Wanaka Events
NZ Mountain Film Festival
26 Jun 2020 – 28 Jun 2020
National and international filmmakers come together to showcase their work in the highly acclaimed NZ Mountain Film Festival.
Merino Muster
29 Aug 2020
The New Zealand High Country Ski Adventure. The Merino Muster promises a day you’ll never forget,catering for pure beginner cross country skiers to the elite national team skier.
The Deans Bank 10 Hr
25 Oct 2020
The fourth annual 10 Hour event will be held on the purpose built 10km track which is situated on DOC land alongside the Clutha River at Deans Bank in Wanaka. The track is all single track and has been designed for bikers by bikers- so it’s fun to ride!
Rhythm and Alps
29 Dec 2020 – 01 Jan 2021
R&A is a music and camping festival that runs over 3 nights from 29th Dec – 1st Jan. It is situated in the beautiful Cardrona Valley in the mighty Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Wanaka Rodeo
02 Jan 2021
The guys and gals of rodeo strut their stuff for the crowds, demonstrating the prowess and skill and sheer bravery it takes to get in the ring... barrel rolling, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, saddle bronc and bareback bronc. Check out this picture of our very own Wayne Enoka, opening the event with an amazing rendition of the NZ National Anthem
The Big Easy and 'Lil Easy Mountain Bike Challenges
23 Jan 2021
The Big Easy Higher, longer and definitely faster But it's not all downhill, with a reasonably hard climb at Sally's Pinch and some quite challenging rutty and rocky downhill bits but the views are more than worth it and the sense of accomplishment at the end will make it all worthwhile.
The Ruby
30 Jan 2021
The greatest little swim race in the World From the Ruby 10 (marathon lake swimming is the next big thing) to the very competitive 3.8km Big Ruby swim, down to a 1.2km or 600m challenge and right down to the 200m Little Gem for the kids - these races are designed to offer a challenging but achievable event.
Puzzling World Junior Challenge and Intermediate Challenge
18 Feb 2021 – 20 Feb 2021
Join hundreds of budding triathletes, aged from year 1 - year 8 in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never raced triathlon before. The Junior Challenge event provides a fun and safe opportunity for all children to challenge and compete individually against their peers in a fun and safe environment. By the way if you like the picture above of this event, the model is our very own wee Cory - aged 7 and giving it his all.
Challange Wanaka
20 Feb 2021
One of the world’s toughest and most scenic long distance swim-bike-run triathlon courses, Challenge Wanaka is a favourite with local teams and international stars alike taking on the half or full ironman distance
Wanaka A&P Show
12 Mar 2021 – 13 Mar 2021
Wanaka A&P Show – one of the South Island’s largest and most popular agricultural and pastoral shows set on the shores of Lake Wanaka. Bringing town and country together over two days and jam-packed with entertainment!
Festival of Colour
03 Apr 2021 – 11 Apr 2021
Six exciting days and nights of astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes.
Aspiring Conversations
12 Apr 2021 – 18 Apr 2021
Aspiring Conversations is a festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about subjects that are current, controversial and just downright interesting
Contact Epic
17 Apr 2021
Once a year passionate mountain bikers descend upon Wanaka and Lake Hawea to test their skills, endurance and daring at the Contact Epic.
Contact Traverse
17 Apr 2021
An easy, grade 2 track, this is an ideal ride for the beginner or intermediate mountain biker. Experience the atmosphere and camaraderie of the Contact Epic in a more relaxed and fun way. Starting on the dam this ride loops all the way back, through a private dairy farm, into the Hawea Hotel Garden Bar.
Warbirds over Wanaka
15 Apr 2022 – 17 Apr 2022
Now acclaimed as the largest Warbird Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the one event not to be missed.