• Wellington
    Faultline Ultra, Wellington

    By Faultline Ultra

    Autumn Events New Zealand
  • & Juliet, Nationwide

    By & Juliet

    Autumn Events New Zealand
  • Waikato
    Surfing in Raglan, Waikato

    By Camilla Rutherford

    Autumn Events New Zealand
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New Zealand’s autumn events calendar includes trail running, an international musical and a writer’s festival.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

What events are on in New Zealand this autumn?

In Aotearoa New Zealand autumn occurs from March to May with plenty of major events taking place across the country, from adrenaline-pumping running races to musical sing-alongs. This is a huge draw for the 68% of people considering a trip to New Zealand who are interested in experiencing a live event.

Clients travelling in autumn and looking to take part in New Zealand's festivals and events, can be a competitor or spectator at the Faultline Ultra trail running event in Wellington or attend an author talk as part of the Auckland Writers Festival. For event details, programming and tickets refer to the official events websites.

New Zealand events in March

The month of March in New Zealand marks the start of autumn, bringing with it lingering warm, sunny days, long daylight hours and fewer crowds than the summer months – this makes it an excellent month for events taking place outdoors.

IRONMAN New Zealand – Taupō (7 March 2026) 

The world’s second longest-running IRONMAN event is known for its electric atmosphere from start to finish, with participants (over 2,000(opens in new window) took part in 2025) getting the chance to swim, bike and run the famed Lake Taupō.

Discover the Māori rock carvings at Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay, only accessible via water, before or after the IRONMAN New Zealand event

New Zealand events in April

As the calendar ticks over into April and beautiful autumn scenery bursts into life (particularly in the South Island), your clients can expect weather conditions to be cooler but still mild, making it a pleasant time for running events.

XTERRA Rotorua Festival – Rotorua (11 April 2026) 

Competitors can choose from seven events starting from a 5-kilometre walk/run and levelling up to a triathlon. Athletes need to check in by 7.30am so it’s recommended to arrive in Rotorua the day before. 

Explore geothermal wonders like the Pōhutu Geyser, the southern hemisphere’s largest active geyser, at Te Puia while attending the XTERRA Rotorua Festival

& Juliet – Nationwide (9 April – 13 June 2026) 

The international smash-hit musical is touring New Zealand this autumn with shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We bet your clients won’t be able to help singing along to the production’s iconic pop anthems! 

Secure your clients’ tickets to the smash-hit pop-inspired musical & Juliet, as the cast bring their showstopping performances to Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch this autumn

Faultline Ultra – Wellington (25 – 26 April 2026)

This trail running event offers six challenges ranging from 6-kilometres to a gruelling 161 kilometres, taking in Wellington’s diverse landscapes. Events start in the morning, so it’s recommended to stay in Wellington the night before.

Competitors can soak up Wellington's sights like the beachfront Oriental Parade while taking part in the Faultline Ultra trail run

New Zealand events in May

Weather in May can be cool and crisp as the winter chill starts to settle in and your clients can expect to experience “four seasons in one day”. Recommend they bring layers and raincoats especially if attending events outside.

Auckland Writers Festival – Auckland (12 – 17 May 2026)

A week-long festival with over 200 events(opens in new window) attended by both local and international writers, celebrating authors, writing, books and ideas (ticketed and free events available).

Encourage your clients to stroll along Auckland’s waterfront with its views of the iconic Sky Tower during their time at the Auckland Writers Festival

World Surf League – Waikato (15 – 25 May 2026) 

For the first time surfboarding fans can watch the world’s top 36 men and 24 women(opens in new window) compete in New Zealand as part of the 2026 Championship Tour. The competition will be hosted in Raglan, famed for its black sand beaches and left-hand point break. 

Both local surfers and your clients will have a front-row seat to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the 2026 World Surf League when the competition comes to Raglan in May

What's new in New Zealand?

Looking for inspiration beyond these major festivals and events to help curate your clients’ next itinerary to Aotearoa New Zealand? Our “What’s New in New Zealand” articles are filled with the latest accommodation openings, exciting new experiences and seasonal highlights.