These festivals are your golden ticket to soak up life—go forth and fest!
Beyond its jaw-dropping scenery, New Zealand hosts some fantastic festivals all year round. You can dive into Māori culture, savour amazing food, and enjoy all kinds of artistic vibes from around the globe. Music lovers, you're in for a treat too—there are festivals for rock, electric, and pop fans. Ready to explore? Check out our list of some of the coolest summer and winter festivals in New Zealand below!
This festival is the perfect place to ring in the New Year with world-class bands and festival-goers. The best way to experience it? Camp out! Whether you’re setting up a tent or going for the glamping option, you’re in for a great time. As the sister festival of Rhythm and Vines, it’s one of New Zealand’s biggest and best music festivals. Spend your New Year’s Eve soaking up the stunning scenery, enjoying awesome music, and embracing the camping vibes.
The Auckland International Buskers Festival is four days of pure fun! Imagine the streets buzzing with amazing acrobats, hula hoop artists, jugglers, and magicians from all over the world. You'll be on the edge of your seat with all the jaw-dropping performances. If you're in New Zealand, you don't want to miss this!
Imagine starting the New Year in Gisborne, where the sun rises first! It's like being in the front row for Mother Nature's spectacular show. For three days, this festival brings together amazing music, from rock to electronic beats. It's not just about the tunes—it's a global cultural gathering with artists from everywhere. Plus, you'll meet people from all over the world, making it an epic way to kick off the year!
The festival, known as WOMAD, merges global artists and cultures, spotlighting folk music and the arts to promote multicultural awareness. A unique feature is "Nova Energy - Taste The World," blending music with cooking creativity.
The Matariki festival in mid-June celebrates the Maori New Year with city streets and markets aglow, offering delicious food stalls and epic firecracker displays lighting up the skies. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with food, drinks, and take a stroll under the lit-up streets while fireworks light up the night. Kids can also enjoy kite-flying and Maori art exhibits during this vibrant winter celebration of lights!
The Crankworx Rotorua, a highly anticipated annual mountain biking extravaganza, draws legendary bikers and enthusiasts worldwide. Over five action-packed days, it features competitions across various categories and styles, from amateur to pro, including downhill and slopestyle. Adding to the thrill, the festival offers incredible live music, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees!
Exploring New Zealand without immersing yourself in Māori cultural festivals is like forgetting your sunscreen on a sunny day—you're missing out on a vital experience! These festivals offer a taste of Māori cuisine, like delicious kebabs and mountain delicacies, alongside a vibrant celebration of indigenous culture and heritage.
Imagine a week in Queenstown where the city buzzes with excitement, music, and laughter. From thrilling treasure hunts to live music and spectacular fireworks, this festival has something fun for everyone in the family. It's the perfect way to make lasting memories together!
With New Zealand's vibrant culture, there's so much to explore! If any of these festivals caught your eye, it's time to nudge your boss for that well-deserved leave!
