Winter in New Zealand isn’t just about layering up and pretending you love soup. It’s festival season, baby! Whether you’re into snowy adventures, cultural celebrations, or just an excuse to sip mulled wine by a fire, there’s something happening near you.
So, if the cold weather’s got you feeling a bit meh, here’s your guide to making winter actually fun.
Matariki: A Time to Reflect, Feast & Celebrate
Nationwide | June–July
Matariki marks the Māori New Year, and it’s all about new beginnings, remembering loved ones, and coming together with whānau. When the Matariki star cluster rises in the early morning sky, it signals a fresh start—kind of like a cosmic “reset” button.
What can you expect?
- Hāngī feasts (aka the ultimate winter comfort food)
- Cultural performances & storytelling
- Stargazing & guided night walks
If you’re in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, you’ll find major events, light shows, and performances. But even in smaller towns, Matariki is a special time for community gatherings and reconnecting with traditions.
Pro tip: Want a proper Matariki experience? Head to a marae event or check out local iwi celebrations—you’ll get kai, kōrero, and a deeper connection to the meaning behind it all.
Queenstown Winter Festival: The OG Winter Party
Queenstown | Late June
If any town knows how to do winter right, it’s Queenstown. This festival has been running since 1975, and it’s basically one big excuse to throw a party in the snow.
Expect:
- Fireworks over Lake Wakatipu
- Ski races & night skiing
- Comedy, live music & street parties
It’s a mix of mountain sports and good times, with live DJs, mulled wine, and that crisp Queenstown air making everything feel extra fresh. Whether you’re there for the slopes or just the après-ski vibes, this festival delivers.
Heads up: Accommodation sells out FAST, so book early or prepare to get creative with your sleeping arrangements.
Winter Pride: Snow, Rainbows & Pure Vibes
Queenstown & Wānaka | August–September
Take everything great about Winter Festival, add rainbow flags, themed parties, and some of the best vibes in the country, and you’ve got Winter Pride.
It’s NZ’s biggest LGBTQ+ festival, and it’s packed with:
- Ski & snowboard events on Cardrona & Coronet Peak
- Drag shows, dance parties & epic nightlife
- Community events & connections
Even if you’re not a skier, there’s plenty to enjoy—cocktail nights, silent discos, and some of the friendliest crowds you’ll meet.
Pro tip: Pack for all weather. Queenstown in winter can be sunny, snowy, rainy, or all three in one day.
Wine, Food & Fireside Feasts
Winter = red wine season. And honestly, what’s better than cosy cellar doors, roaring fireplaces, and indulgent long lunches? If that sounds like your vibe, these festivals should be on your radar:
Hawke’s Bay F.A.W.C! (Food and Wine Classic) – Think intimate winemaker dinners, cooking masterclasses, and perfect wine pairings.
Toast Martinborough – One of the most iconic wine festivals in NZ, where you sip your way through top wineries with live music and gourmet bites.
Marlborough Winter Wine Festival – A celebration of Pinot Noir, winter-friendly whites, and perfectly paired meals.
Pro tip: Even if you miss the official festivals, winter is the best time to visit wineries—fewer crowds, more intimate tastings, and plenty of hearty winter reds.
Winter is What You Make It
You can either spend the next few months complaining about the cold or you can embrace it and make the most of winter’s best festivals. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, learning about Matariki, or just sipping wine by a fire, New Zealand has plenty of ways to keep things interesting.
So what’s on your winter festival bucket list?
Find more local events, hidden gems, and travel inspiration at Find New Zealand.
