The month of June in New Zealand marks the start of winter. Days are often bright and clear but cool in the mornings and evenings meaning layers are essential. Expect vibrant events across the motu (country), particularly in buzzing city centres.

Lōemis Festival – Wellington (9 – 21 June)

Now in its eleventh year, this annual midwinter festival(opens in new window) held in the country’s capital over two weeks, delivers an impressive mix of art, food, music, performances and immersive experiences by both international artists and local creatives.

• Best for: those with the curiosity to embrace an eclectic line up spanning genres including psychedelic rock and electronic post-punk
• Getting there: international flights from/to Australia and Fiji operate out of Wellington
• Accommodation: as events take place at venues across the city, recommend your clients stay at QT Wellington(opens in new window) or TRYP by Wyndham Wellington(opens in new window), both centrally located and filled with boutique character
• Activities: let the creativity continue with introductory hands-on experiences at Wētā Workshop; options include sculpting(opens in new window), scars and scrapes(opens in new window) and leatherwork(opens in new window)
• Book tickets: on sale now(opens in new window) with programme details available online

As mid-winter settles in, the weather can be cold and wet, so wrapping up with warm clothing is key. In 2026 the country celebrates Matariki (the Māori New Year) in July, which is a great chance for your clients to experience Māori culture.

Matariki – Nationwide (July)

Marking the beginning of the Māori New Year, Matariki is a public holiday(opens in new window) acknowledged in 2026 on 10 July. A time to celebrate and gather together, various free and whānau (family) friendly events will take place around the country including the Matariki Festival in Auckland and a drone show and night market in Rotorua.

• Best for: clients seeking connection while in New Zealand, whether that be with Māori culture, with local communities or the loved ones they’re travelling with
• Getting there: there are six international airports in New Zealand – Auckland, Hamilton & Wellington in the North Island and Christchurch, Queenstown & Dunedin in the South Island
• Accommodation: a broad range of accommodation options are available from hotels and luxury lodges to backpackers, motels and glamping sites 
• Activities: see if you can spot the Matariki star cluster (also known as Pleiades) on a guided stargazing experience; Dark Sky Project(opens in new window) in Tekapo and Star Safari(opens in new window) in the Wairarapa are both located within Dark Sky Reserves for incredible stargazing opportunities
• Find out more: learn more about Matariki(opens in new window)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Auckland FC – Auckland (25 – 26 July)

Experience the thrill of live sport, watching an iconic English club take on Auckland’s very own football franchise at Eden Park, plus get behind-the-scenes action at the open training session on 25 July. Both events are part of the New Zealand International Football Festival(opens in new window) which also includes Chelsea FC Women vs Auckland FC Women on 8 August.

• Best for: sports fans of all codes looking to experience a world-class sporting match in New Zealand’s biggest city
• Getting there: international flights from Australia, North America and Asia all operate in/out of Auckland
• Accommodation: stay in downtown Auckland at The Hotel Britomart(opens in new window), then catch the train (20 minutes) to Kingsland Station, conveniently located next to Eden Park 
• Activities: swap footballs for rugby balls at the All Blacks Experience(opens in new window) and discover the game’s cultural significance as well as test your skills on an interactive training field
• Book tickets: on sale now for both the match(opens in new window) and training session(opens in new window)

Wintery conditions continue throughout August with snow common in alpine areas. Encourage your clients to embrace these colder conditions, mixing outdoor exploration with indoor events centred around food and drink.

Visa Wellington On a Plate – Wellington (1 – 31 August) 

Running throughout August, your clients won’t want to miss New Zealand’s largest food festival(opens in new window) which offers a mix of ticketed and free entry, pay on consumption events including the iconic Burger Wellington competition.

• Best for: foodies, wine lovers, gastronomes... anyone wanting to tempt their tastebuds while experiencing the manaakitanga (a deep expression of hospitality) that underpins New Zealand's food and beverage scene 
• Getting there: international flights from/to Australia and Fiji operate out of Wellington 
• Accommodation: book your clients into Mövenpick Hotel Wellington(opens in new window) where they can take advantage of the signature “Chocolate Hour” held every day (4-5pm)
• Activities: ensure your clients are fuelled up with Big Foody’s(opens in new window) walking food tour through the capital, sampling local chocolate, coffee, beer and more   
• Find out more: programme(opens in new window) released 10 June 2026

Run The Forest – Rotorua (8 August) 

A trail running event(opens in new window) with a party vibe and courses shaped by the whenua (land). There are three lengths to choose from (7km, 10km and 21km) with runners passing steaming geothermal landscapes and towering redwoods, making this a race that feels uniquely New Zealand.

• Best for: with a fun and relaxed atmosphere – think live music and local eats at the finish line – this is a race for runners of every pace whether your clients want to run, jog, walk or dance!
• Getting there: fly directly from Auckland to Rotorua in 45 minutes or from Wellington in 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Accommodation: book your clients a relaxing pre and-post race stay at Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel(opens in new window) which delivers lake views and a spa pool grotto
• Activities: experience the same race landscapes by night with a magical eco-tourism walk through the Redwoods Nightlights(opens in new window) or an evening of cultural performances, hāngī dinner and geyser activity at Te Puia(opens in new window)  
• Register now: registrations(opens in new window) close 7 August 2026

Beervana – Wellington (21 – 22 August)

Your clients can expect good brews and even better vibes at this two-day event(opens in new window) attracting local and international breweries that also includes delicious food, live music, entertainment and eye-catching stalls.

• Best for: beer-aficionados who are eager to taste experimental brews and unique flavour combinations   
• Getting there: international flights from/to Australia and Fiji operate out of Wellington 
• Accommodation: Rydges Wellington(opens in new window) is an excellent choice, located within walking distance (15 minutes) to Hnry Stadium, home to Beervana
• Activities: keep the good times flowing with Capital Personalised Tours(opens in new window) who run beer, wine and food tours in Wellington, Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa
• Book tickets: on sale now(opens in new window)