Wānaka has a reputation for stunning scenery, but stay long enough, and you’ll discover it’s also one of New Zealand’s most event-rich destinations. In fact, this compact alpine town punches well above its weight when it comes to great events, whether you’re in the depths of winter or the height of summer.
And Wānaka’s events calendar offers something for everyone, whether you’re travelling as a family with kids in tow, a couple on a romantic escape, a solo adventurer, or a group of friends creating memories. Come in summer, and you might find yourself ringside at the Wānaka Rodeo, dancing into the New Year at Rhythm & Alps, or sipping Central Otago pinot noir lakeside at the Ripe Food & Wine Festival. Show up in winter for world-class cross-country racing at the Merino Muster, and classical music echoing through the Southern Alps for the At The World’s Edge Festival.
The range is genuinely impressive. At one end, you have spectacles that draw serious crowds – the biennial Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, fills the skies above the lake with vintage aircraft and jaw-dropping aerobatic displays. At the other end, there are niche gatherings that feel like a local secret: the Big Bike Film Night, the Aspiring Conversations Festival of Ideas, or a quiet volunteer morning pulling weeds from the Bullock Creek wetland with a handful of passionate locals.
What makes the Wānaka event scene special isn’t just the variety, it’s the setting. Every event, from the grandest to the smallest, takes place against a backdrop that most festival venues can only dream of. Use this guide to find your moment, pick your event, and start planning your visit.
Our ab fab five best events
Best for fitness freaks – Challenge Wānaka
Best for local flavour – Wānaka Rodeo
Best for families – A&P Show
Best for pop music lovers – Rhythm & Alps
Best for culture vultures – Festival of Colours
Best events for sporty types
With some of the best cycling, hiking and skiing in New Zealand, it’s no surprise to discover that sporting events take pride of place in Wānaka. Here’s our pick of the best, whether you’re sweating it out with the contestants or chilling with the spectators.
Best for an all-round workout – Challenge Wānaka
Enjoy the water and land as you kayak or swim, bike and run the Lake and mountains on this annual triathlon event, with four categories to choose from.
Annual event in October at Lake Wānaka. More information here.
Do: bag your entry early if you’re competing and grab your spot by the lake early if you’re watching.
Best for snow – Merino Muster
Founded in 1995, this veteran Wānaka event sees cross-country skiers zipping across the Pisa Range for 21 or 42km. If your speed isn’t quite up to it, join the Straggle Muster for a 5km ski, and kids will enjoy the Mini Muster. Or be part of the fan club and cheer the skiers on.
Annual event in August at Snow Farm. More information here.
Do: sign up for this if you fancy being part of one of the most iconic Kiwi events.
Discover Wanaka snow adventures
Best for a running PB – Southern Lakes Half Marathon
See the best of Cardrona Valley as you run the 21k to Wānaka (or take it easy and do the 10k route). It’s billed as New Zealand’s fastest half-marathon, but even if you aren’t looking for a PB, scenery with a capital S is guaranteed.
Annual event in mid-autumn. More information here.
Do: sign up before Christmas to be sure of a place.
Best for diehard runners – Wānaka Ultra
You couldn’t choose a more beautiful setting to run a 50k than Wānaka’s surroundings, and the Ultra takes in the best. And it’s easy on the profile – ‘just’ 430m elevation. If the thought of 50k makes you want to lie down, sign up for the half-marathon or the 11.5km instead.
Annual event in April. More information here.
Do: book yourself a holiday home with a hot tub to relax those muscles afterwards.
Best for MTB scenery – Emerson’s Mountain Bike
Mountain bike your way through Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stationsin a stunning setting, not usually open to the public and once a Māori hunting trail and site of the 1862 Gold Rush. The 47k includes mostly Grade 1-2 riding, making it a good choice for most MTB riders.
Annual event in Wānaka and Arrowtown. More information here.
Do: bear in mind that spectators can’t access the course, so it’s you and your bike!
Best for social cycling – Pretty Sweet Thursdays
Join Bike Glendhu for their weekly evening of bike rides, live music, BBQ, prizes and giveaways. There are also occasional coaching sessions.
Weekly event in Wānaka. More information here.
Do: check out our guide to biking for more two-wheel inspiration.
Best events for outdoorsy types
If you’re in Wānaka, you obviously love outdoor life and as well as enjoying our signature peace and quiet, you can also join in one of the great al fresco events.
Best for channelling your inner cowboy/girl – Wānaka Rodeo
But as a spectator rather than a participant on a local bucking bronco. This classic on the Wānaka events scene (it dates back to 1963) will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch local talents on horseback.
Annual event in Wānaka (2 January). More information here.
Do: take a fold-up chair or picnic blanket, as there’s no seating.
Best for aerial acrobatics – Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow
Marvel at vintage aircraft – think Tiger Moths and Spitfires – and flying acrobatics at this biennial crowd-pleaser. Star appearances might include modern day fighter jets, subject to proximity and availability.
This event happens every other year, often over Easter weekend, at Wānaka Airport. More information here.
Do: check out the free community displays if you can’t get a ticket.
Best for foodies – Ripe
The Wānaka Food and Wine Festival brings together all the local deliciousness in an annual extravaganza of food and wine. Everyone who’s anyone on the Wānaka food scene has a stand, and there are also chef masterclasses, live music and the renowned Wine Lounge.
Annual event (usually March) in Wānaka. More information here.
Do: sample local produce at Wānaka’s best restaurants if you’re not in town for this festival.
Wānaka Tourist Board publishes a monthly online calendar of all events in the township. Check it out here
Best for culture vultures
Wānaka is also up there when it comes to culture, whether it’s literature, theatre or cabaret, with a great selection of must-do events. Here are our personal favourites.
Best for adventurers – NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
Taking peaks as its inspiration, this festival centres around mountain adventures anywhere, showing films, talking about books and holding an annual adventure film and book competitions.
Annual event in June in Lake Wānaka Centre (and online). More information here.
Do: check out the outdoor expo, a perfect spot for buying some new gear.
Best for all-round art – Festival of Colour
Names for nature’s display of autumn colours, the festival brings together theatre, music, dance, comedy and cabaret, catering for all cultural tastes.
Biennial event in March/April in Wānaka that alternates with Aspiring Conversations (below). More information here.
Do: check out the free community events included in the Festival.
Best for thought-provoking – Aspiring Conversations
AKA Festival of Ideas and Kōrero, this 3-day event brings together special guests and panellists to talk about things that matter. Expect a variety of current affairs, theatre and true-life stories.
Biennial event in March/April in Wānaka. More information here.
Do: subscribe to the Festival Newsletter to stay up-to-date with festival news.
Best family-friendly events in Wānaka
On holiday with the kids and need something a bit different to do? Then take a look at our top family events in town.
Best for celebrating everything rural – A&P Show
Join locals at this annual event, showcasing Wānaka’s prize livestock, horse jumping talents, artisan produce and handicraft creations. Suitable for all the family, it’s a statement event for the South Islands and a real insight into rural life. Highlights include the Jack Russell race, food trucks and the wool pavilion.
Annual event in March at Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park on the lakefront. More information here.
Do: save money by buying your ticket online in advance, rather than at the gate.
See our top 10 free things to do in Wānaka
Best for celebrating the past, present and future – Matariki
Like the rest of New Zealand, Wānaka celebrates the Māori New Year. It’s a public holiday, so expect a long weekend full of activities, free performances, storytelling, music and food.
Annual event in early winter (date coincides with the Māori lunar calendar) in Wānaka. More information here.
Do: read the Matariki story.
Best for running together – Wānaka Park Run
Run, jog or walk as a family as you take in a scenic 5k along the shores of Wānaka Lake, perfect training for the young ones to join you later in the half-marathon… An adult must accompany the under-11s, and you can push a buggy.
Weekly event on Saturday morning by Lake Wānaka. More information here.
Do: register with the parkrun and take your scannable bar code with you.
Best for music lovers
If music is your thing, Wānaka is your location, whatever your genre.
Best for seeing in the New Year – Rhythm & Alps
Welcome in another year at one of New Zealand’s most iconic music festivals. The 3-day event is popular with muso fans and is somewhat a rite of passage for younger generations. It showcases international and Kiwi artists, with concerts running from the evening to the very small hours.
Annual event (29 December-1 January) in Cardrona Valley. More information here.
Do: make a note of the ticket sale date to grab the early-bird discounts.
Best for classical music fans – At the World’s Edge Festival
AWE takes the best of the Southern Alps scenery and adds a good dose of chamber music at different venues in nearby Queenstown. Performances are innovative, featuring established musicians and up-and-coming youth talent, and take the local surroundings as their inspiration.
Annual event (October) in Queenstown. More information here.
Do: consider renting a holiday rental in Queenstown to be on the doorstep for this festival.
Best for live local music – Rhyme x Reason Brewery
This local beer powerhouse holds regular weekly events in Wānaka, ranging from disco sessions to acoustic folk. Some events are ticketed, while others are free.
Weekly events in Wānaka. More information here.
Do: visit the tap room while you’re there and sample some of Wānaka’s best craft beers.
Best events for giving back
Wānaka has a thriving volunteer scene, and regular events take place for locals and visitors looking to give something back to the community. While you’re in town, why not sign up too?
Best for clean-ups – help locals clear rubbish on Wānaka’s beaches and in the rivers, with meet-ups several times a year. Some are pet-themed, others are family-friendly, and all improve the local environment. More information here.
Best for recycling – join the repair revolution with Wānaka Wastebusters, aiming for zero waste. Events include workshops and socials. More information here.
Best for planting – several associations run events around trees and plants, such as the Te Kākano Nursery Volunteer Sessions, the annual Bike Glendhu Public Planting Day (in spring) and Wānaka Industry Planting Days (spring and autumn). Love Wānaka is the umbrella association – more information here.
Best accommodation for events
Now you know what’s on in Wānaka, it makes sense to book a holiday home in the township, so you’re on the doorstep. Our 2026 Accommodation Guide has all the inspiration and, of course, our team is on hand for personalised advice on where to stay (and events).