An Evening with Priscilla Presley, Life After Elvis<\/p>\n
November 20, 2025 | Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna | From $129 | On sale September 2<\/p>\n
This deeply personal chat with actor, businesswoman and philanthropist Priscilla Presley comes to Auckland just after she\u2019s released her long-awaited memoir Softly, As I Leave You \u2013 the insightful story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n\u2019 Roll, and the man she loved.<\/p>\n
RUFUS DU SOL. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
RUFUS DU SOL<\/p>\n
November 29, 2025 | The Outer Fields, Western Springs | $160.82<\/p>\n
Yes, they\u2019re Aussies \u2013 but don\u2019t let that put you off. The Grammy-award-winning dance trio are total class and they\u2019ve just come from their biggest sell-out gig to date, playing to 60,000 fans in LA. The set merges infectious live electronic music, traditional songwriting and spectacular stage design \u2013 it\u2019s an experience that gets into your bones, your feet, your heart.<\/p>\n
Bay of Plenty<\/p>\n
Katikati Avo Fest<\/p>\n
January 10, 2026 | 12pm-6pm | Uretara Domain, Katikati | Early Bird $55 | General $65 | Event Day $75<\/p>\n
Get your summer fix at the Katikati Avo Fest, right in the avocado capital of Aotearoa. Think avocado ice cream, tasty food, delectable drinks, live bands and cooking demos with a celebrity chef. Whether you\u2019re here to chill, dance or just soak up the sun, this festival serves up all the good vibes.<\/p>\n
Katikati Avo Fest. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport<\/p>\n
January 17, 2026 | Mount Maunganui | Prices differ by event<\/p>\n
This epic event returns this summer to Mount Maunganui. Take on the iconic Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half, one of New Zealand\u2019s longest-running triathlons. Go hard in the iLine Construction AquaBike or run the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon (21km, 10km, 5km). Whether you support or race, it will be an unforgettable event around Mauao. <\/p>\n
Waih\u012b Beach Summer Kick-off Festival<\/p>\n
November 29, 2025 | 11am-3pm | Wilson Park, Waih\u012b Beach | Free entry<\/p>\n
Celebrate all that makes Waih\u012b Beach special at the Waih\u012b Beach Summer Kick-Off. Enjoy live music, local creativity, market stalls and plenty for the whole wh\u0101nau to join in on. Bring a picnic blanket, meet community heroes and experience the spirit of Waih\u012b Beach, where culture, community and creativity come together by the sea.<\/p>\n
Central Otago<\/p>\n
NAPA 70th New Zealand Grand Prix<\/p>\n
January 30 – February 1, 2026 | 8am-5pm daily | Motorsport Park Cromwell | From $39<\/p>\n
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the NAPA 70th New Zealand Grand Prix and Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy Grand Final. Witness drivers battle it out in this milestone event showcasing the very best of New Zealand\u2019s motorsport talent. Set against one of the world\u2019s most stunning circuits, experience heart-pounding action, plus family fun and entertainment at this celebration of motorsport excellence.<\/p>\n
Omakau Trots<\/p>\n
January 2, 2026 | 12.30-7pm | Adults $10 | Children Free<\/p>\n
Enjoy an iconic summer\u2019s day out at the races. This has been a staple on the Central Otago event calendar since 1965, with generations of families enjoying the picnic atmosphere and top racing. Attracting some of the top pacers from around the South Island, there is also on-course entertainment, a fashion in the field competition and edge-of-the-seat racing for all to enjoy<\/p>\n
Christchurch<\/p>\n
World Buskers Festival<\/p>\n
January 23 – February 1, 2026 | Christchurch central city | Free – $100<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the iconic summer festival \u014ctautahi Christchurch lives for, when the World Buskers Festival fills the central city streets with colour, spectacle and pure joy. From daring acrobatics to late-night laughs, every day brings a new surprise. See a different side of summer and lock in this family-friendly festival you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n
World Buskers Festival in Christchurch. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Lakes Festival<\/p>\n
December 28, 2025 | Hagley Park | Gates open 12pm | GA $180 | VIP $270<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t miss the day Hagley Park comes alive. Lakes Festival is Christchurch\u2019s newest summer music celebration. Hidden in the iconic central city park across multiple stages, the festival blends international acts with Aotearoa\u2019s hottest talent for an unforgettable day and night of live music, food and community. Embrace the extraordinary, get the gang together and celebrate summer in \u014ctautahi.<\/p>\n
