For travellers with a New Zealand eTA or visa, the vibrant calendar of events offers an exciting dimension to their journey. From cultural festivals showcasing Maori heritage to thrilling sports competitions and delectable food and wine celebrations, these events provide unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the Kiwi way of life. Plan your trip around these happenings for an unforgettable experience.

• Cultural Heartbeat: Maori & Pasifika Festivals
  • Matariki: The Maori New Year
  • What is it?
  • When does it happen?
  • How is it celebrated?
  • Who can participate?
• Pasifika Festival: Auckland's Pacific Heart
  • What is it?
  • When does it happen?
  • Where does it happen?
  • What to Experience?
• Te Matatini: The Pinnacle of Kapa Haka
  • What is it?
  • When does it happen?
  • Where does it happen?
  • What to Experience?
• Other Cultural Celebrations
  • Key Maori & Pasifika Cultural Events Summary
• The Sound of Aotearoa: Major Music Festivals
• On the Sidelines & In the Action: Sporting Spectacles
  • Rugby Union (August–October)
  • Netball (September–October)
  • Cricket (November–April)
  • Marathons (November)
  • Golf (February/March)
  • Mountain Biking (February–March)
  • Winter Sports (August–September)
  • What Makes it Special?
• A Taste of New Zealand: Food & Wine Festivals
  • What Makes Them Special?
• Aotearoa's Creative Canvas: Arts & Film Festivals
  • What Makes Them Special?
• Planning Your Unforgettable Event Adventure
  • Discover What's On
  • Essential Booking Tips
  • Enhance Your Trip
• Overview of Major Annual Festivals by Category
  • Cultural (Maori/Pasifika)
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Food & Wine
  • Arts & Literature
• Aotearoa Celebrates: Your Invitation
• FAQs

Cultural Heartbeat: Maori & Pasifika Festivals

Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural identity is profoundly shaped by its indigenous Maori heritage and strong connections to the Pacific. Festivals offer powerful, immersive, and joyous opportunities to engage with these living cultures, providing experiences unique to this corner of the world.

Matariki: The Maori New Year

What is it?

Matariki marks the Maori New Year, a time deeply connected to Maori culture and the lunar calendar. It is about remembering loved ones, celebrating the present with family and friends through food and gratitude, and looking forward to the new year with hope and plans. The reappearance of the Matariki (Pleiades) star cluster in the winter sky signals this significant occasion.

When does it happen?

Typically, between late May and early July, the exact timing aligns with the lunar cycle and specific tribal traditions. The best stargazing is before dawn. New Zealand now observes an official public holiday on June 20, 2025, and was on June 28, 2024 for Matariki.

How is it celebrated?

Nationwide, Matariki is celebrated with traditional ceremonies, food sharing, and storytelling. Modern festivals in cities and regions such as Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, and the Kapiti Coast feature performances, art, workshops, and community events. Museums often have related exhibitions.

Who can participate?

Matariki is a welcoming celebration for everyone, offering a unique glimpse into Maori culture and the spirit of Aotearoa.

Pasifika Festival: Auckland's Pacific Heart

What is it?

The Pasifika Festival in Auckland is one of the world’s largest celebrations of Pacific Island cultures. It showcases the vibrant heritage of the region, with a focus on music, dance, food, and crafts from 11 participating nations. The festival is structured around eight distinct villages, each showcasing a different Pacific culture.

When does it happen?

The event takes place annually, over a weekend in early March.

Where does it happen?

At Western Springs Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

What to Experience?

1. Cultural Performances: Experience a diverse range of traditional and contemporary music, energetic drumming, graceful dances, and soulful singing across multiple stages.
2. Pacific Cuisine: Explore over 100 stalls offering authentic dishes from various Pacific Islands.
3. Craft Markets: Discover traditional treasures, carvings, weaving, and textiles.
4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The festival offers free entry and maintains a family-friendly atmosphere by being smoke-free and alcohol-free.
5. Associated Events: This may include events such as Pasifika Vibes at MOTAT, featuring interactive workshops.
6. Significance: The festival is a vital cultural cornerstone for Auckland's large Polynesian population and has endured challenges, underscoring its importance to the community. It offers an authentic and heartfelt celebration of Pacific Island traditions.

Te Matatini: The Pinnacle of Kapa Haka

What is it?

Te Matatini is a prestigious biennial national festival and competition celebrating kapa haka, a powerful Maori performing art form combining song, chant, movement, and expression. Often referred to as the "Olympics of Kapa Haka," the event showcases the top Kapa Haka groups from Aotearoa and Australia. The festival promotes Maori excellence, cultural resilience, language revitalisation, and the expression of Maori identity.

When does it happen?

The event is held biennially (every two years) in late February or early March, typically spanning four to five days.

Where does it happen?

The hosting rights rotate between different regions (rohe) of New Zealand. Recent host cities include Christchurch (2015), Wellington (2019), Auckland (2023), and New Plymouth (2025).

What to Experience?

