As we slowly leave the chills of winter behind and start looking ahead to warmer weather, spring offers a chance to get out of the house and explore a New Zealand landscape bursting with new life. Alongside natural springtime attractions, there are all kinds of exciting events taking place across country over the season. To help you make the most of the lengthening days, we’ve highlighted seven spring festivals around New Zealand.
Whether you find an event near you or are planning a road trip adventure, travelling with peace of mind is easy when you have a GO Pendant. Freedom Medical Alarms’ GPS-tracked emergency medical alarm device works anywhere in New Zealand which has cellular coverage, and can be activated in seconds to put you in touch directly with the 111 ambulance communication centre.
Hit the road with confidence this year and discover the many and varied joys of New Zealand in the spring.
Taranaki Garden Festival (1-10 November 2024)
Gardens are often at their most spectacular in spring, so how better to see in the season than discovering what one of the nation’s longest running garden festivals has in store? Taranaki Garden Festival (originally the Rhododendron Festival) has been going since 1987, and today features more than 40 gardens across Taranaki – from native sanctuaries and country gardens to inner city subtropical rainforests and sustainable food gardens. Around half of the participating gardens are categorised by New Zealand Gardens Trust as gardens of significance, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Ideal for: Green thumbs, people seeking strolls in beautiful surroundings, Taranaki explorers
Central Hawke’s Bay Spring Fling Festival (September-October 2024)
Hawke’s Bay is well known food and wine, heritage buildings, and idyllic landscapes – and the region’s Spring Fling Festival is the perfect way to experience them all. This stunningly diverse regional showcase encompasses a range of events that could have you admiring heritage architecture (Central Hawke’s Bay Homestead Trail, Gwavas Homestead, Garden and Puahanui Bush Tour), indulging in gastronomic delights (Foodscapes, A Wallingford Soiree) or perusing cute market stalls (Waipawa Spring Festival, Ongaonga Bazaar).
Ideal for: Foodies, architecture and history buffs, market-lovers
Christchurch Sculpture Festival (5-20 October 2024)
Now entering its 5th year running, Christchurch’s annual Sculpture Festival is bringing together striking works from 37 artists, newcomers and veterans alike, to intrigue and amaze visitors. Based as usual at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, this will be the last year the selection is curated by Koji Miyazaki, the admired aesthete who has been helming the sculpture selection since the festival’s inception. Survey more than 250 art pieces crafted from glass, ceramics, stone, metal, and more – the variety of the selection is matched only by the quality.
Ideal for: Artists, connoisseurs, creatives
Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations (early November 2024)
While many cities might have their own equivalent of a springtime flower festival, Ōamaru decided to go down a more unique route with their signature spring celebration. This large Otago town is known for its magnificent Victorian architecture and stately gardens, and enthusiastically highlights its 19th century heritage each year with its Victorian Heritage Celebrations. Experience old fashioned garden parties, attend historical talks, get your metaphorical dancing shoes on… there’s no shortage of fun to be had – even penny farthing races!
Ideal for: History and architecture buffs, garden party enthusiasts
Wellington Jazz Festival (16-20 October 2024)
Get your groove on: this October scores of jazz artists are coming to dozens of venues across Wellington to inspire and delight listeners thanks to Wellington Jazz Festival. Funk, soul, jazz, fusion, and R&B all feature prominently, with local performers appearing in the programme alongside international Grammy Award-winning artists. Be surprised and delighted by upcoming artists and relax in the safe hands of pros – it’s all on the cards this year at Wellington Jazz Festival.
Ideal for: Music lovers, artists, culture connoisseurs
Queenstown Lakes At the World’s Edge Festival (5-18 October 2024)
Combine the majesty of the Southern Alps with the timeless elegance of classical chamber music, and you get At the World’s Edge (AWE), one of New Zealand’s most unique festivals. As part of the core ethos of AWE, there’s even a range of free curated events and performances open to the public in addition to their broader programme – beautiful chamber music should be for everyone! Written especially for small groups of musicians, chamber music is made to be heard and appreciated in small, intimate settings, a fact that AWE takes full advantage of.
Ideal for: Music lovers, scenery seekers, artists
Hobbiton Movie Set Beer Festival (1-2 November 2024)
For those who wish they could be swept up in the magic of Middle Earth with good food and drink instead of all the ringwraiths and running around, this event is made for you. The Hobbiton Movie Set Beer Festival takes place in the lovingly restored and expanded Hobbiton film set featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, and will see visitors treated to traditional ales, cider, and other non-alcoholic options in a sumptuously themed setting, accompanied by a feast of traditional hobbit fare. You even get your own exclusive stein to take home.
Ideal for: Middle Earth enthusiasts, craft beer connoisseurs, epicureans
Whether you’re sticking close to home or ranging across New Zealand this spring, a Freedom Medical Alarm gives you the chance to explore with confidence, knowing that the help you need is available at the press of a button. Talk to the Freedom team today to find out if yours could be fully funded.