Blackcaps v West Indies International Test Match<\/p>\n
December 2-6, 2025 | Hagley Oval | Tickets TBC<\/p>\n
Nothing says summer quite like test cricket. From December 2, the Black Caps take on the West Indies in a thrilling international test match at Hagley Oval. There are just three home test matches this summer \u2013 secure yourself a patch on the embankment and enjoy Christchurch\u2019s leafy-green venue with short riverside walks to the central city and hospitality.<\/p>\n
Dunedin <\/p>\n
Whare Flat Folk Festival<\/p>\n
December 30-31, 2025 | Waiora Scout Camp | Cost TBA<\/p>\n
Celebrating 50 years this coming festival, the Whare Flat Folk Festival is a unique, intimate gathering featuring music, dance, workshops and relaxation. Held over the New Year period in the scenic Waiora Scout Camp near Dunedin, this self-catering, camping festival welcomes house-trucks, campervans and caravans, with easy access to Dunedin and Mosgiel.<\/p>\n
2026 New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
2026 New Zealand Masters Games<\/p>\n
January 31 – February 8, 2026 | Various Venues | Early bird $70 | Standard $100 | Supporter $45<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a medal chaser, social starter or just in it for the memories (and maybe a cheeky post-match drink), there\u2019s a place for you at the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games, when Dunedin transforms into the ultimate sporting playground \u2013 with more than 60 sports, live entertainment and good vibes galore.<\/p>\n
Brighton Gala Day<\/p>\n
January 18, 2026 | Brighton Domain | Free entry<\/p>\n
Celebrating 30 years of the event in 2026, Brighton Gala Day is the ideal summer day out by the coast. Taking place at Brighton Domain, the Gala Day features amusement rides, entertainment and more than 150 stalls featuring crafts and food right by the seaside. A fun day out for the whole family.<\/p>\n
Hawke\u2019s Bay<\/p>\n
Collins Street Festival<\/p>\n
November 29 | 3 Ossian St, Napier | Tickets from $59+fees<\/p>\n
Collins Street Festival is back for round two, transforming Ahuriri into a street party packed with live music, street eats and local drinks (book a babysitter for the kids, it\u2019s R18). Headlined by Sola Rosa (DJ Set) and joined by Yurt Party, Tropical Downbeat Orchestra and more, it\u2019s a feast for the senses and the ultimate Hawke\u2019s Bay summer party. <\/p>\n
Collins Street Festival. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Bridge Pa Wine Festival<\/p>\n
January 17, 2026 | Tickets start at $70+ fees<\/p>\n
Head to Hawke\u2019s Bay to celebrate the 12th Annual Bridge Pa Wine Festival. Discover 10 wineries over nine sites in the heart of Hawke\u2019s Bay wine country, the Bridge Pa Triangle. Each winery offers great wines, live music, and gourmet food. Enjoy the freedom of hop-on, hop-off buses, making it easy to explore every venue throughout the day.<\/p>\n
collinsstfestival.co.nz\/faq<\/a><\/p>\n Outfield Music Festival <\/p>\n January 31, 2026 | 35 Gordon Rd, Te Awanga | Tickets start at $99.90<\/p>\n Cradled by the rolling hills and meadows in Te Awanga downs, Hawke\u2019s Bay\u2019s very own Outfield Music, Food & Arts Festival returns for 2026 in January. Join the festivities and celebrate creativity and expression through a shared love of music, food and arts.<\/p>\n Hurunui<\/p>\n Hanmer Springs Adventure Run<\/p>\n January 17, 2026 | Hanmer Springs | Presented by Hanmer Holiday Homes<\/p>\n Born from the legacy of the Alpine Marathon, the Hanmer Springs Adventure Run, presented by Hanmer Holiday Homes, is a celebration of trail running in one of Canterbury\u2019s most striking landscapes. Choose from 55km, 24km, 15km, or 7km courses over Mt Isobel and beyond, then finish in the heart of Hanmer Springs by ringing the historic 1879 fire station bell.<\/p>\n The Dead South<\/p>\n December 13, 2025 | Waipara Winehouse | Tickets on sale now<\/p>\n Canadian bluegrass four-piece The Dead South return to Aotearoa this December for their biggest show yet at Waipara Winehouse, following two sold-out tours in the past two years. Expect their signature foot-stomping energy, driving banjo and soaring harmonies in an unforgettable night among the vines.<\/p>\n Mackenzie<\/p>\n Mackenzie Summer Sounds<\/p>\n December 31 | Twizel<\/p>\n Celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve lakeside in Twizel at Mackenzie Summer Sounds. Kiwi icons Kaylee Bell, The Mockers, Zed and Stellar* light up the stage against the stunning Mackenzie Country backdrop. With live music, food and summer vibes under the big sky, it\u2019s the ultimate way to welcome the New Year with friends and family.