Summer in Wānaka: Your Official Event Guide

1. Rhythm & Alps Music Festival
When: 30 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 with big-time headliners including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shapeshifter and Benee. Rude not to.

2. Upper Clutha Farmer’s Market
When: Sunday 13 December, 7 February, 7 March and 4 April 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.

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 5 December
Where: A&P Showgrounds, Wānaka
Tickets: $55, 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, live music, karaoke, games, activities and more.

Wānaka Rodeo
When: 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: 8 – 11 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 here.
Who it’s for: Art lovers, creatives, locals, visitors.

The annual Craigs Aspiring Art Prize features a $20,000 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: 7 February 2027
Where: The Church, Gibbston
Tickets: From $99, 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 Drax Project, Leisure, Ladi-6, Mel Parsons and more.

Challenge Wānaka 100
When: 20 February
Where: Wānaka
Tickets: From $520 for participants
Who it’s for: Athletes

The iconic Challenge Wānaka 100 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.