1. Intense Competition: Witness the highest level of kapa haka performance as groups compete in six compulsory disciplines (whakaeke, mōteatea, waiata-a-ringa, poi, haka, and whakawatea) and an optional waiata tira.
2. Cultural Immersion: Experience the power and beauty of Maori language, song, dance, and storytelling.
3. National Gathering: Be part of a massive event that attracts tens of thousands of attendees and millions of viewers, showcasing the resurgence and appreciation of kapa haka.
4. Finals Day (Te Matangirua): Witness the top groups compete for the supreme title, Toa Whakaihuwaka.

Other Cultural Celebrations

• Kawhia Kai Festival: Takes place in Kawhia, Waikato, around Waitangi Day (February 6th). It offers traditional Maori food, particularly hangi, which is cooked in earth ovens and served in flax baskets. The festival attracts thousands to experience the food, kapa haka, and crafts.
• Ethnic Communities' Celebrations: Throughout the year, various ethnic communities across New Zealand celebrate their cultural and religious festivals. These include Lunar New Year (January/February), Holi (March), Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (dates vary), and Diwali (October/November), often with public events. The Ministry for Ethnic Communities provides a calendar of these significant dates.

Key Maori & Pasifika Cultural Events Summary

The Sound of Aotearoa: Major Music Festivals

New Zealand’s diverse music festivals offer unique cultural and auditory experiences, showcasing national identity and artistic innovation across different seasons and regions, enriching the visitor experience beyond simple entertainment.

1. Splore Festival: A boutique music and arts festival in a coastal setting near Auckland, blending eclectic music, visual and performance art, workshops, and wellness with a strong emphasis on costumes and sustainability.
2. Homegrown: A large festival dedicated solely to New Zealand music, showcasing a wide range of Kiwi artists across multiple genres, traditionally held on the Wellington Waterfront but moving location from 2026.
3. Rhythm and Vines (R&V): A massive New Year's Eve festival near Gisborne, known for being the first festival in the world to greet the new year's sunrise, featuring international and local acts across various genres.
4. Rhythm and Alps (R&A): The South Island’s top music festival for New Year's, set in the Cardrona Valley between Wanaka and Queenstown, featuring a mix of international and local artists against an alpine backdrop.
5. Laneway Festival: An indie, alternative, electronic, and cutting-edge pop festival held in Auckland, part of an international circuit known for showcasing exciting international and local talent.
6. WOMAD Aotearoa: A world music, arts, and dance festival held in New Plymouth, presenting a diverse lineup of global and local artists alongside workshops, talks, culinary experiences, and a global marketplace in a family-friendly atmosphere.

On the Sidelines & In the Action: Sporting Spectacles

Kiwis love their sports! Here's a simple guide to some of the major recurring events:

Rugby Union (August-October)

1. Bledisloe Cup: The big rivalry between the New Zealand All Blacks and Australia's Wallabies. They play a few matches each year, alternating locations.
2. The Rugby Championship: An annual competition where the All Blacks play against Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. New Zealand hosts some of these games.

Netball (September-October)

1. Constellation Cup: The top series between New Zealand's Silver Ferns and Australia’s Diamonds, with matches in both countries.
2. Taini Jamison Trophy: A series hosted in New Zealand where the Silver Ferns play against other top international teams (not Australia).

Cricket (November-April)

1. International teams, such as Australia, England, and India, tour New Zealand during the summer to play Test matches, ODIs, and T20 in different cities.

Marathons (November)

1. Auckland Marathon: Famous for crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with various race distances.
2. Queenstown Marathon: Known for its beautiful route through stunning alpine scenery, the race also offers various distances.

Golf (February/March)

1. New Zealand Open: A major professional golf tournament held near Queenstown, where pros play with amateurs. Spectator entry is free.

Mountain Biking (February-March)

1. Crankworx Rotorua: A big international mountain biking festival in Rotorua with various exciting competitions.
2. Crankworx Summer Series (Christchurch): An event in Christchurch leading up to Rotorua, featuring key competitions.

Winter Sports (August-September)

1. Winter Games NZ: The biggest winter sports event in the Southern Hemisphere, held in Queenstown and Wanaka, attracting top international athletes for skiing and snowboarding competitions.

What Makes it Special?

Many of these events make use of the breathtaking natural landscape of New Zealand, such as the woods for Crankworx and the mountains for the Queenstown Marathon and Winter Games. Additionally, a lot of the events are a part of major international sports circuits, which attract elite athletes and attention from all over the globe to New Zealand.

