If you are living in New Zealand, you’ll know that the summer is a great time to get out there and enjoy the majestic New Zealand scenery. The entire family can enjoy New Zealand’s summer season attractions together and it’s the best time of the year for New Zealand family fun. To help you make the most of the summer season, we have put together a list of summer season attractions in some of the most well-known cities.
Events in Auckland
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- Catalina Bay Farmers Market
If you love markets and fairs, don’t miss this event, taking place on Saturday & Sundays. You’ll find it, as the name says, at Catalina Bay, Hudson Bay Road Extension, Hobsonville, Auckland. This is a true farmer’s market where you will enjoy artisanal products, wonderful baked organic bread and coffee including carefully crafted handmade gifts. Visit to browse, buy or to enjoy a tasty bite to eat.
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- Dining in the dark
Imagine eating your food in the dark! This unique event is hosted by an International company and takes place in the heart of Auckland City at the Rydges Hotel. The meal is served by blind or low-vision people and this unique experience has been enjoyed by 1.3 million people worldwide. In the course of February and March there are numerous opportunities to experience the meal, which takes place from 6.30pm to 10.00pm. For more details contact the Rydges Hotel – the event is open to all ages and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
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- Orewa Boulevard of Buskers
This exciting event for the whole family consists of 3 days of professional international street performances. Simply bring a blanket and a chair and enjoy. The event takes place from 8 -10 February and a craft market will take place on the Saturday and Sunday.
Events in Wellington Region
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- Wellington Food & Wine Festival
This annual event takes place on 2 February 2019 and you’ll find it at 107 Cable Street in Wellington from 11am. Here you can sample and buy the very best of local cuisine and enjoy fine wines, the sun, the outdoors and great music with your family. It’s a date not to be missed!
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- Pipes in the dark
This event is one the whole family will enjoy and takes place on 9 February at Waitangi Park from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free and you can enjoy a pipe band competition, highland dancing and a craft market.
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- Welling Night Market Lantern Festival
This will take place on 23 February from 5:00pm to 12.00am and 24 February from 12.00pm to 12.00am at 116 Cuba Street, Lower Cuba Street Wellington. Open to the whole family, you can enjoy spectacular lantern displays, exciting competitions, delicious food and Wellington cultural performances.
Events in Canterbury
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- The Night Market
Don’t miss the Night Market taking place at the corner of Moorhouse Ave and Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch every Thursday evening from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. This weekly event is a fun outing for the whole family and combines live music, great food all in an industrial, chic venue.
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- Twilight in the Vines
Enjoy your wine in the heart of the vineyard at CharRees Vineyard on 16 February from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Situated on the State Highway, 1km South of Tinwald, you can sit amongst the vines and enjoy wine with your friends and family while listening to live music.
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- Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival
This popular festival takes place on 23 February from 12:00pm to 5:00pm in the Market Place, Twizel Mackenzie. This is one of New Zealand’s premier events and celebrates local salmon and wine growers.
Events in Bay of Plenty
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- Rotorua Chinese New Year Festival
Celebrate the Chinese New Year on Thursday 7 February at Tutanekai Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. This fun evening is ideal for the whole family and celebrates Chinese culture with plenty of dancing, food and crafts. It marks the beginning of the new Chinese Year – the Year of the Pig!
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- The Extravaganza Fair
Get ready to go big on 23 February at Mahy Reserve, 5 Pohutukawa Avenue, Ohope, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This fair is a family affair with free entry and promises to be a fun day out! Get ready for kids shows and games, musical entertainment, market stalls, plenty of delicious food and the chance to win great prizes!
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- Art in the park
Enjoy a gentle day of art viewing in the Government Gardens, Queens Drive, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This art market will include over 60 stalls of local artists selling and displaying their art and there is plenty of free kids art activity, great local music and food for sale. Why not bring a picnic and just enjoy the vibe!
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