Discover Central NZ

From big festivals to charming local events, unforgettable moments await in Central NZ.

Wellington

There's always something happening in Wellington:

  • Disney: The Magic of Animation, until 13 July
  • Black Ferns and All Blacks double-header, 12 July
  • Visa Wellington On a Plate, throughout August
  • Beervana, 23 and 24 August
  • World of WearableArt Show, 18 September to 5 October
  • Royal New Zealand Ballet Season 2025 Season, until 8 November
  • New Zealand Symphony Orchestra 2025 Season, until 5 December

Wairarapa

Upcoming events in Wairarapa:

  • Golden Shears - 4-7 March 2026
  • Featherston Booktown - 8-10 May 2026
  • Wairarapa Balloon Festival – 2-6 April 2026
  • Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival - 14 Feb 2026
  • Toast Martinborough - 15 November 2026

Marlborough

Upcoming events in Marlborough:

  • Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon – May 10th
  • Marlborough Book Festival – 18th – 20th July
  • Marina 2 Marina – 27th September 
  • Garden Marlborough Festival 6-9th November
  • GodZone Adventure Race - 27 November - 5 December
  • Marlborough Wine & Food Festival – 2026 dates TBC

Hawke's Bay

Upcoming events in Hawkes Bay:

  • Hawke's Bay Marathon - 17 May 2025
  • Matariki celebrations - 5-26 June 2025
  • Winter Art Deco - 18-20 July 2025
  • Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - 9-19 October 2025
  • Hawke's Bay Art Trail - 8-9 and 15-16 November 2025
  • Harvest Hawke's Bay - 22 November 2025

Taranaki

• Right Royal Cabaret Festival, 12-15 June 2025

• Festival of Lights - Winter, 19-22 June 2025

• Reimagine Festival, 9-19 October 2025  

• Taranaki Garden Festival, 31 October – 9 November 2025  

• Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival, 31 October – 9 November 2025  

• Taranaki Arts Trail, 31 October – 9 November 2025

• Coastal Five, 15-16 November 2025  

• New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival, 29-30 November 2025

• Festival of Lights, December 2025 – January 2026  

• AmeriCARna, February 2026  

• WOMAD Aotearoa, 13-15 March 2026

Nelson Tasman

Upcoming events in Neslon Tasman:

  • GravelDuro – 17 May 2025
  • TUKU Whakatū Festival: 23 Mar - 4 May 2025
  • Te Huihui o Matariki, Matariki Festival: Friday 20 June 2025
  • Ceol Aneas Irish Music Festival : 31 May - 3 June 2025 

Whanganui

Upcoming events in Whanganui:

  • Hoop Nation, 23-26 April
  • Whanganui Comedy Gala, 8 June
  • Whanganui Pride Week, June
  • Awa Adventure Run, 27 September
  • Cemetery Circuit, 26 December (Boxing Day)
  • Vintage Weekend, 19 January

Manawatū

Upcoming events in Manawatū:

  • Palmy Drag Fest - 1st-4th October
  • Salud Festival - 11th October
  • Manawatū Gardens Festival - 12th - 16th November
  • Cross Hills Garden Country Fair - 15th November
  • Sip & Savour - 28th February 2026
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