Southland Events

Dive in and explore Southland’s amazing array of events catering to foodies, beer fanatics, courageous souls, heritage, culture, sports fans, music-goers, and many more. It’s no wonder people come from far and wide to experience the region’s phenomenal offerings on Southland's picture-perfect back doorstep.

Check out Events In Southland | Your Back-Yard Events Calendar for a full list of events.

If you'd like to submit an event, you can get your event listed on southlandnz.com for free.

Mar 24

Hidden Markets

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel v Avis Magic

Mar 25

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel v Avis Magic

Mar 25

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival

Steam Train Running Day at Waimea Plains Railway

Mar 25

Steam Train Running Day at Waimea Plains Railway

Mar 25

Street Dine Fiordland

Discover Southland's Event Guides

Explore our event guides set up to help you find an event that interests you by event category and season!

Southland's Current Season: Autumn (March-May)

Gore District Council

Autumn Event Guide

Roll your shoulders back, indulge your soul, and let your senses overload. Events so wholesome - you could serve them at a country picnic, and landscapes so scenic – they inspire postcards and fantasy novels.

Explore Southland Event Guides

Discover events across Southland that interest you by event category and season!

Southland Summer Wheels

Check out our numerous wheel-tastic event opportunities to immerse yourself in this…

Southland Heritage Month

An opportunity to celebrate all things heritage in Murihiku/Southland for the month of March…

Taste Southland

A weekend of events to drool over - Taste Southland is set to impress the ultimate foodie

Food & Drink Events In Southland

Jump into a cooking class, turning our amazing produce into delicious southern fare, or maybe sample…

Southland's Unmissable Events

Looking for an event you won't want to miss? Appreciate reading each event’s tale through the seasons which is told through the eyes of a storyteller and enjoy a sneak peek video highlight which is sure to entice you into coming south. The full line-up of Southland's Unmissable Events calendar is waiting to be discovered below!

Ascot Park Christmas at the Races

A sea of festive marquees fans out in front of you as glamorously dressed partygoers mingle in the Southland sun. Welcome to Christmas at the Races. Read More

Top Paddock, Tussock Country Music Festival

Bayleys Tussock Country

An unrivalled gathering of the best and brightest Kiwi country music talent and sway the week away at NZ’s Country Music Festival. Read More

Bluff Oyster & Food Festival

Southland’s most famous export, the Bluff oyster, is celebrated in style at the annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival. Read More

Burt Munro Challenge

The life of the legendary motorbike racing legend Burt Munro is celebrated every year in Southland with the Burt Munro Challenge. Read More

Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational

If you love your tennis served with a side of world-class scenery, the Distinction Hotels Te Anau Invitational has the ticket for you. Read More

Edendale Crank Up

See the historic town of Edendale transform into one of New Zealand’s biggest annual vintage machinery events. Read More

Fiordland Big 3

If you’re looking for an event that sums up New Zealand - Fiordland’s The Big 3 will hook you for sure. Read More

Fiordland Summer Beerfest

There’s no better way to put an awesome exclamation mark on the summer holidays than attending the Fiordland Summer Beerfest in Te Anau. Read More

George Begg Festival

Fire up your sense of nostalgia at the George Begg Festival held in Invercargill. Read More

ILT Kidzone Festival

Southland’s most popular family event is jam-packed with hundreds of hands-on activities, rides and experiences for kids of all kinds. Read More

Kepler Challenge

Let the mountains wrap their arms around you as you embrace New Zealand’s premier mountain run. Read More

Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival

Immerse yourself in an era of elegance and be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. Read More

Great South

Men's Muster Fiordland

Laugh your way to a newer you at the Men’s Muster Fiordland. The annual event is set in the picturesque lakeside location of Te Anau, with the majestic and jaw-dropping World Heritage Area of Fiordland… Read More

Meridian Hydro Half Marathon

Spectacular backdrops, stunning scenery and a vibe that can’t be beaten - it has to be the Hydro Half. Read More

Milford Mountain Classic

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but those up for the challenge to road race 120KM on the Milford Road are in for the ride of a lifetime. Read More

MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards

The eyes of the fashion world turn south every July where prestigious judges grace the panel and winners often go on to glittering careers in the fashion industry. Read More

MLT Moonshine Trail

There’s a little bit of magic waiting for you at the MLT Moonshine Trail. Grab the running shoes or mountainbike and take to the saddle for the day. Read More

Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest

7,000 tamariki take to the stage for this powerful week-long festival celebrating the sights and sounds of the pacific every year. Read More

Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival

Indulge your soul in everything from bluegrass to roots as musicians from throughout New Zealand converge for a weekend in the heart of the beautiful Catlins. Read More

NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame Awards

It's the gala dinner of the year bringing road transport legends together from all corners of the country. Throw in a charity auction and a visit to the spiritual home of the wheel - and it’s… Read More

Rakiura Challenge Trail Run

Conquer one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks in a single day. The country's southern-most trail run is the ultimate weekend getaway. Read More

Revenant Ultra Adventure Run

The Revenant is an unsupported individual or two person team Ultra Adventure Run covering more than 190km and about 16,000m of vertical ascent. Read More

Revitalize Music Festival

It’s a celebration of all things organic and natural - in a magical Western Southland setting, under the Takitimu mountains at Mangapiri Downs Organic stud Farm, a pioneering organic stud sheep, cattle… Read More

Riversdale Arts Mixed Media Art Exhibition

A 10-day iconic exhibition attracting some of New Zealand’s finest artists to showcase their outstanding artwork at a majestically curated visual feast. Read More

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival

Enjoy an absorbing wholesome weekend retreat in the charming township of Riverton to celebrate Southland’s home harvest where you will be welcomed and wowed. Read More

Routeburn Classic

Travel with your fellow athletes by helicopter or on the highway by bus to run over New Zealand’s world-famous Routeburn Track in one day. Read More

Savour the South

A festival, celebrating Southland’s tastiest dishes, beverages and our outstanding accommodation at locations all over Southland. Read More

SBS Bank Tour of Southland

More than 100 riders. Over 800 kilometres. 7 action-packed days. This is one of New Zealand’s largest, toughest and most prestigious cycling events. Read More

Southern Field Days

Thousands converging on paddocks showcasing ag machinery and innovations from New Zealand and around the world. Read More

Southland A&P Show

If you think you know A&P shows, you might be in for a surprise. On the first Saturday of March each year, the Southland A&P Show bursts into spectacular life at picturesque Donovan Park in… Read More

Southland Beer Wine & Wild Food Festival

Southland Beer, Wine and Wild Food Festival, the world’s southern-most craft beer festival, showcases Southland’s unique brand of laidback sophistication. Read More

Southland Multicultural Food Festival

Take a trip through the diverse flavours, sights and sounds of Southland’s epic Multicultural Food Festival. Read More

Street Dine Fiordland

Take your seat for a lunch like no other. It’s a gala atmosphere with a funky restaurant vibe, as Te Anau’s finest restaurants serve up heavenly dishes. Read More

Te Anau Enduro

The Te Anau Enduro is probably the most laidback, active fun you’ll ever have. Complete as many laps as you can on and around beautiful Lake Te Anau. Read More

Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic

The Stabicraft Marine Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, held every Labour Weekend, is the perfect opportunity to soak up majestic views of Fiordland and the Te Anau Basin. Read More

Te Anau Tartan Festival

Visitors from near and far converge to let their inner highlander loose every Easter to celebrate the strong Scottish ancestry of the south. Read More