Wanaka Events
The Big Easy and 'Lil Easy Mountain Bike Challenges
22 Jan 2022
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
29 Jan 2022
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
17 Feb 2022 – 18 Feb 2022
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
19 Feb 2022
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
Macpac Motatapu
05 Mar 2022 – 05 Mar 2022
It’s a bucket-list off-road event with challenging yet achievable courses, which attracts close to 4000 participants a year. The Macpac Motatapu is a hugely enjoyable and social event, famous for its relaxed southern vibe and huge comradery.
Wanaka A&P Show
11 Mar 2022 – 12 Mar 2022
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!
Aspiring Conversations
25 Mar 2022 – 27 Mar 2022
Aspiring Conversations is a festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about subjects that are current, controversial and just downright interesting
Contact Epic
02 Apr 2022
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
02 Apr 2022
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.
Festival of Colour
26 Mar 2023 – 02 Apr 2023
Six exciting days and nights of astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes.