New Zealand hosts a number of festivals each year. Food and wine festivals are the most popular, but music and culture lovers will also find plenty of annual events, large and small.
Wine Festivals
Although wine production in New Zealand dates back over 200 years, it wasn’t until the second half of the last century that local wineries became widely known. It turned out that New Zealand’s temperate maritime climate was perfect for producing white varieties of wine: Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Riesling. Since then, the New Zealand government has been supporting the development and popularization of its wineries in every possible way, including holding annual festivals that attract thousands of wine lovers from all over the world. You are advised to buy tickets well in advance, as there are always more people interested in attending the festivals than there are seats provided by the event organizers.
The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
Arguably New Zealand’s largest festival, this is the place to taste local Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris and the crown jewel of the Savignon Blanc collection. In addition to the many wine tastings, Marlborough offers free themed seminars, live music concerts, dance parties and other entertainment.
Food Festivals
One of the most popular things to do in New Zealand is to attend events where you can eat delicious food. Why? Firstly, the culture of cooking at home is not very developed here, so any opportunity to eat out is welcomed by New Zealanders. Secondly, due to the rather mild climatic conditions, the locals spend a lot of free time in nature and such an event as a food festival provides not only an opportunity to eat delicious food, but also to spend an interesting day out of the house. In addition, a food festival is a great opportunity to spend the day with friends and family, take part in culinary competitions and watch culinary professionals at work.
Tickets for the festivals sell out very quickly, so it’s advisable to buy in advance.
Wildfoods Festival – Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is a food festival for those who are bored with all the other “regular” food festivals. It’s for those who are ready to experiment and try something completely new. Here you will be offered such delicacies as fried insects and their larvae, fish eyes or ram testicles. There are also options for the more conservative crowd, such as possum meat or venison. In addition to wild food, guests will be treated to a wild fashion competition and live music.
Music festivals
Music festivals are always a highly anticipated event among the New Zealand public, so tickets for the most popular festivals start selling out months in advance.
All the major music events of the year take place in the summer season in the open air and coastal area. You can come to a festival for one day or spend several days living in a tent camp. Festivals attract both local performers and world-class musicians. The earliest buyers – early birds – have the opportunity to buy tickets much cheaper. The main thing is to be in time! Such offers are always very limited in quantity!
