As the weather warms up, we can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. And what better way to do it than getting out to one of New Zealand’s awesome festivals?
From celebrating our world-class wines to body art, we love getting together and joining in on the fun. Here are seven of my fave events, all coming up in the next few months.
7. Auckland Pride Festival
Auckland
1-16 February 2020
Auckland’s annual pride festival celebrates the city’s rainbow communities, which includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, genderfluid, genderqueer, pansexual, asexual, queer, and questioning folk, as well as their friends, family and allies. The festival, now in its eighth year, runs over three weeks and features a gala, a pride march, huge parties and, of course, the Big Gay Out.
Stay nearby: Quest Ponsonby
6. Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
Marlborough
8 February 2020
Held amongst the vines of Brancott Vineyard in Blenheim, the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival celebrates top drops from the world-famous Marlborough wine region.
There are also food stalls, a culinary pavilion, and entertainment. I recommend kick-starting a trip to the region with this festival to give you an idea of where to visit while you’re here 🍷
Stay nearby: Chateau Marlborough
5. Napier Art Deco Festival
Napier
19-23 February 2020
When the town was devastated by an earthquake in 1931, Napier rebuilt and the architects decided on the in vogue architecture of the day, Art Deco. Many of the original buildings still stand today, leaving the town looking as pretty as a postcard. Now, each year the Napier Art Deco Festival draws a crowd who appreciate the work of the resourceful and resilient town members.
Stay nearby: Porters Boutique Hotel
4. Balloons over Waikato
Hamilton
17-21 March 2020
Balloons Over Waikato is a five-day hot air balloon festival that floats over the Hamilton area each year. There are a range of activities and there is plenty of ballooning on the program. Plus don’t miss the Zuru Nightglow, when balloons light up in the night sky to a musical score and fireworks show to close the event 🎈🎆
Stay nearby: Novotel Tainui Hamilton
3. Cromwell Food & Wine Festival
Cromwell
4 January 2020
In the gardens of McNulty House in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct in Cromwell, the annual Cromwell Food and Wine Festival is held, putting on show the great food and wine from the local area.
The Cromwell basin is a well-regarded wine region and the festival gives growers and producers a chance to sell the fruits of their labour.
Stay nearby: Carrick Lodge Motel
2. The Central Otago Craft Beer Festival
Alexandra
8 February 2020
Pioneer Park in Alexandra brings together some of the best craft beer breweries from the Central Otago area so you can enjoy a fancy tipple or two.
Plus, it’s not just beer, there’s also wine and food too! Need we say more? 🍺
Stay nearby: Olivers Central Otago
1. New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival
New Plymouth
23-24 November 2019
Over 300 tattoo artists from all around the world come together in New Plymouth to display their talent and share their passion for body art with the mostly inked crowd. See work from some of the best tattoo artists in the world, discover the latest products and catch some live music, freestyle motocross and BMX shows. Oh, and the world’s most tattooed person will be there too.
Stay nearby: The Devon Hotel
PLAN YOUR NEXT FESTIVAL GETAWAY
