Kiwis love any excuse to celebrate. A nation of pioneers and artists, farmers and athletes and everything in between; New Zealand culture is as unique as the people who live here.
Our festivals and celebrations reflect this. Quirky, creative and bustling with life, there’s no better way to gain an insight into what it means to be a Kiwi than to join in some of the festival fun during your visit here. Chances are you’ll find delicious food and wine, live entertainment and everything from beautiful artwork to fashionable farm animals. We kiwis love our festivals; we’ll be the ones letting our hair down dancing in front of the live bands or yarning to you about what makes a glass of Marlborough Sav so bloomin’ special.
Whatever your interests, you’re bound to find a festival or celebration that appeals. Lovers of culinary delights and fine wines head to one of the many food & wine festivals dotted around the country, many held during summer amongst the vines or in pretty public settings. Those who are passionate about Art are spoilt for choice; New Zealand has an abundance of festivals that celebrate various types of artwork on offer each year.
At MoaTrek, we love a good celebration, so we’ve listed our favourites to get you inspired. Un
World of WearableArt Show
This breathtaking celebration takes its audience to the very edge of imagination, combining art, design and theatre in one magical experience. The biggest design competition in the Southern Hemisphere, the World of WearableArt Show features spectacular works of art designed especially for the moving body. The result is a kaleidoscopic showcase of colour and creativity, choreographed into several unforgettable shows. Held in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, the World of WearableArt Show makes for a one-of-a-kind celebration of talented designers and their artwork. It’s the perfect treat for a group of friends, sisters, or mothers and daughters, or anybody who loves unique art and theatre experiences.
Find out more about MoaTrek’s 6-day World of WearableArt Awards tour.
Napier Art Deco Festival
A huge earthquake resulted in the city of Napier being rebuilt as one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. The earthquake of 1931 devastated Napier City, leaving it in rubble and ashes. Today, visitors from all over the world delight in the colourful Art Deco buildings, built in the years following the quake. Every year during February, the Deco jazz-age decade of the 1930’s represented in Napier’s architecture is celebrated during the Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival. During this festival, the city shines with Deco era classic cars and aircraft. Locals dressed in Deco style fashion bring a touch of elegance, transporting the city back in time to an era of glitz and glamour. There’s Great Gatsby picnics, fashion shows, outdoor concerts and more, all held during the week-long festival.
Find out more about MoaTrek’s 6-day Napier Art Deco Festival tour.
Hanmer Springs Fete
A true New Zealand country festival, Hanmer Springs’ Fete offers a fun, festive day out in the countryside. There’s live music, interesting demonstrations and stalls showcasing top New Zealand art, jewellery, fashion, gifts and plenty of fresh, local food and wine. A gourmet lunch offers a touch of glamour to the event. Held in pretty Hanmer Springs in the Central South Island, the Fete is a celebration of New Zealand’s country culture; a way of life where everybody grows their own veggies, knows their neighbours and Sunday Roast is a weekly ritual.
Find out more about MoaTrek’s 7-day Canterbury Springtime Gardens and Hanmer Springs Fete tour
