When the robes are hung up and the gavel’s at rest, summer in Aotearoa calls for something lighter — sunshine, music, good food and great wine. Whether you’re partial to oysters by the sea, Marlborough sauvignon in the vines, or something a little more daring (hello, huhu grubs), these festivals prove that New Zealand knows how to mix flavour with fun.
Here are five food-and-drink adventures worth pencilling in for the summer ahead.
Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival
Uretara Domain, Katikati | Saturday 10 January 2026
www.katikatiavofest.co.nz
The Bay of Plenty’s most charming little town goes green — literally — for a one-day celebration of everyone’s favourite fruit. Expect avocado-everything: guac competitions, avocado gelato, and gourmet pairings with regional wines. Live bands keep the day rolling, while the domain turns into a sun-soaked picnic ground.
Don’t miss: the chef demo tent, where avocado-based cocktails somehow make perfect sense in the summer heat.
The Great Kiwi Beer Festival
Hagley Park, Christchurch | January 2026 (date TBC)
www.moshtix.co.nz
A pilgrimage for craft-beer lovers — but even the sober-curious will appreciate the atmosphere. Over 300 brews, dozens of food trucks, and enough live music to turn Hagley Park into the country’s biggest garden party.
Vibe: festival energy meets friendly backyard BBQ.
Tip: pace yourself — and don’t skip the small-batch ginger beers and low-alcohol sours; they’re surprisingly good between tastings.
Sunsetter Festival
Windsor Reserve, Devonport, Auckland | Saturday 31 January 2026
www.sunsetterfestival.co.nz
Set against the sparkling Waitematā Harbour, Sunsetter is where Aucklanders and weekenders gather for boutique wines, craft cocktails, street food and live DJs. Think picnic blankets, summer dresses, and a sunset that does most of the decorating work.
Why go: it’s refined yet relaxed — perfect for unwinding after a long week or catching up with friends before the city cools off for February.
Insider tip: arrive early to secure a good spot under the pōhutukawa trees.
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
Renwick Domain, Marlborough | Saturday 14 February 2026
www.marlboroughwinefestival.com
The grand dame of New Zealand’s wine festivals returns, bringing together the region’s world-class sauvignons, pinots and bubbly with exquisite local cuisine. Sip, swirl and sample under summer skies, surrounded by the vines that made the region famous.
Why it matters: it’s not just a festival — it’s a celebration of New Zealand’s viticultural heartland.
Bring: a hat, sunscreen, and enough curiosity to try something that’s not sauvignon blanc.
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
Hokitika, West Coast | Saturday 14 March 2026
www.hokitika.org
For those who believe food should sometimes be an adventure, the legendary Wildfoods Festival is equal parts culinary curiosity and Kiwi humour. Yes, there are huhu grubs — but also whitebait fritters, venison kebabs, and gourmet fare from around the Coast.
Vibe: part fairground, part fearless-food carnival.
Tip: embrace it. Whether you try the “wild” stuff or stick to wine and West Coast cheese, it’s a guaranteed story for Monday morning.
New Zealand’s summer calendar is a feast of flavour — from boutique vineyards to beachfront beer gardens.
So once the year’s last judgments are written and the briefs put away, take time to enjoy the lighter side of life. Book early, bring sunscreen, and toast to the simple joy of good food, great company, and long summer evenings.