Everything you need to know about making the most of winter in Wānaka, from the people who know it best.
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Winter in Wānaka is hits different – those powder-white hills create an energy like nowhere else. Add in the incredible lineup of events, gigs, festivals and snow-filled celebrations happening across the rohe (region), and you’ve got the perfect winter escape that’ll leave you planning your return before you’ve even left.
From snowcapped peaks to winter festivals, cross-country ski racing, talent shows, slope events and a whole range of arts and culture activities, you’ll be hard pressed to find a dull moment this winter. Because yes, there’s no doubt the mountains are filled with events all through the cooler months – but if you’re less the first-chair type and more the two-feet-on-solid-ground type, there are plenty of events around town for locals and visitors alike to get involved with.
So, whether you’re part of the Wānaka woodwork or you’re just in town for a hot winter minute, you’ll want your pencil and a calendar for this.
Creative and Culture Hui 2026
Dates: 10-14 June 2026
Location: Wānaka & Queenstown
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: Arts and culture lovers, creatives, thought leaders, businesses, community groups, cultural leaders.
In its second year, this five-day creative and cultural hui features thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions focused on strengthening the creative sector and encouraging real, practical action.
NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
Dates: 19-23 June 2026
Location: Lake Wānaka Centre & online
Tickets: From $20
Who it’s for: Mountain enthusiasts, readers, film lovers, and anyone who gets a kick out of mountain culture.
Don’t miss New Zealand’s premier mountain festival, celebrating adventurous sports and lifestyles through films, books, inspiring speakers, art and workshops.
Locals’ tip: Return flights cutting into your festival time? There’s also an online festival, so you don’t have to miss out when it’s time to head home.
The Merino Muster Race
Date: 22 August 2026
Location: Snow Farm, Cardrona Valley
Tickets: Entry pricing varies; more information here.
Who it’s for: Cross-country skiers, ski bums, and anyone keen to try something new and be part of something iconic.
The Merino Muster is New Zealand’s only Cross-country ski marathon, and has been running since 1995. The event is held at Snow Farm, the only cross-country ski field in the country.
Locals’ tip: Get in quick to secure yourself an accommodation and transport package through the Merino Muster.
Jossi Wells Invitational
Dates: 6 – 12 September 2026
Location: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Tickets: Free for spectators
Who it’s for: The ski bums, snow fiends, park rats, freestyle fanatics, adrenaline junkies, etc.
The Jossi Wells Invitational is a multi-day ski and snowboard comp where the best skiers and boarders in the world come to play. And everyone else comes to drool and cheer.
Locals’ tip: Show up early, bring your sunblock, some snacks, a cheeky bevvy, a fold-up chair, and prepare for an epic day
Here’s a quick teaser of some of the key events happening this winter, month by month. But don’t be fooled – there’s loads more where that came from. Keep an eye on our What’s On in Wānaka page for updates, and loads more cool events throughout the next few months.
Here’s a quick teaser of some of the key events happening this winter, month by month. But don’t be fooled – there’s loads more where that came from. Keep an eye on our What’s On in Wānaka page for updates, and loads more cool events throughout the next few months.
Open Studios, Creative Trails
Dates: Sunday 14 June 2026
Location: Various studios across Wānaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: All ages, arts and culture lovers
Celebrate the creative and cultural landscape of the rohe (region) with a self-guided day of open artist studios. Drop in, meet local artists and practitioners, and get a closer look at the arts and culture landscape of our district.
Locals’ tip: Use this handy map to find all the Open Studios taking part, so you can tick off as many birds with one stone as you can fit in your afternoon.
WAI Volunteer: WAI Wānaka Beach Clean Up at Cardrona River
Dates: TBD
Location: Cardrona River Bridge (off Ballantyne Road past Wastebusters – look for the WAI flags)
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: All are welcome. Tamariki (children) must be accompanied by an adult.
Join WAI Wānaka as they head back to the Ōrau / Cardrona river for a volunteer clean-up event. Over 1 tonne of rubbish has been removed from the river, and counting.
Locals’ tip: There are loads more opportunities to volunteer this winter. Head to Love Wānaka to get your fill and connect with the local community.
Snow Sports NZ Adaptive Festival
Date: 30 July 2026
Location: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Tickets: TBC
Who it’s for: Participants, spectators, and supporters are welcome.
A fun, social and developmental atmosphere for adaptive skiers, snowboarders and snow lovers to get outside and enjoy the mountains together.
Locals’ tip: Need accom while you’re in town? Check out this accommodation in Wānaka
The Snow League
Dates: 18-20 September 2026
Location: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Tickets: Spectator access, tickets and schedule confirmed closer to the event
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to see Olympic-level halfpipe up close.
A big one. The Snow League, the pro halfpipe circuit founded by Shaun White, has picked Cardrona as the opening event of Season Two. Eileen Gu, Yuto Totsuka, Sena Tomita and the rest of the field will be dropping into the pipe over three days, broadcast globally. It’s the first time the Snow League has come to New Zealand, and Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold, the reigning Season One World Champion, is back to defend on home snow.
Locals’ tip: Cheer for Luke. Hāwea kid, World Champ, home crowd.
Stars in Your Eyes
Dates: 22 – 26 September 2026
Location: Lake Wānaka Centre
Who it’s for: All ages. Those who love a good show and supporting local.
Wānaka’s longest-running local music show, proudly showcasing a diverse range of exceptional local talent, with proceeds supporting music education in the Upper Clutha region.
Locals’ tip: Locals’ tip: Get in quick — Stars in Your Eyes sells out fast every year, especially the weekend shows.
At the World’s Edge Music Festival
Dates: 3-16 October 2026
Location: Wānaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, Bannockburn
Tickets: TBD
Who it’s for: All ages, classical music lovers, chamber music enthusiasts, arts and culture fiends, anyone who dabbles in classical music study playlists.
The globally renowned classical music festival in the heart of the Southern Alps. This year, some of the world’s most exciting national and international talents join the festival for seven curated programmes in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn, with free community events throughout.
Locals’ tip: Don’t miss the free community events, performances, artist talks, and music workshops held throughout the festival. There’s loads to choose from!
Need we say more? These are just a few of the events that make a Wānaka winter so special, and there’s plenty more where that came from. If you’re visiting the region, coming along to a few winter events is a great way to connect with the local community, whether on the slopes or at your local community volunteer events. Many of these events incorporate sustainable practices that reflect the values of the community, too – it’s a win all around.
Need Wānaka accommodation or transport while you’re in town? Consider supporting local, sustainable accommodation and transport options to keep your footprint light – and don’t miss our top tips for travelling through Wānaka sustainably.
We’ve also whipped up a few multi-day travel itineraries that suit every traveller: whether you’re here for food and drink, skiing and boarding, a family holiday, or a bit of adventure therapy. It’s the locals’ Wānaka itinerary you’ve been waiting for.
Check out What’s On in Wānaka for even more events this winter. We’ll see you there.
