Summer Events

Summer goes off in New Zealand, with a wide range of exciting events on offer. From the tip of the North Island to the deep south, there's bound to be a fantastic event happening not too far from you this summer. Whether you're into art and craft, great music, scrumptious food and wine or sport, there's an event for you. Go and check one out!

Here are a few of my picks, but there are plenty more where these came from.

Photo © Emily Oakley

Nationwide

More FM Winery Tour 2010

With 18 shows nationwide, this concert is coming to a town near you this summer. Featuring Kiwi greats Dave Dobbyn, Tim Finn and Bic Runga performing together for the first time in 10 years, as well as performances by Che Fu and Boh Runga, this concert features their famous hits plus some new material. Don't miss it!

Northland

Endless Summer Festival, February-March

Whangarei's Endless Summer Festival kicks off in February and is set to continue all the way through until the end of March. From sporting events and family picnics to the Buskers Festival and fantastic concerts, this festival is full of endless entertainment for all.

Auckland

Big Day Out, January

The Big Day Out is without a doubt New Zealand's ultimate musical event, featuring big international acts such as Muse, Dizzee Rascal, Powderfinger, Lily Allen and Groove Armada, plus much-loved Kiwi acts such as Ladyhawke, PNC, The Checks, Midnight Youth and Kora.

Coromandel

Whangamata Beach Hop, March

This festival celebrates the 50s and 60s, and means the streets will be jam-packed with classic cars, restaurants will be transformed into American-style diners and bars will be packed with partygoers dressed in flares and platform shoes. With more than 70,000 people attending, this is one of the world's biggest nostalgia celebrations.

Waikato

Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival, February-March

Set in the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, this festival combines more than 50 events and 85 performances celebrating art, culture and great entertainment. There's something for everyone, from fun family events and music to Italian-themed nights.

Hawke's Bay

Mission Estate Winery Concert, February

Join motown and soul legends The Four Tops, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, The Temptations, The Miracles, Martha & The Vandellas, Joan Osborne, Ian Moss and Jimmy Barnes and more at this prestigious concert - it's bound to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

New Plymouth

Festival of Lights, December-February

New Plymouth's Pukekura Park becomes a magical and event-filled place this summer. See the park come to life as over 1000 coloured lights illuminate trees, park structures and water features. What's more, there's a jam-packed programme of live entertainment by night and fun-filled family activities and events by day.

Wellington

NZI Sevens, February

The NZI Sevens is a rugby tournament with 16 international teams competing. It's also Wellington's biggest party, and there's just as much action off the field. Most of the 35,000 people attending are dressed in wacky costumes and geared up for a mayhem-filled two days of live entertainment and partying - oh, and rugby!

Marlborough

Marlborough Wine Festival, February

Set in the sauvignon blanc capital, the annual Marlborough Wine Festival is often described as being 'brilliant' and 'fabulous'. See for yourself as you experience the best of local food and wine as well as a series of events that range from wine tasting tours and tutorials to boat cruises and posh vineyard dinners.

West Coast

Phat 10, Inangahua

Celebrate New Years Eve with this incredible party on the West Coast. But the fun doesn't stop there - this festival runs from 31 December to 2 January, and features both local and international acts playing drum ‘n' bass, reggae, breaks, hip hop and dub, all in a magical rainforest setting.

Christchurch

World Buskers Festival, January

Central Christchurch comes to a standstill as some of the best buskers in the world converge on the city for 10 days in January. As well as attracting comedy and circus-style street performers, this festival also attracts big crowds - of around 300,000 people! With more than 500 performances, this is one festival you don't want to miss.

Timaru

Caroline Bay Carnival, December-January

The highlight of the Timaru calendar is this fantastic festival, which is full of quintessential Kiwi fun. There are fairground rides, celebrity performances, Kiwi kids giving it a go in contests such as Princess of the Sand and Master Caroline Bay, and the ever-popular talent quest.

Dunedin

SummerFun, late January to late February

This annual festival includes more than 30 events held over a month - there literally is something for everyone. Highlights include the Chinese New Year celebrations and the Thieves Alley Market Day.

Southland

Hokonui Moonshiners Festival, February

This festival honours the rascals who brewed illicit whiskey in the Hokonui Hills during the Prohibition era. This boutique whiskey festival features Hokonui Whiskey brewed to the old recipe, fine wines, beers and local foods. And the entertainment - it's Gore, so expect the best of toe-tapping country music.