Bookmark the calendar and get ready for an incredible lineup of events in New Zealand in 2026. From abundant harvest festivals and joyful cultural celebrations to glitzy vintage soirees, the island nation comes alive with a host of festive fun year-round, bringing people and communities together. Find out what's on with our round-up of some of the biggest annual events happening right across New Zealand in 2026.
Pasifika Festival
Image courtesy of David St George.
14-15 March 2026
The vibrant spirit of the Pacific returns to Auckland with the iconic Pasifika Festival 2026. One of the most anticipated events in Auckland, Pasifika is the world’s biggest celebration of Pacific Island food, culture, music, and performances. Held across two big days at Auckland’s Western Springs Lakeside Park, the eight cultural villages of the festival represent different Pacific Island nations with a lineup of multicultural musicians and performers. New in 2026, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) joins the fun with free interactive games, workshops, and ukulele lessons.
Accommodation in Auckland
Enjoy modern, spacious accommodation at the Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, with the beautiful west coast beaches and a host of Auckland events and restaurants at your doorstep.
The Spring Fling
Image courtesy of Gary Lisbon.
September to October 2026
Get ready to celebrate the season of spring with Spring Fling, a two-month festival in the Central Hawkes Bay region of the North Island throughout September and October. The beauty of the region takes centre stage with a series of standout events, including culinary masterclasses, flower workshops, and rugged, coastal farmland walks. Each year, new events are added to the calendar from high tea among the roses to elegant supper soirees. Plan a decadent food and wine weekend, browse boutique markets, or enjoy an evening of curated cocktails and a guided tour of a grand historic homestead.
Harvest Hawkes Bay
Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.
Another stellar Hawkes Bay event, Harvest Hawkes Bay makes its return in 2026 with an array of acclaimed wineries, craft breweries, restaurants, and eateries playing host to hungry crowds. With the ambience of live entertainment, the one-day festival of local food and wine brings together the region’s best-known and boutique producers. Sample world-class wines and meet the winemakers, and feast on signature dishes by celebrated local chefs in a picturesque rural setting. There’s even a regional shuttle service running from central locations to make getting to and from the festival hassle-free on the day.
Art Deco Festival Napier
19-22 February 2026
Each year in February, vintage cars and speakeasy bars take over the town of Napier in Hawkes Bay, renowned as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital. The Napier Art Deco Festival 2026 is one of the premier Napier events with a jazz-packed calendar of events from classic films and vintage car displays to themed culinary events such as the iconic crowd-favourite, the Gatsby Picnic. Dress the part in authentic vintage fashion, learn to dance the Charleston, or glam it up at the Downton Garden Party, all against the backdrop of Napier’s incredible Art Deco heritage.
Accommodation in Napier
You’ll find plenty of quality accommodation options in the historic town of Napier, centrally located for exploring the town’s charms and heritage events.
Supercars Taupō
Image courtesy of Love Taupō.
10-12 April 2026
The Supercars premier motor racing event, ITM Taupō Super 440, returns for another adrenaline-fuelled round at Taupō International Motorsport Park in April 2026. A high-octane mix of speed, rivalry and raw emotion promises to make the 2026 season of the Repco Supercars Championship the best one yet. Get yourself trackside for all the rev-head action in what will be the first-ever NZ Double Header, with two back-to-back rounds in New Zealand. First in Taupō on one of the world’s most picturesque circuits, followed by Christchurch.
Accommodation in Taupō
Enjoy modern, cosy rooms at the family-run Quality Inn Acapulco, only a short walk from local eateries, shops and Taupō activities.
Marchfest Nelson
Image courtesy of Steve Hussey Photography.
28 March 2026
This annual celebration of craft beer, live music and good times makes its rollicking return to Nelson on the South Island in March 2026. One of the best beer festivals 2026 has to offer, Marchfest is a homage to New Zealand’s only hop-growing region, where there are more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country. Here, brewers unveil exclusive beers that have never previously been tasted by the public, along with craft ciders, local wines and even a cheeky cocktail or two. Artisan local food trucks will keep you fuelled up, while DJs and local musicians will bring the beats.
Accommodation in Nelson
Places to stay include The Honest Lawyer, a charming English country pub and boutique hotel with picturesque views, the perfect base for enjoying Nelson events.
North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival
Image courtesy of Christchurch NZ Toolkit.
8 March 2026
Under the oaks in the beautiful Glenmark Domain, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival in the Waipara Valley is an annual celebration of the region’s acclaimed wineries, restaurants and local food producers. Less than an hour north of Christchurch, the one-day festival attracts food and wine lovers from across the country to taste superb local wines and indulge in handcrafted dishes and gourmet delicacies. Relax over a pint in the Brew Moon Beer Garden and soak up the festival vibes, while local musicians, DJs and upbeat bands set the soundtrack for the day.
Super Rugby Pacific
24-26 April 2026
Over one epic weekend in April, the 2026 Super Rugby Round brings together the best teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands to play under one roof at Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium. The three-day rugby festival will be the first-ever Super Round to be held on New Zealand soil, with 10 teams playing five high-stakes matches in what is shaping up to be a milestone 2026 season celebrating 30 years of Super Rugby. One for the fans, don’t miss being part of the action for this historic sporting event.
Accommodation in Christchurch
You’ll find well-appointed and spacious accommodation ideally located in Christchurch for exploring food and wine festivals and other events in the Canterbury region.