Archived New Zealand Events 2010

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New Zealand enjoys a vast range of events, festivals and shows. From the New Zealand International Comedy Festival to annual spring festivals. There is always something to see, attend or do in New Zealand.

Looking for a current event? You can also view our current New Zealand events.

Listed below are some of the past events that happened around New Zealand in 2010.

Archived Events

Caroline Bay Carnival - 26th Dec 2010 - 9th Jan 2011

This summer the Caroline Bay Carnival is expected to be very big as we celebrate 100 years with a variety of activities and entertainment including the amazing midnight New Years Eve fireworks display – it is a must to see and a excellent night of family entertainment along with the Aotearoa Circus performances on each day...(more)

'A New Zealand Holiday' Exhibition - 20th Nov - 23rd Dec

Wellington artist Sandy Rodgers finds herself driving through the city with van-loads of tourists, explaining and entertaining as she goes. Rodgers has spent some time thinking about what it is that inspires people from all over the globe to come and visit our fair shores. In this exhibition, at the Walrus Gallery in Wellington, Rodgers explores the places in New Zealand that tourists want to see and the methods of transport they use...(more)

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park - Auckland - 11th Dec

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is the biggest, happiest, most magical, musical extravaganza on the kiwi calendar! You will get to enjoy some of New Zealand's top singers, dancers and bands as they ignite the stage to present the 17th annual Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at Auckland Domain...(more)

The Armstrong Motor Group Festival of Cycling - 4th Dec - 5th Dec

In December every year the Armstrong Festival Of Cycling sees more than 1500 riders taking on the 80 kilometre Harbour Ride from McCormack's Bay around the base of the Port Hills, over Gebbies Pass to the Lyttelton Harbour Bays before one final fling over Evans Pass and Sumner to finish back at McCormack's Bay...(more)

National Jandal Day - 3rd Dec

Surf Life Saving's annual appeal day sees Kiwis donning their jandals and giving to one of the country's most respected charities. This year Surf Life Saving celebrates 100 years of surf life saving service to your community, so why not add a pair of jandals (flip-flops) to your outfit on the 3rd December to show your support...(more)

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park - Christchurch - 27th Nov

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is the biggest, happiest, most magical, musical extravaganza on the kiwi calendar! You will get to enjoy some of New Zealand's top singers, dancers and bands as they ignite the stage to present the 15th annual Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at Hagley Park Christchurch...(more)

Tauranga Moana Seafood Festival - 27th Nov

Your favourite seafood delicacies, fine wines and vast variety of beverages will tantalise your taste buds at this years seafood festival. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more. And the kids will love the bouncy slide, treasure hunt and the BIG sandcastle competition...(more)

Pohutukawa Festival - 19th Nov - 5th Dec

Kick off the Coromandel summer in style. Highlights of the 2010 Pohutukawa Festival include Pohutukawa wearable arts, the Whangamata Jazz, Art and Blues Festival, diving, live music, fun events for children, fundraising stalls, Malgre Gardens and Mosaics, the Thames Heritage Homes Trail and loads more...(more)

Canterbury A&P Show - 10th Nov - 12th Nov

In 2010 Canterbury is celebrating its 148th Show and we are expecting increased livestock and feature competition entries participating in classes ranging from cattle to gourmet oil and welsh ponies to wine. There are many things to see and do at the show, which is sure to keep visitors of all ages entertained...(more)

New Zealand Cup & Show Week - 6th Nov - 13th Nov

Spring is officially here and the country is coming to town! Get your frock and fascinator ready and start planning your week of exciting entertainment at New Zealand's premier racing, agriculture and fashion event. The week showcases the very best in harness racing, gallops action, fashion, trade exhibits, livestock, competitions, live music...(more)

World Rowing Championships 2010 - 30th Oct - 7th Nov

The 1978 World Rowing Championships was considered one of the most memorable in the event's history – and New Zealand is determined to put on an even better competition this time around.In a rowing world first, an extra day has been added to the programme for a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Saturday 30 October...(more)

Diwali Festival of Lights - 30th Oct - 31st Oct

Diwali symbolises the victory of righteousness, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. Highlights of the festival include Traditional food, traditional and contemporary dance and music, the Bollywood dance competition and a grand finale fireworks display on the Sunday...(more)

Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival - 29th Oct - 7th Nov

One of New Zealand's longest-running garden festivals, the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival will celebrate 23 years in 2010. The programme features guided walks, celebrity speakers, workshops and 50 open gardens, including 16 gardens of 'regional' and 'national significance'...(more)

Band Together Concert for Canterbury - 23rd Oct

New Zealand musicians are joining together for benefit gig Band Together Concert for Canterbury, to be held in North Hagley Park on October 23. The event will run from 12pm until 8pm and features artists such as Anika Moa, Opshop, the Feelers, Dane Rumble and J Williams alongside other household names like Dave Dobbyn and the Exponents.