A Taste of New Zealand: Food & Wine Festivals

New Zealand loves to celebrate its delicious food and wine with fun festivals all over the country! The Food and wine festivals celebrated in New Zealand are as follows:

1. Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (West Coast, March): For adventurous eaters! Try unique ‘wild’ foods like huhu grubs alongside local treats like seafood and venison in a lively atmosphere.
2. Visa Wellington On a Plate (Wellington Region, August): A whole month of food fun! Restaurants offer special dishes and cocktails, there are ticketed food events, and there is a popular burger competition.
3. Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (Marlborough, February): New Zealand's oldest wine festival, celebrating the famous Sauvignon Blanc and other wines with tastings, gourmet food, and cooking demos.
4. Toast Martinborough (Martinborough, November): A stylish festival focused on the excellent wines of the Martinborough region, especially Pinot Noir, with winery visits, food pairings, and live music.
5. F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic (Hawke's Bay, March & Winter): Not one big festival, but a series of food and wine events showcasing the Hawke's Bay region's best, from fancy dinners to hands-on workshops.
6. Bluff Oyster & Food Festival (Bluff, May): A celebration of the famous Bluff oyster! Enjoy them in every way imaginable, plus other delicious Southland seafood and a fun, down-to-earth vibe.

What Makes Them Special?

These celebrations really highlight the unique qualities of the cuisine and beverages in each area. You may enjoy distinctive culinary experiences connected to the land and the seasons, sample local foods, and interact with the people who produce them. They're an excellent way to discover New Zealand's diverse culinary preferences!

Aotearoa's Creative Canvas: Arts & Film Festivals

New Zealand’s artistic soul shines through a diverse array of festivals:

1. World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show (Wellington, Sep-Oct): The event is a globally unique and breathtaking theatrical show that showcases incredible wearable art from an international competition, blending fashion with music, dance, and stunning stage design.
2. Auckland Arts Festival (AAF) / Te Ahurei Toi o Tamaki (Auckland, March): Auckland's flagship multi-arts festival showcasing a wide range of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and literature from both international and New Zealand artists, reflecting the city's cultural diversity.
3. Whanau Marama: NZ International Film Festival (Nationwide, July-Sep): The country's premier film event, bringing a curated selection of top international and local films to cinemas across New Zealand during the winter months.
4. WORD Christchurch (Christchurch, Aug-Sep): The South Island's largest literary festival, celebrating words and ideas with author talks, discussions, workshops, and poetry events, attracting leading writers.
5. Art Deco Festival Napier (Napier, February & July): A unique festival celebrating Napier's stunning Art Deco architectural heritage with vintage parades, themed events, tours, and a step back in time to the 1920s and 30s.

What Makes Them Special?

These festivals are deeply connected to their locations, showcasing Wellington's creativity, Napier's unique history, and Auckland's multiculturalism. They offer a special way to experience the distinct character and artistic energy of each host city while enjoying world-class arts and film.

Planning Your Unforgettable Event Adventure

Discover What's On

1. Official NZ Tourism Website: Search "New Zealand events" on the official tourism website.
2. Regional Tourism Sites: Check regional tourism sites like AucklandNZ or QueenstownNZ.
3. Festival Websites: Go directly to the official site if you know the event.
4. Local i-SITEs: Great for on-the-ground info when you arrive.

Essential Booking Tips

1. Book EARLY: Major events (Te Matatini, Rhythm & Vines/Alps, Bluff Oyster Festival, WOW) sell out FAST (months ahead!).
2. Popular Tickets: Even city festivals need early booking for sought-after events.
3. Transport: Pre-book public transport or festival shuttles.

Enhance Your Trip

1. Explore More: Combine events with seeing the region.
2. Check for Extras: Look for workshops or multi-day passes on event websites.

Overview of Major Annual Festivals by Category

Aotearoa Celebrates: Your Invitation

New Zealand's event calendar pulses with the nation's heart—a lively mix of culture, landscapes, and passion. A celebration is waiting for you year-round, from the profound traditions of Matariki to the global rhythms of WOMAD and from the thrill of the Bledisloe Cup to the quirky charm of the Wildfoods Festival. These are not just events; they're immersive experiences that connect you with the spirit of Aotearoa and its people. Come join the celebration!

FAQs

Do I need a special visa to attend events in New Zealand?

No, your standard New Zealand eTA or visa that allows you to enter the country for tourism purposes will also permit you to attend public events and festivals.

Are tickets usually required for these events?

Ticket requirements vary greatly. Some events, like the Pasifika Festival and the New Zealand Open (golf), offer free entry, while major music festivals and some arts festivals are ticketed events.

Is it easy to travel between different regions to attend events?

New Zealand has a well-developed transportation network, including domestic flights, inter-island ferries, buses, and rental cars.

Are these events suitable for families with children?

Many of New Zealand's events are family-friendly. For example, the Pasifika Festival often has dedicated children's areas and activities.

What is the significance of the Waitangi Day mentioned in the Kawhia Kai Festival?

Waitangi Day, observed on February 6th, is New Zealand's national day. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Maori chiefs in 1840.

Are there any etiquette guidelines I should know when attending Maori or Pasifika cultural events?

Showing respect is key. It's generally appreciated to listen attentively during performances and speeches.

How can I stay updated on event dates and potential changes?

The official websites for each event are the best source for the most up-to-date information.

Are there volunteer opportunities available at some of these festivals?

Yes, many festivals rely on volunteers to help with various aspects of the event's organisation.