Summer in Wānaka: Your Official Event Guide

1. Rhythm & Alps Music Festival
When: 29 December – 1 January
Where: Cardrona Valley
Tickets: On sale here.
Who it’s for: Ravers, New Year’s Evers, festy fiends and all your friends

Across three big days, thousands will come together for the rite of passage that is Wānaka’s New Year’s festival. Rhythm and Alps is back in the Cardrona Valley for its 15th anniversary, with big-time headliners including Dizzee Rascal, Rudim3ntal, Santigold, and Synthony. Rude not to.

2. Upper Clutha Farmer’s Market
When: Sunday 14 December and Sunday 1 February, 9am – 1pm
Where: Luggate Hall Reserve
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: Locals, visitors, families, conscious shoppers

A local farmer’s market supporting local growers and food producers. Primarily a food market, vendors are mostly local to the area, selling an abundance of seasonal fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, flowers, bread, pastries, coffee and more. The playground is also a favourite amongst the local kids, making for an easy family day.

3. Wānaka Summer Concert 2026
When: Saturday 31 January 2026
Where: Three Parks Outdoor Arena, Wānaka
Tickets: On sale here, or at the Wānaka isite.
Who it’s for: Music lovers, rock fans, visitors, locals

Iggy Pop and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts are heading to Wānaka, along with the Hoodoo Gurus and Kiwi band Zed. After 15 years at Gibbston Valley, the concert has moved to Three Parks Outdoor Arena, Wanaka. It’s a summer’s day of live music with classic tracks and an atmosphere worth showing up for.

Want the monthly play-by-play? We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite events happening between December and February, but don’t forget to check out our What’s On in Wānaka page for the full rundown.

Wānaka BeerFest
When: Saturday 6 December
Where: A&P Showgrounds, Wānaka
Tickets: $45, on sale here
Who it’s for: Beer lovers

The beer fest for beer lovers, get ready for a crate day like no other. Think some of the best beverages, food, and entertainment that Wānaka has to offer, comedians Ben Hurley, Josh Thomson and Hayley Sproull, plus live music, karaoke, games, activities and more.

Gather Christmas Market
When: Sunday 7 December
Where: The Camp, Lake Hāwea
Tickets: $10 at the door
Who it’s for: Locals, visitors, foodies, arts and crafters, fun day outers.

Round up the crew, get a little festive, and support local businesses while shopping consciously at the Hāwea Market. Head to the Gather Market socials for a sneak peek at their awesome line-up of vendors, then start on your ‘must-have’ list.

Wānaka Rodeo
When: Friday 2 January
Where: Wanaka Rodeo Grounds, Albert Town
Tickets: Prices vary, available here
Who it’s for: Rodeo enthusiasts, summer lovers, wannabe cowboys

The Wānaka Rodeo is part of the South Island Christmas Circuit, bringing a fun-filled cowboy-esque day for the whole family. Bronco riding, roping, barrel racing, Stetson hats, impressive and unusually gorgeous riders, you name it.

Craigs Aspiring Art Prize
When: 9 – 12 January
Where: Holy Family Catholic School
Tickets: Opening Night: $50 for artists / $80 for friends and family. Tickets include canapés, drinks, and live music. On sale 1 December, here.
Who it’s for: Art lovers, creatives, locals, visitors.

The annual Craigs Aspiring Art Prize features a $15,000 acquisition prize and various community-sponsored awards, fostering and encouraging artists from across New Zealand and drawing huge crowds every year.

The Valley Festival
When: Saturday 24 January
Where: The Church, Gibbston
Tickets: From $89, available here
Who it’s for: Wine, food and music lovers

Think sunshine, music, food, wine, mates and great times. The Valley fest takes place each year in Gibbston, a sister-festival to Ripe in Wānaka. This year’s lineup includes Kora, The Black Seeds, Reb Fountain, Robert Glenn Band, Hollie Smith and more.

Pretty Sweet Thursdays
When: Thursdays, from 12 Feb – 23 April
Where: Bike Glendhu
Tickets: $10 trail passes after 5pm
Who it’s for: Mountain bikers, rippers, bike enthusiasts

Thursdays are for the rippers. First timer or queen of the trail, come for an evening ride at Bike Glendhu and stick around for the après. Think cheap trail passes, lucky dip DJs, food and drink specials, and more. Pretty sweet, huh.

NZ House & Garden Tours 2026 – Wānaka
When: 13-14 February
Where: Wānaka
Tickets: On sale here
Who it’s for: locals, visitors, anyone looking home and interior inspiration, creativity and discovery

Curious about exploring stunning homes and gardens in New Zealand? The NZ House & Garden Tours are run in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and this season will give you the chance to discover some truly spectacular, handpicked properties in Wānaka. Expect fresh inspiration, memorable experiences and the chance to support a great cause.

Challenge Wānaka Half
When: 19-21 February
Where: Wānaka
Tickets: From $495 for participants, available here
Who it’s for: Athletes, entry-levellers or otherwise

The iconic Challenge Wānaka Half brings one of the world’s most breathtaking middle-distance triathlons to town. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, there’s no better place to race your first triathlon or attempt a new PB.

Want to make sure you get the most out of your summer in Wānaka? From choosing the right accommodation to filling up your calendar, here are a few ways to make those long summer days unforgettable.

• Accommodation: Need accommodation in Wānaka while you’re in town? Stay sustainable in your accommodation or support sustainable accommodation providers for a more eco-conscious stay.
• Transport: Likewise, whether you’re renting e-bikes to get around town or need track transport to your favourite hike, the key is to reduce emissions and keep your footprint light.
• Multi-day Itineraries: Want the locals’ guide to a week in Wānaka? Check out our multi-day travel itineraries to make the most of your visit, from family holidays to adventure hauls.
• Engage meaningfully: Dive a little deeper into the people and place that make Wānaka so special. From walking and hiking through nature to local volunteering opportunities, there are plenty of ways to make your stay that much more meaningful.