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When the skiing gets springy and the days start stretching – that’s when the streets of Wānaka really come alive with the vibrant buzz of markets, festivals, live music and community events.
From classical music festivals to ski competitions, sporting events, volunteering opportunities and Pride Week, spring in Wānaka ticks all the boxes, and then some. ‘Tis the season of connection, culture and community, and whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of ways to fill your cup with events happening right across the rohe (region).
Dates: 9-13 September
Location: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Tickets: Free to watch, ski pass required to ski or board.
Who it’s for: Freeriders, freeride enthusiasts, ski bums, park rats, chairlift cheerleaders
The Jossi Wells Invitational puts the style in freestyle. Brought to you by Wānaka’s very own Olympic freeskier, Jossi Wells, we’re talking five days of some of the world’s best skiers and boarders throwing rails, hitting half pipes and getting silly with some big air madness.
Locals’ tip: Even if you’re not riding, follow your nose to the bottom of the jump line and join the bystander cheer squad. Bonus points for every pro elbow you rub.
Challenge Wānaka Multi & Duathlon
Dates: 18 October
Location: Wānaka Water Sports Facility
Tickets: Available here
Who it’s for: individuals, teams, anyone up for the challenge.
This one’s for the challengers: think a wild adventure against some unreal backdrops. Choose from a 25km kayak, 43km mountain bike and 14km trail run – or ditch the kayak and sign up for the duathlon option.
Locals’ tip: Sorry gravel and e-bikes, this one’s not for you. Strictly a mountain bike event, this one’s for the off-roaders only.
Dates: 28 October – 2 November
Location: Wānaka and Queenstown
Tickets: Available via Wao
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to see our environment thrive for years to come.
Across six days, the WAO summit offers kōrero with thought leaders, documentary screenings, walking tours, hands-on workshops and community events. This year’s theme takes a peek into the future, tackling climate action, biodiversity, food systems and more.
Locals’ tip: Get in early for the workshops, they sell out fast. And don’t just stick to the mainstage talks: the smaller community sessions are where the real magic happens.
Dates: Saturday 29 November
Location: Wānaka
Tickets: Prices vary
Who it’s for: The can-doers ready for a challenge
Mud, sweat, ideally no tears, and more mud. The Alpha Challenge is Wānaka’s favourite obstacle course race, with 5km and 10km courses, a kids’ event, and the brand-new Alpha Adventure race: part obstacle course, part orienteering, part Amazing Race.
Locals’ tip: Pack a change of clothes and a towel, or take a local’s shower down at Dublin Bay. Come on in, the water’s fine.
Want the monthly play-by-play? We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite events happening between September and December, but don’t forget to check out our What’s On in Wānaka page for the full rundown.
Wānaka Pride Week
Dates: 3-6 September
Location: Wānaka
Tickets: Available here for individual events
Who it’s for: For the rainbow community and allies alike
Drag bingo, queer film nights, the unmissable Pride Street Party and more – it’s Wānaka Pride Week, and boy do the streets hum. Come along for four days of celebrating love, community, and being exactly who you are.
Locals’ tip: Don’t miss Pride After Dark on closing night. Trust us, the dance floor at the Lake Wānaka Centre is always, always worth your time.
Community Planting Days
Dates: Saturday 13 September & Saturday 27 September
Location: Walking track from Wānaka Yacht Club and Beacon Point, access from Waimana Place
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: Everyone and their mums
Give back to the whenua (land) and spend a Saturday morning alongside locals restoring Wānaka’s lakefront. Tools and trees are provided, just bring sturdy shoes, gloves if you have them, and a can-do attitude.
Locals’ tip: Bring your mates, your neighbours, your colleagues, your kids, and get stuck in for a good cause. The more hands, the merrier.
Dates: 24-27 September
Location: Lake Wānaka Centre
Tickets: $60 + booking fees, on sale from Saturday 30 August
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: Put that ticket live date in your calendar, and book early. This one always sells out, so make sure you’re lining up at the gates to get a good seat.
At the World’s Edge Music Festival 2025
Dates: 4-17 October
Location: Wānaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, Bannockburn
Who it’s for: Classical music enthusiasts, arts and culture fiends, curious adventurers.
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.
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!
Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition & Art Sale 2025
Dates: 23-26 October
Location: Lake Wānaka Centre
Tickets: Opening Night $30; Exhibition $10 on entry.
Who it’s for: Art lovers, art supporters, the walls in your living room..
Don’t miss Wānaka’s annual Labour Weekend Exhibition and Sale – this exhibition has been a Labour Weekend tradition for over 40 years, showcasing more than 200 works by established and emerging artists from Wānaka and wider afield.
Locals’ tip: Head along to Opening Night on Friday for first pick of the artworks. Snooze you lose.
Bike Glendhu Season Opener & Glendhu Supreme
Dates: Saturday 25 October
Location: Bike Glendhu
Who it’s for: Mountain bikers, enduro fiends, downhill frothers and all-round MTB enthusiasts
Freshly groomed trails, killer views, cold brews and party shirts. Need we say more? Bike Glendhu is back for another season, and opening day is where it all kicks off. Throw in the epic battle for King and Queen of Bike Glendhu, and the vibes are ready to play.
Locals’ tip: Get in early, the carpark fills up fast on opening day. Or better yet, ride out on the link track from town to get those legs warmed up.
Wānaka Meditation and Yoga Retreat
Dates: 5-9 November
Location: Lake Hāwea
Tickets: $1,120 (before 1 October) / $1,320 (from 1 October).
Who it’s for: Yogi’s, amateur yogis, and all those needing a solid reset.
Think four days of deep yoga and meditation practice in the quiet calm of Lake Hāwea. Expect daily yoga, guided meditation, nourishing food and time to reset.
Locals’ tip: Need accommodation while you’re in town for the retreat? Consider supporting local, sustainable accommodation and transport options to keep your footprint light.
Wastebusters Sustainable Christmas Market
Dates: Saturday 22 November
Location: Wastebusters, Wānaka
Tickets: Free
Who it’s for: Locals, visitors, anyone with enough space in their bags for a few new toys.
We’re all about conscious giving, and if anything is that, it’s this. Local makers, upcycled goods, and a festive vibe that puts sustainability first – just the way we like it. Head down to the ever-iconic Wasties and score yourself some treats.
Locals’ tip: Do yourself a favour and bring your own tote bag, or twelve. It’ll make supporting stallholders that much easier.
Wānaka Fete 2025
Dates: Saturday 29 November
Location: Wānaka Showgrounds
Tickets: $20 + booking fee
Who it’s for: Anyone into live music, good food, homemade goods and even better vibes.
Join us for this year’s Wānaka Fete, the much-anticipated event bringing together 200 talented New Zealand artisans and food vendors, showcasing everything from handcrafted goods to local delicacies and unique gift ideas. Just in time for Christmas.
Locals’ tip: Grab your keep-cup, a picnic blanket, your mates, and make a day of it.
So there you have it. From sporting events to globally-renowned festivals and arts and culture in spades, springtime in Wānaka has you covered. Need Wānaka accommodation or transport while you’re in town? Go ahead and support sustainable accommodation and transport providers for a more eco-conscious stay. We’ve also created multi-day travel itineraries to help you make the most of your visit, from foodie adventures to family holidays and mountain escapes. Go on, dig in.
Remember to check out our What’s On in Wānaka page for even more events popping up this spring. See you there.