ASB Queenstown Jazzfest - 21st Oct - 25th Oct

Whether you are a musician or just love soaking up top entertainment, indulge your senses at Queenstown ASB Jazzfest. ASB Queenstown JazzFest offers something for everyone, including loads of free gigs featuring over 50 bands and 200 performers, workshops by leading jazz exponents and master classes from top international tutors...(more)

Dunedin Rhododendron Festival - 17th Oct - 25th Oct

The week–long Dunedin Rhododendron Festival offers more than 50 events, including tours and demonstrations, art, food and wine. Dunedin has an ideal climate for rhododendrons and azaleas which thrive in private gardens, as well as gardens of 'national significance' – Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle, and Glenfalloch Woodland gardens...(more)

South Island Masters Games - 9th - 17th Oct

The South Island Masters Games is an annual festival of sport. The Games attract serious masters athletes including national and international representatives striving to achieve personal bests and to break New Zealand and World Records. The last time the games were held, three masters age group world records were broken! (more)

Otago Festival of the Arts - 8th - 17th Oct

The Otago Festival of the Arts has an excellent line-up events you can attend. The varied programme ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy, with the festival providing an impressive collection of international and national artists, including some of Otago's finest...(more)

Kaikoura Seafest - 2nd Oct

The Kaikoura Seafest features wine and food from the Kaikoura, Marlborough, and North Canterbury regions. The festival is an annual celebration of the abundance of the ocean and all it represents for Kaikoura. Seafest is a taste, sight and sound extravaganza for those who enjoy good food, good company and a good time...(more)

KORA - 24th, 25th Sept and 2nd Oct

They're back! KORA are set to rock the south island with shows in Christchurch (24, 25 Sept) and Dunedin (2nd Oct), fans should expect nothing other than awe-inspiring live performances. On the back of their killer shows in Tokyo, Hakuba, Minakami and Singapore, KORA headed to the studio creating some of their best work to date...(more)

Recreation: The NZ Outdoor Adventure Expo - 24th Sept - 26th Sept

The Recreation Expo is all about showcasing the wide range of outdoor pursuits, associated products and services on offer in New Zealand. The aim is to provide outdoor enthusiasts and those keen to take up new activities with the opportunity to learn from industry experts and to compare services and products on offer...(more)

Montana World of WearableArt™ - 23rd Sept - 3rd Oct

Spoil yourself in Wellington this September at the 2010 Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show. Artists and designers from New Zealand and around the world enter truly amazing garments that are presented in a unique two hour show of choreography, music, lighting and special effects...(more)

New Zealand Fashion Week - 21st Sept - 25th Sept

This year's event will take place at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour Marine Village in Auckland. The Viaduct Harbour Marine Village will be abuzz with thousands of people including media, buyers, models, designers, international guests and fashion lovers from far and wide. This year's schedule featuring a wide range of both established and emerging brands...(more)

The Mild Hogs Motorcycle Rally - Mayfield, Canterbury - 18th Sept - 19th Sept

So your bike has been parked in the garage for most of the winter and you're getting an itchy throttle hand... Take this opportunity to attend the Mild Hogs Rally. It's just a small event, but it's a great chance to blow the cobwebs off your bike. Entry is just $25, by prepaid ticket only...(click here to register or visit the website)

Te Horo School Country Fair, Kapiti - 11th Sept

Te Horo School Country Fair (formerly known as Paddy's Mart) is our school's biggest fundraiser. People come from all over to attend our traditional country fair in Kapiti. Entertainment will be on all afternoon with singers, dancers, musicians and even an equestrian display. Don't forget for the children there is face painting, jewellery making, petting zoo, bouncy castles and more...(click here to view a pdf with more information)

The Press Christchurch Writers' Festival - 9th Sept - 12th Sept

A large number of international writers will attend this four day writers' festival, and will read, discuss, debate and entertain with over 50 events including book launches, afternoon teas, book readings, discussions with various authors and historians, plays, poetry and more...(click here to visit the website)

Gay Ski Week - 4th Sept - 12th Sept

Queenstown takes on different hues as hundreds of gay men and women from all over the world gather to celebrate winter with fun on the snow. Celebrations planned for the eighth edition of Gay Ski Week include pink ski buses to transport guests to the snow, happy hours, karaoke and ski parties...(more)

Ecotourism NZ Conference 2010 - 2nd Sept - 3rd Sept

The Ecotourism NZ Conference brings like-minded people together in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. It is a chance to celebrate our successes, share ideas, discuss latest issues and explore new opportunities. The conference is also making a positive difference to our industry. By working together we are helping influence the direction of nature-based tourism, ensuring it is not only successful, but also evolves in a way we are happy with...(more)