<\/p>\n Marlborough<\/p>\n GODZONE Adventure Race<\/p>\n November 27 – December 5, 2025 | Standard entry $8800 (per team of 4)<\/p>\n Why wait for New Year to make resolutions? For a summer challenge, gather some friends for the world\u2019s premier expedition adventure race. Brutal yet beautiful, this epic eight-day challenge will test endurance and showcase the region\u2019s wild backcountry as teams trek, bike and kayak up to 700km through rugged mountains, rivers, bush and the stunning Marlborough Sounds. <\/p>\n Te P\u0101taka o Wairau M\u0101ori Night Market<\/p>\n November 21, 2025 | Seymour Square, Blenheim | Free event<\/p>\n Mark this date for a celebration of M\u0101ori culture, creativity and community. Organised under the korowai of Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira and Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, and hosted by a dedicated iwi volunteer r\u014dp\u016b, the night market brings Seymour Square to life with kai stalls, mahi toi (art), kapa haka performances and taonga from local M\u0101ori entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n Picton Maritime Festival <\/p>\n January 16 & 17, 2026 | Picton Foreshore | Free<\/p>\n Dive into the 21st Annual Picton Maritime Festival on January 16-17, 2026, at Picton Foreshore. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates maritime heritage with raft races and boat trips, plus music, entertainment, food and craft stalls. Join the community for hands-on activities, local talent and a spectacular fireworks finale under the summer skies.<\/p>\n Nelson<\/p>\n The Big Tahuna Ocean Swim Series<\/p>\n November 22, 2025 | Tahunanui Beach, Whakat\u016b Nelson | Various registration fees<\/p>\n The Big T\u0101huna on the beautiful T\u0101hunanui Beach is back and it\u2019s an event you won\u2019t want to miss. Immerse yourself in an incredible lineup of swims, from the massive 3.2km Big T\u0101huna to the Banana Boat OceanKids swims. This is the essential \u201cKiwi Summer Swimming Trip Away\u201d that will surround you with amazing people and the breathtaking beauty of the Nelson Tasman Region.<\/p>\n The Spectacle<\/p>\n December 5-6, 2025 | Whakat\u016b Nelson | Various registration fees<\/p>\n The Spectacle is a running event for everyone \u2013 trail runners, road runners, pro athletes, walkers, beginners, adults and kids. With world-class trails just 800m from Nelson\u2019s CBD, the region\u2019s unique geography makes it the perfect place to combine road and trail events into one festival. Top this all off with a Black Seeds concert to celebrate at the end of the day!<\/p>\n Nelson Kite Festival<\/p>\n January 17-18, 2026 | Neale Park, Whakat\u016b Nelson | Free public entry<\/p>\n Watch the skies above Nelson burst into colour at the Nelson Kite Festival. A joyful celebration of creativity and community, this annual event brings together spectacular kites of every size, shape and shade. Families, visitors, and kite-flying pros all join in, turning the park into a carnival of wind, wonder and pure, breezy fun.<\/p>\n Queenstown and Lake W\u0101naka<\/p>\n The Queenstown Bike Festival<\/p>\n January 16-25, 2026 | Queenstown<\/p>\n A multi-day celebration of mountain biking in the heart of Queenstown, featuring numerous action-packed events, races and challenges for spectators and competitors to get involved in. Iconic highlights include the Lake Jump and McGazza Fest, but all events are designed to unite pros, kids, and enthusiasts in an epic, inclusive biking adventure. queenstownbikefestival.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n The Valley<\/p>\n January 24, 2026 | Gibbston<\/p>\n Set against the stunning backdrop of Gibbston, The Valley is designed to celebrate everything that makes the region special. Kiwi music, world-class wines, craft brews and gourmet food await in the vines. With a line-up including Kora, Black Seeds and Hollie Smith, The Valley\u2019s inaugural concert is one not to be missed. thevalleyfest.nz<\/a><\/p>\n W\u0101naka Summer Concert<\/p>\n January 31, 2026 | Three Parks, W\u0101naka<\/p>\n Moving from their previous site in Gibbston Valley, Greenstone Entertainment will now host their popular summer concert over the Crown Range in a new purpose-built outdoor arena at Three Parks in W\u0101naka. Aiming to attract more than 15,000 people, the concert welcomes huge veteran acts, with a full line-up to be announced soon. greenstoneentertainment.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n Ruapehu<\/p>\n Goat Tongariro Adventure Run<\/p>\n January 17, 2026 | Start from Whakapapa, finish at T\u016broa on Mt Ruapehu<\/p>\n It\u2019s your time to take on the legendary Goat Tongariro Adventure Run. From Whakapapa to T\u016broa ski areas on Mt Ruapehu, explore the wild beauty and otherworldly terrain of Tongariro National Park. Choose the original 20km or let the kids have a go at the 3.2km track for an unforgettable weekend of active rejuvenation, community spirit and fun!<\/p>\n Southland<\/p>\n Ascot Park Christmas at the Races<\/p>\n December 13, 2025 | Invercargill<\/p>\n A sea of festive marquees fans out in front of you as glamorously dressed party-goers mingle in the Southland sun. Christmas at the Races is a destination event with people from all around Aotearoa flocking south to see what the fuss is all about.<\/p>\n Revenant Ultra Run<\/p>\n January 17-18, 2026 | Welcome Rock, Northern Southland<\/p>\n Some say the Revenant is the most brutal race in New Zealand, where a small elite field of athletes attempt to finish four unfathomable laps over the course of 60 hours \u2013 190km of gruelling terrain. There\u2019s no support crew to supply fresh socks, a warm cuppa or a much-needed energy-boosting snack. It\u2019s a challenge. You compete against yourself, and the race. Will you come along and see if anyone can finish this year?<\/p>\n Edendale Crank Up<\/p>\n January 25-31 – February 1, 2026 | Edendale<\/p>\n A one-stop shop showing hundreds of vehicles and machinery featuring European tractors and Japanese cars pre-1990, this annual event attracts thousands of visitors from throughout New Zealand and overseas. Allow enough time to enjoy the live music, craft and food stalls and various other entertainment and displays \u2013 there is something for the whole family to enjoy.<\/p>\n Taranaki<\/p>\n TSB Festival of Lights<\/p>\n December 20 – January 24 | Pukekura Park, New Plymouth | FREE<\/p>\n TSB Festival of Lights illuminates the spectacular Pukekura Park for 5 weeks in summer. Experience free captivating lighting installations, art, nature, live music, and good vibes every night. Rated New Zealand\u2019s favourite free event. festivaloflights.nz\/summer<\/a><\/p>\n Rock the Bowl<\/p>\n December 29, 2025 | Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth | $72<\/p>\n Rock the Bowl is turning up the heat for the third consecutive year, with UK chart toppers Rudimental joining Kiwi favourites L.A.B and Supergroove as headline acts at New Plymouth\u2019s iconic Bowl of Brooklands. Don\u2019t miss the iconic sounds of these festival legends, in the world-class Bowl of Brooklands venue, a unique natural amphitheatre within Pukekura Park.<\/p>\n Taup\u014d<\/p>\n Lake Taup\u014d Cycle Challenge<\/p>\n November 29, 2025 | Kicks off 5.30am from Taup\u014d town centre | From $59 <\/p>\n The Lake Taup\u014d Cycle Challenge is Aotearoa\u2019s biggest cycling event, drawing thousands of riders and spectators each year. With road and mountain bike options, including the epic 160km loop around the lake, it\u2019s all about scenic views, good vibes, and a strong community spirit. Plus, it supports local charities, so you\u2019re riding for a great cause too! cyclechallenge.com<\/a><\/p>\n Le Currents<\/p>\n December 28, 2025 | 12pm-10pm | Riverside Park, Taup\u014d | From $179 <\/p>\n Le Currents is Aotearoa\u2019s ultimate lakeside summer festival, returning to Riverside Park, Taup\u014d on December 28 with a mix of amazing international and local artists including RUDIM3NTAL, Lime Cordiale, Chromeo (DJ Set) and many more. With more than 6000 people, two stages and a vibrant mix of music, art and summer vibes, Le Currents is an unmissable stop on the summer festival run. lecurrents.com<\/a><\/p>\n Australasian Open Disc Golf Championships<\/p>\n January 16-18, 2026 | 8am-6pm daily | Spa Park, Taup\u014d | Pro divisions $199 | Amateur divisions $129 <\/p>\nHanmer Springs Adventure Run. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Mackenzie Summer Sounds. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
GODZONE Adventure Race. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
The Big T\u0101huna on the beautiful T\u0101hunanui Beach, Nelson. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
DQ Full Use
Commissioned shoot with Free Hub The Queenstown Bike Festival. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Goat Tongariro Adventure Run. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Edendale Crank Up in Southland. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Festival of Light. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Le Currents will be held at Taup\u014d’s Owen Delany Park for the first time this year.<\/p>\n