Autumn in New Zealand hits different. The air’s crisp but not freezing, the landscapes are painted in deep reds and golds, and the summer crowds have thinned out—perfect conditions for some of the country’s best festivals. Whether you’re keen on live music, incredible food, or just soaking up the local vibe, autumn has a lineup worth marking on your calendar.
At Find New Zealand, we’re all about discovering events that make the seasons memorable. So here’s your guide to New Zealand autumn festivals worth the trip.
Arrowtown Autumn Festival
Location: Arrowtown, Otago
Month: April
If autumn had a capital in New Zealand, it’d be Arrowtown. The place looks like something out of a postcard—golden trees, crisp mornings, and historic streets lined with boutique shops and cafés. But it’s the Arrowtown Autumn Festival that really brings it to life.
For five days, the town hosts a mix of parades, live music, markets, and heritage walks. Locals go all out with costumes, vintage cars roll through the streets, and there’s a laid-back, small-town charm that’s impossible to fake. If you’re into history, the gold-mining tours and storytelling sessions offer a glimpse into Arrowtown’s past.
Worth going for? The autumn scenery alone. But the food, culture, and community vibe make it even better.
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
Location: Hokitika, West Coast
Month: March
This one’s for the brave eaters. The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is famous for serving up things you wouldn’t normally find on a dinner plate—huhu grubs, mountain oysters, possum pies, and even worm shots. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of great local seafood, game meats, and gourmet treats if you’d rather play it safe.
Beyond the food, the festival’s got a solid lineup of live music, cooking demos, and quirky competitions (oyster-eating contest, anyone?). The atmosphere is wild, fun, and full of West Coast character.
Why go? It’s one of New Zealand’s most iconic food festivals—and whether you try the grubs or not, you’ll leave with a story.
FAWC! (Food and Wine Classic)
Location: Hawke’s Bay
Month: Autumn & Summer Editions
If you’d rather sip a Syrah than eat a grub, FAWC! is more your style. Held in Hawke’s Bay—aka New Zealand’s food and wine capital—this festival brings together top chefs, winemakers, and food lovers for a month of pop-up dining experiences, tasting sessions, and vineyard tours.
You can book everything from intimate long lunches in the vines to high-end tasting menus with New Zealand’s best chefs. It’s the kind of festival where you dress up a bit, linger over your meal, and actually taste your wine instead of just drinking it.
Best part? The setting. Autumn in Hawke’s Bay means sunny days, cool nights, and vines turning gold.
Great Kiwi Beer Festival
Location: Christchurch
Month: March
Craft beer lovers, this one’s for you. The Great Kiwi Beer Festival pulls in breweries from all over New Zealand, pouring everything from crisp lagers to bold, experimental IPAs. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or someone who sniffs their pint before taking a sip, you’ll find plenty to taste.
It’s not just about the beer, though. There’s live music, street food, masterclasses on beer pairing, and behind-the-scenes chats with brewers. Plus, it’s held at Hagley Park, so you can sprawl out on the grass with a cold one.
Why go? It’s the ultimate way to toast to autumn.
Wānaka Festival of Colour
Location: Wānaka
Month: April (biennial event)
Wānaka’s got breathtaking landscapes year-round, but during autumn, it’s next-level. The Wānaka Festival of Colour takes full advantage of this backdrop, turning the lakeside town into a hub for theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
The festival brings in top-tier performers from New Zealand and beyond, offering everything from contemporary plays and live music to poetry readings and street performances. The mix of events means you can go from a thought-provoking theatre piece to a late-night jazz gig, all in one evening.
Best reason to go? It’s art, culture, and stunning scenery rolled into one.
Bluff Oyster & Food Festival
Location: Bluff, Southland
Month: May
If you love seafood, this is the festival to beat. Bluff oysters are world-famous, and at this festival, they’re as fresh as they come—straight from the ocean, shucked and ready to eat.
It’s not just oysters, though. The festival serves up crayfish, blue cod, pāua, and plenty of Southland hospitality. There’s also a good mix of live music, competitions, and a solid festival atmosphere—expect a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
Why go? It’s the ultimate Kiwi seafood experience.
Where Will Autumn Take You?
From historic gold-mining towns to vineyard feasts and wild food challenges, New Zealand autumn festivals have something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the culture, or just the excuse to eat and drink your way around the country, autumn’s got you covered.
At Find New Zealand, we’ve also covered the best festivals across other seasons—check out our guides to New Zealand’s Summer Festivals and Winter Celebrations in NZ for more inspiration.
Got a favourite autumn festival? Let us know which ones you’ve ticked off!
