Winter Events
We love to celebrate winter in the south! Events include festive midwinter celebrations, light festivals, , cultural gatherings, popular races and trail runs, fashion and art showcases, lively carnivals and pride events—offering a mix of annual highlights and special one-time occasions.
With so much to offer, winter in the South is a season of celebration, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
Celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, in the Southern Way regions of Aotearoa with a series of vibrant events that honour tradition, community, and storytelling.
In Ōtepoti Dunedin, the Puaka Matariki Festival presents a rich programme of events, including the awe-inspiring Matariki mā Puaka Drone Show and the much-loved Dunedin Midwinter Carnival , known for its dazzling lanterns and live performances.
Head to Oamaru for the Steampunk Festival for a quirky celebration of retro-futuristic fashion and creativity. Whether you're drawn to cultural heritage, visual spectacle, or science and music, Matariki in the South offers something for everyone.
Families will love the hands-on fun at the ILT Kidzone Festival in Invercargill, offering rides and activities for kids and the young at heart. In Dunedin, the International Science Festival offers a dynamic programme of hands-on exhibits, talks, and family-friendly activities.
For those with an eye for design, the MLT Hokonui Fashion Awards in Gore offer a standout event on the national fashion calendar, attracting entries from across New Zealand. It’s a unique opportunity to see the work of emerging designers before they rise to prominence.
A highly anticipated event on the winter calendar, Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland is a magical experience. Lace up your boots and skate beneath the southern night sky or stroll under the glow of the Christmas lights with a hot chocolate or signature mulled wine in hand. LUMA Enchanted offers a reimagined light-based experience throughout the winter season.
Celebrate diversity and community spirit at Winter Pride in Queenstown. The program of events includes ski adventures, parties, après-skis, shows, and community gatherings on and off our ski fields over eleven days.
For runners seeking a stunning backdrops, the Meridian Hydro Half Marathon challenges participants to run beneath snow-capped peaks with Mt Titiroa and Fiordland National Park close by — an experience like no other. In Central Otago, the Mt Difficulty Ascent challenges runners with a spectacular mountain trail event set in the rugged landscape of Bannockburn.