Whitianga Scallop Festival - 26th Aug - 29th Aug

This celebration of fresh seafood and Kiwi cuisine coincides with the beginning of New Zealand's scallop season. Festival goers can try scallops cooked and served in many different ways, along with family entertainment, cooking demonstrations, scallop shucking, music, and restaurant degustation menus with matching New Zealand wines...(more)

Wellington on a Plate - 14th Aug - 29th Aug

Looking for a winter warmer? One of New Zealand's most popular food festivals, Wellington on a Plate, is back for a second course with mouth-watering culinary offerings to please every palate. Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the 2010 programme has doubled with more than 80 events scheduled...(more)

Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival - 13th Aug - 15th Aug

The Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival includes top acts from New Zealand, Australia and the USA. The festival is run over three days and guests will experience over 150 hours of quality jazz and blues music. There are five fantastic venues in Paihia, Haruru Falls and Russell, so make sure to be there...(more)

2010 Burton NZ Open - 10th Aug - 14th Aug

New Zealand is the first stop for the prestigious international snowboarding competition – and the event marks the start of the Burton Global Open Series and TTR World Tour for the 2010/2011 season. The world's snowboarding elite will again congregate at the Cardrona Valley near Wanaka, where they will show off their talents in a series of gruelling challenges...(more)

Hermitage Ball - 31st July

The Hermitage are bringing back the glitz and glamour of days gone by with their mid-winter ball. Guests can enjoy canapes and bubbles, followed by a delicious three course dinner and then dance the night away to the funky jazz sounds of the Tim Driver band...(more)

Whangarei Mid Winter Arts Festival - 31st July - 1st August

The festival is about celebration. Celebrating who we are as a community, and what we do. The festival aims to incorporate and celebrate as many art forms, gifted people and cultures as possible from throughout Northland, and at the same time develop as an event that is able to cover its costs and be sustainable...(more)

The Food Show - 29th July to 1st August

Prepare your taste buds! The Food Show boasts a smorgasbord of the freshest new flavours and tantalising food ideas, all within arms reach. From artisan to well known brands, garnishes to staples, The Food Show presents the very best products for your palate—and your plate... (more)

The New Zealand Art Show - 29th July to 1st August

Be sure pay a visit to the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington to see The New Zealand Art Show. This is the place to view and purchase original New Zealand art by new, emerging and established artists from all around the country. The work of over 500 artists will be on display and all art work is priced under NZ$5,000...(more)

North Face Peak to Peak - 25th July

This multi–sport race links two ski Queenstown ski areas – the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The race for individuals or teams of five includes stages for ski/snowboard, mountain and road bike, kayak, and on foot – downhill from the top of the Remarkables ski area uphill to Coronet Peak...(more)

Monteith's Beer and Wild Food Challenge - 4th June - 18th July

Kiwi chefs will work their magic with traditional Màori ingredients and wild foods at the 13th Monteith's Beer and Wild Food Challenge – whipping up dishes using wild game, seafood and indigenous plants to spice up adventurous palates. Bars, restaurants and cafés will compete to create the ultimate dish, matched with the perfect Monteith's beer...(more)

Soljans Winter Wine Fair - 2nd July to 18th July

Get going to Soljan's Winter Wine Fair, 2nd to 18th July 2010. Winter just got better! The Winter Wine Fair is on at Soljan's Estate Winery offering fine cuisine and wines to add a warm winter glow to mind, body and soul. There is a lot happening around the winery for you and your family to take part in... (more)

TV2 KidsFest 2010 - 3rd July to 16th July

There are heaps of things to do these winter school holidays in Christchurch with TV2 KidsFest. This year there are over 220 events you could attend! You could go to a few 'Tall Tales for All Shapes and Sizes', have tea with Alice, join the StarFest or even bring your pet pooch along to 'The Press Dogs Day Out'... (more)

Lake Tekapo High Country Art Exhibition - 4th July to 18th July

This is the eighth year this event is being held. This exhibition is now well recognised as a great collection of works from South Island artists. Well known names such as Austen Deans and Angus Watson are included alongside our very talented Mackenzie artists such as Anne Murray, Colin Maclaren and Ben Simpson...(more)

New Zealand International Film Festival - 8th July - 17th Nov

The New Zealand International Film Festival is a national event extending the cinematic options of audiences and filmmakers throughout New Zealand. A programme of between 150-170 features is presented in 15 centres across New Zealand. The festival starts in Auckland on the 8th of July and finishes in Whangarei on the 17th of November...(more)

Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival - 11th July to 17th July

