New Zealand buzzing winter festivals

Winter in most countries can be road closures, shut off of towns and communities and a dull and dreary atmosphere, not here. Winter in New Zealand comprises of beautiful crisp clear blue skies, snowy mountains, ski slopes galore and a wonderfully vibrant, buzzing scene of music and culture festivals for the whole family to enjoy around the whole of the country. There’s never a dull moment here!

Below is a small selection of some of the most favoured winter festivals which arise in New Zealand every winter.

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival:

Location - Queenstown

This is without a shadow of a doubt the biggest winter party that New Zealand offers annually. There is literally everything here you could wish for to enjoy winter to it’s utmost and the whole family can participate in events such as ice skating, snowboarding and dog derbies. If you are wanting that perfect winter experience then visiting the American express winter festival is an absolute must. There’s entertainment on offer for all age groups amongst the buzzing winter atmosphere. This festival is known around the country as one of the best winter celebrations there is in New Zealand.

The Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival

Location - Dunedin

If you adore chocolate, fun and games and a taste of history this is an event which had you specifically in mind! This festival is very chocolate orientated and everything is about chocolate, from the chocolate tours, chocolate facials, chocolate painting and chocolate decorating to the hugely popular and highly enjoyable Cadbury Jaffa Race where the giant jaffas are hurtled down the world steepest street, Baldwin Street.

Winter Games NZ

Location - Various venues, Lake Wanaka & Queenstown

This is where sportsmen and sportswomen arrive in New Zealand from 36 different countries around the globe to compete in the 2 weeks of action packed and highly attended sporting events. All the events have a winter feel to them such as the battle of the snowboard half pipes, alpine skiing and curling. Games are enjoyed by people from all over New Zealand and the rest of the world who tune in to these amazing events via the television or internet or indeed fly here themselves.

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Location - Various venues, Wellington