Explore the Best NZ Food & Wine Festivals. Indulge in the ultimate celebration of culinary excellence as New Zealand opens its doors to a remarkable array of events throughout 2025. From sun-soaked vineyards in Marlborough to lush gardens in Taranaki, these festivals offer an unforgettable journey through the country’s finest food, wine, and gourmet delights.
1. Wairarapa Wine and Food Festival
November – Visit Website
Set in the picturesque Wairarapa region, this festival brings together award-winning local wineries and gourmet food trucks. The event offers an immersive experience with wine tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and the chance to discover the finest produce in the region, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Tararua Ranges.
2. Marlborough Wine and Food Festival
February – Visit Website
Held in the heart of New Zealand’s wine country, this festival is a must-visit for wine lovers. Expect a weekend of exceptional wine tastings from the region’s best wineries, paired with mouth-watering cuisine from local food stalls. The festival also features cooking demonstrations and workshops for those wanting to enhance their culinary knowledge.
3. Auckland Food Show
July – Visit Website
The Auckland Food Show is the ultimate culinary event, where food lovers can discover the best in food, wine, and gourmet products. With top chefs, exclusive tastings, and local artisans, it’s a great opportunity to indulge your senses and learn about the latest trends in the food world.
4. The Great Kiwi Beer Festival
November – Visit Website
Celebrate New Zealand’s craft beer culture at The Great Kiwi Beer Festival. This festival showcases the best craft breweries from across the country. Along with plenty of beer tastings, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and a great atmosphere that brings beer lovers together from all over.
5. Taranaki Garden Festival
November – Visit Website
This festival celebrates the stunning gardens of Taranaki, with an emphasis on food and wine from the region. Explore the lush gardens while enjoying local wine, gourmet food, and live music. It’s a perfect day out for those who love nature, wine, and exceptional food.
6. Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Festival
February – Visit Website
Set in one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions, this festival is all about enjoying fine food and wine. From locally grown produce to some of the country’s finest wines, guests can indulge in tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment in the heart of Hawke’s Bay.
7. Visa Wellington On a Plate
March – Visit Website
A month-long festival transforming the Greater Wellington region into a foodie’s paradise, with hundreds of events ranging from hands-on masterclasses to multi-course degustations. Showcasing the best local ingredients, bold flavors, and inventive creations. From pop-up dining experiences and burger battles to delectable cocktails and immersive food events, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
8. Beervana
August – Visit Website
A celebration of New Zealand’s diverse craft beer scene, featuring over 200 local craft beers, food trucks, live music, and brewing workshops. The festival spans two days in August, featuring four 5-hour sessions where attendees can explore a diverse range of craft beers from both domestic and international breweries.
9. Bluff Oyster & Food Festival
May – Visit Website
An iconic event celebrating the famous Bluff oysters alongside a variety of local seafood, wines, and other delicious food options. Renowned for its fresh and succulent oysters harvested from the pristine waters of Foveaux Strait, the next event is scheduled for May 24, 2025, the festival offers attendees a chance to indulge in a variety of seafood delicacies, including raw and cooked oysters, blue cod, paua (abalone), whitebait, scallops, salmon, kina, crayfish, and muttonbird.
Any Others?
Feel free to drop us a line at info@nzfestivals.com if you think there are some that we missed. We hope to see you at one of these festivals in 2025!