Dunedin offers visitors a host of attractions and entertainment to enjoy no matter what time of year it is, but July offers an extra magical flavour, especially for anyone mad about chocolate. The carnival week is packed full of chocolate-themed events for all the family to enjoy...(more)

Bluewater Hotel Deco Decanted Weekend - 16th July to 18th July

The Art Deco Trust, Napier, is celebrating 25 years in operation and is holding a few 'silver jubilee' events within their 8th Bluewater Hotel Deco Decanted Weekend. The festival has a strong theme of jazz, art deco, food and wine experiences. Jazz musicians will travel from Australia and NZ to perform an outstanding selection of music from the era and the vintage car parade is always a highlight of the event. For a programme or more information go to www.artdeconapier.com or phone 06 835 0022.

Queenstown Winter Festival - 25th June to 4th July

New Zealand is preparing for the southern hemisphere's biggest winter party—the 36th Queenstown Winter Festival—a 10 day celebration of Queenstown's unique culture and community with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, jazz, comedy, Mardi Gras, family fun, a Big Air Invitational and plenty of Mountain Mayhem... (more)

Bluff Oyster & Food Festival - 22nd May

What better way to enjoy Bluff hospitality than to be surrounded by mountains of fresh seafood and delicious food, fine wine and great entertainment. The Bluff Community will again throw open its doors at 11:00 am and welcome enthusiastic oyster and food lovers to participate in a fun filled day... (more)

Anzac Day - 25th April

On the 25th of April every year, New Zealanders and Australians pay tribute to the soliders who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand... (more)

Balloons over Waikato - 24th to 28th March 2010

New Zealand's premier hot air ballooning event! Free admission! Join us for our spectacular 2010 event with wonderful special shaped balloons, lots of entertainment and a week of fun filled activities... (more)

Mangawhai Art Trail - 13th & 14th March 2010

This is a free event. All visitors are welcome to browse, buy or commission artworks at 15 locations featuring nearly 50 artists all in magical Mangawhai. Art works include flax weaving, sculpture, painting, photography, pottery, ceramics, hand crafted furniture, jewellery, glass art... (more)

Pou Taharua : The Flagstaff Exhibition - 14th December 2009 to 14th March 2010

Nearly 165 years after the last of four flagpoles erected on Maiki Hill, Kororareka was felled by Ngapuhi Rangatira Hone Heke and his warriors, remaining pieces of these pou come together in Pou Taharua... (more)

Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, Wellington, 26th Feb - 21st March 2010

The shapeshifter outdoor sculpture exhibition is a key visual arts feature of the New Zealand International Arts Festival and is on display daily at the TheNewDowse and Civic Gardens in Lower Hutt. This exciting exhibition features over 80 works of contemporary indoor and outdoor sculpture by leading and emerging New Zealand artists... (more)

Chinese New Year Festivals, Auckland 26 - 28th Feb, Christchurch 6 - 7th March

Join in the celebrations of the first full moon and the Year of the Tiger at beautifully atmospheric lantern festivals in Auckland and Christchurch. These free festivals feature lanterns and lantern-making demonstrations, traditional and contemporary Chinese music, Mongolian throat-singing and an 800 year-old rolling lantern folk dance... (more)

Waitangi Day, New Zealand, 6th February 2010

Waitangi Day on the 6th February has been an annual public holiday since 1974 and commerates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document in 1840. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the celebrations at Waitangi... (more)

Michael Hill Golf Open, Queenstown - 28th to 31st January 2010

The popular Michael Hill New Zealand Open Championship will be held at The Hills golf course in Arrowtown near Queenstown. Spectators are welcome on each day of play and it's a great opportunity for fans of golf to enjoy world-class golfers in action, and some of New Zealand's most stunning alpine scenery... (more)

World Buskers Festival, Christchurch - 21st to 31st January 2010

This much-loved festival of freestyle comedy, acrobatics and street performance hits the pavements, squares and theatres of Christchurch for its 17th year. Featuring over 500 live shows at indoor and outdoor venues with some of the world's best acts... (more)

Lake Ferry Fishing Competition - Saturday January 23rd 2010

Fishing Contest. Proceeds to Wairarapa Search and Rescue. Best Fish Prizes. Great Spot Prizes. Senior $20, Junior $5 - per rod. Tickets from 7am at Lake Ferry and Whangaimoana... (more)

Parihaka International Peace Festival, Taranaki - 7th to 11th January

This year, the festival celebrates not only the vision and example of Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, the founders of Parihaka, but its fifth anniversary. Festival celebrations include performances by Smashproof, Te Kupu & MC Wiya and the Brian Hatcher Band, The Bellbirds, Fat Freddy's Drop... (more)