Aotearoa Explore

Explore festivals and cultural events

A nationwide overview of ongoing, upcoming, and recently closed festivals and events.

Locations From date To date

30 days · View all — Locations

12 past events

Sort

View

Kaikōura Hop

Sep 16-20, 2026 Kaikōura

The Kaikōura Hop is an annual multi-day festival celebrating classic cars and motoring culture in Kaikōura, New Zealand. The event draws hundreds of vintage vehicles and enthusiasts for a week of displays,...

Classic Cars Car Show +5

High Altitude festival

Sep 12, 2026 Canterbury

The High Altitude festival is an exclusive, boutique electronic music experience held at Mt Hutt Ski Field in the Canterbury region of New Zealand on September 12, 2026. This winter event features...

Music Electronic Music +6

WORD Christchurch Festival

Sep 1-6, 2026 Christchurch

The WORD Christchurch Festival is a six-day literary and ideas festival held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. Running from September 1 to 6, 2026, the festival features over 100 writers, thinkers, and...

Literary Festival Arts Festival +8

Between Tree and Tide

Aug 21, 2026 Christchurch

Between Tree and Tide is the debut solo exhibition by artist Luca Tu'avao Walton, which opened on August 21, 2026, at the Fibre Gallery in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The installation explores the nostalgia...

Exhibition Pacific Art +4

Finding Family on the Road World Tour

Aug 21, 2026 Christchurch

Grammy-nominated and global chart-topping singer-songwriter Alex Warren will bring his "Finding Family on the Road World Tour" to Christchurch, New Zealand, for a performance at Wolfbrook Arena on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Music Concert +4

Doc Edge Christchurch Showcase

Jul 31 - Aug 2, 2026 Christchurch

The Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival presents its special three-day Christchurch Showcase, featuring 13 documentary features, New Zealand short films, and a local immersive project. Held at UC’s Jack Mann Theatre in Ōtautahi...

Documentary Film Festival +5

150th Anniversary Celebration of St Augustine Catholic Church

Jul 19, 2026 Ashburton

This community event marks the 150th anniversary of the first Catholic church built in Ashburton. The celebration features a commemorative mass and a social lunch, inviting descendants of the original parishioners and...

Anniversary Catholicism +4

In Our Backyard

Apr 23 - Jul 15, 2026 South Canterbury

“In Our Backyard” is an exhibition of fine art photography by Zenobia Southcombe, held at the South Canterbury Museum’s Perth St building. The exhibition showcases wildlife found across North Otago and South...

Photography Art exhibition +5

Ukulele festival

Jul 3-5, 2026 Geraldine

The Ukulele festival is set to return to Geraldine, Canterbury, New Zealand, from July 3 to July 5, 2026, after a three-year hiatus. The event is known for its community spirit and...

Ukulele Music festival +3

One New Zealand Stadium Night Market

Jul 4, 2026 Christchurch

The One New Zealand Stadium Night Market launches on July 4, 2026, in Christchurch to coincide with the All Blacks vs. France rugby test match. The event provides a dedicated festival-style space...

Food Festival Night Market +4

100th Rakaia Ploughing Match

Jun 27, 2026 Rakaia

The 100th Rakaia Ploughing Match was held in Rakaia on 27 June 2026, bringing together a record 31 competitors across six classes, including contemporary, vintage, farm and horse ploughing. Prizegiving and evening...

Heritage Event Ploughing +6

Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival

Jun 16-18, 2026 Ashburton

The annual Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival brings together 200 young voices from 13 primary and intermediate schools for three nights of musical performances. Held at the Ashburton Event Centre from June...

Music festival School Event +4

Language and country

Suggested

Africa

Americas

Asia

Europe

North America

South America