Our Top NZ Summer Festival Picks For 2020
The sun is out and it’s that time again… summer festival time! We’ve put together our top summer culture, motorsport, food, wine and music festival picks for New Zealand’s 2020 extended summer — where they are, what to expect and where to stay. Read on for what’s hot in summer festivals NZ.
NZ Summer Festivals in January
See the new year in in style with these cool NZ summer events during January.
Whanganui Vintage Weekend
Where: In and around Whanganui
When: Friday 17 January – Monday 20 January 2020
Self-proclaimed as ‘Whanganui’s Biggest Party’, the Whanganui Vintage Weekend celebrates the most memorable machinery, fashion, buildings and music from every era.
Expect Olympic rowing stars, a retro market, live entertainment and loads more. Visit the official website to see more and download the Whanganui Vintage Weekend programme.
Where to stay
The Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park is set on three acres of tranquil park-like grounds just a stone’s throw from Castlecliff beach. It has a bed for every budget, a swimming pool, spa and sauna.
Laneway Festival ’20
Where: Albert Park, Princes St, Auckland
When: Monday 27 January 2020
Being part of a multi-stop Australasian music festival circuit, the Albert Park edition of the Laneway Festival boasts heavy booking power, which has helped it secure such notable acts as The Chats, The 1975, Earl Sweatshirt and Charli XCX.
See the full line-up.
Where to stay
Laneway Festival takes place over the three-day Auckland Anniversary weekend, so why not take a day or two of either side of this and do a bit of a road trip to experience the sun and surf the Auckland, Waikato and Northland regions have to offer.
Check out the Port Waikato Holiday Park, the Bay of Islands Kiwi Holiday Park and Ahipara Holiday Park as potential stops on your Laneway Festival roadie this coming January.
NZ Summer Festivals in February
Keep summer cranking with these February festivals in NZ.
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival 2020
Where: Brancott Estate, Blenheim, Marlborough
When: Saturday 8 February 2020
Now in its 36th year, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is New Zealand’s longest running festival of its kind. The one-day event is chocka-block full of live music, chefs, competitions, wine tasting and cellar door sales, as well as master classes.
See the full MWFF offering.
Where to stay
We have two Kiwi Holiday Parks and Accommodation locations in Picton, one in Havelock and one in Havelock. All are equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay before and after your Marlborough Wine & Food Festival experience.
Sounds Connection run a return coach from Picton to the festival — so you don’t have to worry about driving… or losing your car keys!
Leadfoot Festival
Where: 280 Link Road, Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula
When: Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 February 2020
Petrolheads will be in motoring heaven at the annual Leadfoot Festival, held on Rod Millen’s private, 150-acre Leadfoot Ranch estate on the Coromandel Peninsula. International motorsport legends, vintage motorcycles and classic cars will all be on display and visitors are encouraged to step back in time by donning period style dress.
The pristine ocean-front venue hosts two days of racing on ‘The Ultimate Driveway’ (a mile-long, uphill and sealed driveway), drifting events and static vehicle displays.
Get up to speed on the schedule and 150 international competitors.
Where to stay
Dickson Holiday Park in Thames is a beautiful one-hour drive from this unique event. Why not stay on longer than the Leadfoot Festival runs and take in everything else the region has to offer.
Bonus: A March Festival in New Zealand
Keep summer going for one more, unofficial month with this bonus ‘late summer’ event.
Wanaka A&P Show
Where: Wanaka Showgrounds, Wanaka
When: Friday 13 – Saturday 14 March 2020
The Wanaka A&P Show keeps it rural in a way even the most jaded of city slickers will appreciate. The show attracts up to 40,000 visitors, has been running for 83 years and hosts 1000 exhibitors and competitors.
Expect to be tempted by side-shows and fair rides, see great live entertainment, sample delicious foods and witness some excellent examples of show-winning livestock.
See what else is involved.
Where to stay
Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels is within walking distance of the A&P Show site, and you won’t find a better base for the event. Check out the lake and mountain views, and wide range of accommodation options available here.
A summer of festival fun
We hope you enjoy your summer of New Zealand festival fun. See other KHPA venues you can stay at around the country; see how you can save on ferry crossings, activities and accommodation with our Kiwi Card; and check out the rest of our blog to see what else you can get up to in Aotearoa.
Image:
Gin Wigmore on stage' by Yann via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
