Wanaka Events
Rhythm and Alps
29 Dec 2018 – 01 Jan 2019
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.
iHeart Radio Top Paddock Festival
31 Dec 2018
8.5 hours of music + after party | 2 stages | 1O acts | camping | glamping | work hard, play harder! iHeart Radio Top Paddock Festival, is the South Islands largest country music and camping festival, show-casing national and international acts.
Wanaka Rodeo
02 Jan 2019
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
Red Bull Defiance
19 Jan 2019
If you can run, kayak, mountain bike and abseil then the Red Bull Defiance 2-day team event is for you.
Minaret Burn Mountain Bike Race
19 Jan 2019
Set in the spectacular Wanaka high country, the Minaret Mountain Bike offers a once a year opportunity to ride in one of New Zealand’s most prestigious high country stations.
Skyline Traverse Run
20 Jan 2019
The opportunity to run across one of New Zealand’s most spectacular skylines. Competitors will run through the breathtaking alpine landscape of Wanaka, taking them on a memorable journey around this amazing adventure playground.
The Ruby
26 Jan 2019
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.
The Big Easy and 'Lil Easy Mountain Bike Challenges
26 Jan 2019
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.
Puzzling World Junior Challenge
15 Feb 2019
Join hundreds of budding triathletes, aged from 5 to 13 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
16 Feb 2019
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
08 Mar 2019 – 09 Mar 2019
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
02 Apr 2019 – 07 Apr 2019
Six exciting days and nights of astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes.
Southern Lakes Half Marathon and 10km Run
06 Apr 2019
The Southern Lakes Half Marathon and is an annual event starting just below the Cardrona Ski Field entrance and finishing at Pembroke Park in the middle of town
Contact Epic
13 Apr 2019
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
13 Apr 2019
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.
NZ Mountain Film Festival
28 Jun 2019 – 06 Jul 2019
National and international filmmakers come together to showcase their work in the highly acclaimed NZ Mountain Film Festival.
Merino Muster
01 Sep 2019
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.
Spring Challenge - Cromwell 2019
27 Sep 2019 – 29 Sep 2019
Cromwell is the destination for the 13th Spring Challenge, all women adventure race. Spring Challenge is one of the gems of New Zealand adventure racing, where teams of three women take part in the adventure that includes rafting, mountain biking, hiking and orienteering.
The Deans Bank 10 Hr
27 Oct 2019
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!
Aspiring Conversations
03 Apr 2020 – 05 Apr 2020
Aspiring Conversations is a festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about subjects that are current, controversial and just downright interesting
Warbirds over Wanaka
10 Apr 2020 – 12 Apr 2020
Now acclaimed as the largest Warbird Airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the one event not to be missed.