NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAYS 2026
New Zealand is well ahead in planning a host of cultural and sporting events for 2026.
We’ve selected some of the highlights but it’s worth checking the national and regional websites for New Zealand to get an up-to-date picture of what’s on when you are visiting the country. Where dates have been confirmed we have listed them, otherwise we have indicated which month they will be taking place.
If you’d like to include any of those we’ve featured (or perhaps ones that are still due to be organised) on your holiday, let us know about them early in your planning and we’ll endeavour to integrate them into your trip.
January to March 2026
New Zealand’s International Chamber Music Festival
29 January – 7 February 2026.
The standout cultural event promises to be New Zealand’s International Chamber Music Festival, which will be held in Nelson from 29 January – 7 February 2026.
The festival is housed in one of the country’s finest chamber music venues, the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, renowned for its acoustics.
Every two years, Co-artistic Directors Gillian Ansell and Helene Pohl of the New Zealand String Quartet invite a selection of international and national musicians to gather for ten days of shared excellence in performance and collaboration, resulting in a programme ranging from classical favourites to new commissions, as well as artist talks and masterclasses
Napier Art Deco Festival
19 – 22 February 2026.
The annual Napier Art Deco Festival is one of New Zealand’s largest and most iconic events. This unique festival is recognised nationally and internationally as a bucket list event, attracting over 40,000 participants from all over New Zealand and around the world.
There are more than 200 events, including entertainment experiences, outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashion shows, dining experiences and Great Gatsby picnics. It’s an opportunity to revel in the 1930s atmosphere and travel back in time to an era of glitz and glamour!
Every year we receive requests from customers wanting to attend the festival, but to confirm accommodation it is essential you give us early notice if you wish to attend!
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
15 – 21 March 2026
Every four years the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring celebrates vintage veteran and classic vehicles. This international rally will take place in the Nelson Tasman region towards the end of March. The event will include vehicle rallies and public events.
Bowls New Zealand Aotearoa National Events
Throughout January & February
Every summer, Bowls New Zealand hosts national events in which players can compete either via direct entry or through winning performances in their local club or centre competitions. Open events are available to all players to enter, regardless of age, experience, gender and ability and provide a competitive celebration of the game of bowls in four disciplines – Singles, Pairs, Fours and Mixed Pairs – as well as the opportunity to be crowned as the National Champion in any year.
Typically, these events will see between 500 and 750 players from around New Zealand participate in each four-day competition.
Venues have yet to be decided for these events which will take place throughout January and February.
The Wellington Wine & Food Festival
Dates TBC
Elevating the festival atmosphere, some of NZ’s top musicians will be providing live music to keep the festival alive and the vibes high. The Wellington Wine and Food Festival offers champagne, gin, and cocktail bars. Alternatively, you can indulge in the local craft beer, ciders, seltzers, and exquisite wines, creating a diverse and satisfying selection. All food menu items will be limited to a maximum price $15.00. Awaiting date information.
New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
January/February – dates TBC
This is an international sailing competition that features high-performance F50 foiling catamarans, where teams compete across a season of multiple grands prix
This event will take place in Auckland and consists of two days of competitive racing. The first day has three fleet races, while the second day has two fleet races and a match race final
The final race of the season is a match race between the highest-scoring crews over the season, with the winner earning a US$1 million prize.
Food and Wine Classic Event
March – exact dates TBC
This annual event (better known as F.A.W.C), showcases the very best of Hawke’s Bay food and drink. Restaurants, food trucks and eateries set the bar high, serving gourmet cuisine prepared by established chefs. Breweries, cideries and wineries offer complimentary drinks.
Coast to Coast
February
An iconic multisport event, Coast to Coast sees competitors run, bike, hike and kayak across some of the most spectacular parts of the South Island. Starting from the windswept West Coast, the 243km course travels across the Southern Alps before ending at Christchurch’s New Brighton Pier where a vibrant beachside festival greets competitors.
Buller Gorge Marathon
February – date TBC
The scenic Buller Gorge Marathon course commences at Hawks Crag and heads up the gorge to a turning point near Berlin’s, then back down the scenic, undulating Buller Gorge Highway to a finish at Victoria Square, Westport.
Balloons over Waikato
March – dates TBC
Balloons over Waikato is New Zealand’s premier hot air balloon festival. Held annually in Hamilton, this five-day iconic event attracts balloonists from all over New Zealand and around the world.
July – September
Whitianga Oceans Festival
September
Seafood fans should check out one of New Zealand’s most popular seafood events. The Whitianga Oceans Festival (formerly known as the Whitianga Scallop Festival) sees many food stalls turning out mouth-watering dishes. There’s also entertainment from famous New Zealand performers and seafood cooking demonstrations.
International Hobbit Day
22nd September
Journey to Middle Earth. International Hobbit Day takes place on 22nd September in the Shire. It’s the perfect party venue for any Hobbit fan, with a full day of activities and feasting. From a day tour of the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, to a traditional Hobbit feast, to a moonlit journey back over the rolling hills and past Hobbit holes, it is surely one of the most magical New Zealand experiences.
Winter Festival Queenstown
August – September
The Winter Games NZ is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow and sports event. Held over two weeks in August and September, it attracts some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders. The games spans 4 venues (Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort), and boasts a jam-packed schedule, including high-octane alpine ski racing, thrilling free skiing, snowboard park and pipe competitions and adrenaline-inducing freeride events.
October – December
Nelson Arts Festival
Dates TBC
During the Nelson Arts Festival, you’ll find arts events and workshops throughout the town, including demonstrations of ceramics, papier mâché and textiles, as well as poetry, author readings, sculpture and video installations
The World of Wearable Art Wellington
September/October – dates TBC
A leading design competition held in Wellington that includes a spectacular stage production – a must-see event for nearly 60,000 people every year. WOW also produces ongoing exhibitions within New Zealand, alonngside a successful international touring exhibition programme.
Garden Marlborough
Dates TBC
Garden Marlborough, NZ’s premier garden event, was dreamt up by gardeners for gardeners. Celebrating Marlborough‘s stunning landscape, it showcases the very best the region has to offer with a range of garden tours, workshops and social events. Full and half-day garden tours encompass everything from compact designer gardens in the heart of town to country estates. Workshops provide the opportunity to brush up on skills and horticultural knowledge with experts from New Zealand and overseas.