Bay of Islands Sailing Week: many boats are moored at the Opua Marina during this festival, particularly for the three days of the main competition. In addition to the competitive racing, there are lots of social events held at this spectacular seaside location during the warmest days of the New Zealand summer. February
Bettercut ITM Annual Opua Regatta and Gala: held each February, visitors will find a number of activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. There are stalls, raffles, swimming races, games, pony rides and good food on offer at the Opua School hall all-day café. The day ends with an evening sail, dinner and a dance at the community hall.
Waitangi Day Festival: held in early February, this family festival spans three days of cultural events and sporting activities at Okahu Bay. Games, fun and music prevail at this historical site where Ngati Whatua o Orakei welcomed Governor William Hobson in 1841, offering him land that today comprises Auckland’s central business district.
Bay of Islands Arts Festival: held in Kerikeri, in New Zealand’s Northland, visitors come by the thousands for this festival of performing and visual arts. Events feature classical and contemporary music, comedy, theatre and children’s theatre. You can also enjoy an art exhibition and participate in numerous workshops.
Anzac Day: services are held throughout the country on 25 April in honour of all New Zealand and Australian service men and women who fought in foreign wars with a focus on those who were involved in the Gallipoli campaign in WWI, in Turkey.
Bay of Islands Country and Rock Festival: friendship and good music are the hallmarks of this festival held in the Northland every May. More than 60 acts are featured during the festival, with artists from all over New Zealand and Australia, and as far away as Nashville. Performances are staged at nine different venues and line dancing and street music also feature on the programme.
Maori New Year: more than 40 events take place during June and July at Matariki, in New Zealand’s Northland. The range of activities is vast; you can enjoy art exhibits, taste indigenous foods or take a celestial navigation tour. The New Year celebrations begin on the queen’s birthday weekend with the opening of the art exhibition and numerous community activities.
Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival: more than 150 hours of blues and jazz are on offer during this popular three-day music festival. Over 50 acts are featured at the many venues in Haruru Falls, Paihia and Russell, and street performances are held each morning in Kawakawa as well as in Paihia and Russell.
Taste Bay of Islands - Wine and Food Festival: this annual celebration of food, wine and music is held in mid-September. The live musical entertainment begins mid-day, and all day long the flavours of the Northland are on offer at more than 25 stalls that showcase the cafés, restaurants, foods and wines of the Bay of Islands.
Juken NZ Kaitaia Run and Walk: in early October in Kaitaia, hundreds of runners assemble for fun events that include four kilometre and 12km runs. Walkers are also encouraged to participate. You’ll find enough events and categories that most all members of the family can compete in. Lots of prizes are on offer as well.
Fullers Kerikeri Half Marathon: this popular run is held in Kerikeri and is sponsored and managed by Sport Northland. Features include a run, casual walk, competitive walk and a race chair event. The course is scenic, beginning at Okaihau and continuing on to Kerikeri. At the start there’s a gradual climb, but it’s mostly downhill after that. Recently, the New Zealand Half Marathon Champions have become a highlight of this special day.
New Zealand Air Sports Extravaganza: the skies over Wanaka are filled with excitement in mid-winter, on the 27th and 28th of December, when the events of this air sports festival are underway. This is the southern hemisphere’s largest event dedicated to sports aviation.
