New Zealand events we'll be attending in 2025

New Zealand is set to host an incredible array of events in 2025, showcasing its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and love for food, wine, and entertainment. From delicious food and wine festivals to thrilling motor racing spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most anticipated 2025 events happening across New Zealand Aotearoa in 2025.

F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic

Summer edition 14-23 March 2025

Hawke’s Bay’s renowned F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic, is a culinary extravaganza held twice a year in summer and winter. Featuring an array of gourmet food, world-class wines, and immersive experiences, this event highlights why the region is New Zealand’s leading food and wine destination. 

Indulge in wine-paired dinners, cooking masterclasses, long winery lunches, and vineyard tours hosted by celebrated chefs and winemakers, along with visiting national and international talent. With a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, F.A.W.C! is a must for foodies and wine lovers alike. Stay tuned for the winter instalment.

Where to stay

Make the most of the Napier Art Deco Festival 2025 and other Napier events with a relaxing stay at Napier’s quality hotels.

Pasifika Festival

8-9 March 2025

This free event is made up of eight cultural villages, representing 11 Pacific Island nations. Image from: Auckland Brand Library

A vibrant celebration of Pacific Island cultures, the Pasifika Festival in Auckland is the largest of its kind in the world. This free event is made up of eight cultural villages, representing 11 Pacific Island nations, for a weekend showcasing traditional and contemporary dance, music, arts, and cuisine. 

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands while enjoying authentic food and performances, with over 100 delicious local food and independent craft stalls. The inclusive and lively atmosphere makes Pasifika Festival 2025 a standout event in New Zealand’s cultural calendar.

Another of the top events in Auckland, Winetopia is returning in 2025, celebrating the rich diversity of New Zealand’s acclaimed wine regions. Held in both Auckland and Wellington, this premier event brings together winemakers and wine lovers from across the nation, offering tastings of over 200 superb wines and vintages. 

You’ll find expert-led masterclasses, food pairings, pop-up restaurants, and chef presentations all under one roof at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre. With over 700 wineries in Aotearoa, the event is a highlight of the year for both connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers. Get ready for a stellar Winetopia weekend in 2025.

Where to stay

You’ll find modern, spacious accommodation at the Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, a scenic drive from the beautiful west coast beaches and fantastic Auckland events.

Tucked away in the beautiful Waipara Valley on the South island, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival offers an authentic Kiwi experience. Dubbed ‘the coolest little wine festival’, this homegrown event features boutique wineries, local food producers and restaurants from across the region. 

Picnic under the oaks at Glenmark Domain, while sampling award-winning wines and dishes prepared by local chefs. It’s a perfect day out for those who appreciate good food, great wine, and a laid-back family vibe with live music, turntables and pony rides for the kids. 

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Christchurch, from award-winning hotels offering self-contained accommodation to modern and stylish hotels set in manicured rose gardens.

MarchFest is an annual celebration of all things craft beer and one of the top beer festivals 2025. Held in New Zealand’s sunniest city at the top of the South Island, Nelson is the capital of craft brewing in Aotearoa and the country’s main hop-growing region. All the beers are specially brewed for the event, offering unique flavours and never-before-tasted brews. 

Set in Nelson’s historic Founders Park, the festival also showcases local ciders, wines, and an all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch. With brewing demonstrations, live music and entertainment from New Zealand’s best bands, and a family-friendly atmosphere, MarchFest Nelson is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts and music lovers.

On the second Saturday of February in the Renwick Domain, New Zealand’s longest-running food and wine festival celebrates the country’s most famous wine region. At Marlborough Food and Wine Festival, you can sample exquisite local wines, like the region’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, meet the winemakers behind them, and feast on gourmet food in pop-up restaurants.

Head to the Culinary Pavilion where famous chefs whip up masterpieces from local produce and artisan foods, and grab a coveted spot in one of the expert masterclasses to glean top culinary secrets. There’s also live music performances from New Zealand’s finest bands adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. 

Where to stay

After enjoying these premier Nelson events, relax in boutique accommodation at The Honest Lawyer, an old world English style pub and hotel in nearby Nelson.

2025 ITM Taupō Super 440

11-13 April 2025

Supercars is making a big return to New Zealand in 2025. A high-octane highlight for motorsport fans, the ITM Taupō Super 440 is set to bring thrilling racing action to the North Island’s scenic Taupō region as part of the Supercars Championship. Expect adrenaline-pumping races and high-speed action, impressive car displays, and opportunities to meet the drivers. 

Held at the Taupō International Motorsport Park, with stunning views of Lake Taupō, you can enjoy off-track entertainment and interactive activities, or even take a sneak peek behind the scenes with a Pit Lane Walk. Kids 12 and under get free admission accompanied by a paying adult, so bring the whole family and cheer on your favourite drivers. 

Where to stay

After a day of thrills at Supercars Taupo, enjoy centrally-located accommodation at Quality Inn Acapulco, close to events and attractions.

Header image credit: Kirsten Simcox