Southland’s most popular family event is jam-packed with hundreds of hands-on activities, rides and experiences for kids of all kinds.
Castaway the stereotypes, and let your imagination run wild. Winter is when Southland’s chic and sophisticated side comes alive - vibrant celebrations of music, culture, heritage and high street fashions.
Frosty mornings give way to fine, sunny days - wrap up warm and experience magical days bursting with new adventures and fun. Its winter beauty gleams beneath southern lights, with warm, comforting food; fine wine and whisky tastings.
An unrivalled gathering of the best and brightest Kiwi country music talent and sway the week away at NZ’s Country Music Festival.
A 10-day iconic exhibition attracting some of New Zealand’s finest artists to showcase their outstanding artwork at a majestically curated visual feast.
Spectacular backdrops, stunning scenery and a vibe that can’t be beaten - it has to be the Hydro Half.
If you’re looking for an event that sums up New Zealand - Fiordland’s The Big 3 will hook you for sure.
7,000 tamariki take to the stage for this powerful week-long festival celebrating the sights and sounds of the pacific every year.
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 as your backdrop.
Take a trip through the diverse flavours, sights and sounds of Southland’s epic Multicultural 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.
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.
For the full line-up of events across Southland, go here
Click on an event and uncover the event’s tale and video highlights to entice your attendance
June
Tussock Country Music Festival - Gore
Nashville of the Southern hemisphere
Fiordland Big 3 - Fiordland
Hunters & anglers competition
July
Riversdale Arts Mixed Media Exhibition - Central Southland
A visual feast of sophisticated artwork
Southland Multicultural Food Festival - Invercargill
The whole world is right here!
ILT Kidzone Festival - Invercargill
Southland’s most popular family event
MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards - Gore
A glamourous event of high fashion
August
Hydro Half Marathon - Fiordland
Run to the magical sounds of nature
Southland Beer, Wine and Wild Food Festival - Invercargill
The world’s southernmost craft beer, wine and food festival
Men's Muster - Fiordland
Downtime for men in Te Anau
Miharo Murihiku Polyfest - Invercargill
Celebrating our local Māori and Pasifika culture
Browse other Southland event season’s here
Browse other Southland event season’s here
Jeremy Pierce
Sheep grazing with the Takitimu Mountains in the background
Things to do in Southland in Winter
Winter in Southland should be your choice of season to visit. With multiday festivals, ice sports, easy access to the slopes and plenty of belly warming food you don't want to miss your chance to experience Southland in winter. So rug up, bring your merinos and come down and explore our top Southland winter experiences.
Go here for more Winter experiences in Southland
