 2025, Dunedin)
Deep in the South Island of New Zealand, each year Dunedin goes all out for a stylish week of runway shows, industry talks and creative showcases from the best designers across the country.
Hawkes Bay Marathon
(17 May 2025, Hawkes Bay)
An incredible race through Hawkes Bay’s vineyards, orchards, coastline and rolling countryside. Runners interested in participating can register for a marathon, half-marathon or 10km race.
Bluff Oyster Festival
(24 May 2025, Bluff)
For seafood lovers, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Bluff in May for the Bluff Oyster Festival. The festival is a celebration of fresh seafood, local delicacies and Southland’s maritime culture. Expect plenty of oyster shucking, live entertainment and a festival atmosphere that blends small-town charm with rich flavours.
Matariki
(June 2025, nationwide)
In late June, New Zealand celebrates Matariki, the Māori New Year. Matariki is one of the most meaningful cultural celebrations in New Zealand. Events are held across the country and include storytelling, kapa haka, stargazing, cultural art exhibitions and kai (food).
July – October Events
International Rugby Season
(July – September 2025, multiple venues)
Experience the epic atmosphere of a high-stakes international rugby game in New Zealand. New Zealand’s international rugby season kicks off in July and runs until September before the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national team) make their way to Europe for their annual Northern Hemisphere tour.
Winter Pride
(15-24 August 2025, Queenstown)
Set against the stunning alpine backdrop of Queenstown, Winter Pride is New Zealand’s biggest winter pride festival, blending skiing and snowboarding with vibrant parties, live performances and dining and wine experiences. Enjoy on-mountain celebrations at Cardrona and The Remarkables and epic apres-ski events and late-night parties.
Winter Pride is all about adventure, inclusivity and unforgettable moments in the adventure capital of New Zealand.
World of Wearable Art
(18 September – 5 October 2025, Wellington)
Wellington’s World of Wearable Art Festival combines fashion, art and theatre for an incredible spectacle. This internationally recognised event takes wearable art to the extreme, showcasing designs that are weird, wonderful and completely unique.
Winetopia
(3-4 October 2025, Auckland)
If you want to taste the best wines from across New Zealand in one place, Winetopia is where you want to be. Expect VIP tastings, winemaker masterclasses and a few hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else.
November – December Events
Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
(29 November 2025, Taupō)
New Zealand’s biggest cycling event, drawing thousands of riders for a stunning loop around Lake Taupō.
Ironman 70.3
(14-15 December 2025, Taupō)
This year Taupō is set to host the world’s toughest endurance athletes once again for the Ironman 70.3. For competitors, this is the ultimate test and if you’re watching, it’s quite the spectacle, particularly with Taupō’s stunning scenery.
Plan Your 2025 New Zealand Experience
Whether you prefer sipping world-class wines in Marlborough, the thrill of a high-impact rugby game or immersing yourself in arts and culture, New Zealand’s events in 2025 offer the opportunity to create unforgettable moments for every type of traveller.
If you’re seeking exclusive, high-end experiences, these events are best enjoyed with a personalised itinerary tailored to your personal preferences.
Let us design your ultimate New Zealand journey, we’ll ensure every moment is extraordinary.
Get in touch with our team today.
