Milford Sound
Must-Do Queenstown Summer Festivals, Sporting Events & Celebrations
Every time the summer months roll around we’re reminded that events and outdoor concerts have a certain special shine to them when surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Queenstown.
Summer 2025 in Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Wanaka has an exciting lineup of festivals, sporting events, and outdoor celebrations that make the most of the region’s beauty and warm weather. Whether you’re an athlete, a foodie, or just looking to soak up the stunning scenery with live music under the sun, there’s an unmissable event for you.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the must-do summer events near Queenstown, so you can plan your visit and discover what’s happening this summer in Queenstown and beyond. Make sure to add these events to your New Zealand summer itinerary!
New Years Eve fireworks at Queenstown lakefront
31st December 2024
Welcome in 2025 with a family-friendly afternoon on the Queenstown waterfront. Relax in Earnslaw Park in the sun from 2pm and enjoy face painting and entertainers with live music starting from 5pm at both Earnslaw Park and Marine Parade. The main display will go off with a bang at midnight above Lake Wakatipu. Grab some family or friends, a picnic blanket and settle in on the 31st to celebrate New Years Eve!
Gibbston Valley Summer Concert
18th January 2025
As usual, one of the best outdoor concerts is coming back to the Gibbston Valley this January 2025. The Gibbston Valley Summer Concert is the perfect summer day out if you love live music under the sun. The line up this year includes Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear. With stunning wineries and off-the grid accommodation nearby you can make a whole weekend of it to prolong the good vibes.
World Jet Sprints Championship
25th & 26th January 2025
Whether you’re a die-hard jet sprint follower or just looking for some thrills to spectate this summer, Round One of the 2025 World Jet Sprints Championship will be held in Wanaka in January. With teams from New Zealand, USA, Canada, and Australia competing, the two-day competition will be serious business worth watching.
Sundays – beginning 15th December 2024
The Upper Clutha Farmers Market provides a great reason to visit Luggate, a town between Cromwell and Wanaka, and source some locally grown produce and artisan products. Some vendors have ready-made brunch and lunch options so you can make a trip of it and there’s even a new playground nearby making this a great sunny-day family activity!
1st February 2025
You can certainly #raiseyourspirit at Arrowtown’s Gin Fest by tasting gin, enjoying live music and sampling some of the best Central Otago food vendors. Arrowtown is a short drive from Queenstown and has a well-preserved historic feel, making it a unique setting for a food and gin festival that you’ll love.
Roam Central – Food and Wine Weekend
15th & 16th February 2025
Roam Central is a large food and wine festival spread between some of Central Otago’s most stunning wineries and food spots. The two-day pass gives you the choice of four bespoke experiences on Saturday and a full day of deep-diving the region’s best wines on Sunday. This is the perfect in-depth experience for any wine connoisseur!
27 February – 2nd March 2025
The NZ Golf Open is a spectacular combination of high-level professional sport, stunning locations, and luxury. Held at some of the top golf courses in the country, if not the Southern Hemisphere, this tournament is a perfect event for keen golfers to watch the action or a chance to discover a new sport at the highest level.
Motatapu Off-Road Sporting Event
1st March 2025
There’s nothing like a little competition to motivate you to get out and explore Queenstown’s trails through a run, walk or on two wheels. The Motatapu is an off-road adventure event, including a kids 4km trail run, to experience the South Island’s stunning scenery while being as active as you want, from a fun run to full endurance race.
Ripe Wanaka Food and Wine Festival
23rd March 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be filled with food and wine festivals and we’re not complaining! The Ripe Wanaka Food and Wine Festival is a huge gathering of local wine and food producers perched on the gorgeous Glendhu Station. Fill your itinerary with yet another weekend of sampling and savouring!
With the sun already making an appearance this Spring, it’s a good reminder to save some dates for top must-do events this summer season in and around the Queenstown area.
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