Celebrate the festive wonders of Invercargill with our comprehensive event guide. From Invercargill natives to holiday pilgrims, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal tapestry.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the Ascot Park Christmas at the Races, where the thrill of horse racing meets the joy of the holiday spirit. Featuring local cuisine and entertainment, it creates a lively atmosphere for all. The Burt Munro Challenge invites motorcycle enthusiasts to celebrate speed and skill, showcasing a unique blend of nostalgia and competition. And definitely don’t forget the Edendale Crank Up, where vintage machinery comes to life in a charming display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Invercargill
- Ascot Park Christmas at the Races
- Burt Munro Challenge
- Southland A&P Show
- Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival (Mandeville)
- Edendale Crank Up (Edendale)
- Revitalize Music Festival (Western Southland)
- Multicultural Food Festival
- Night of the Arts (NoTA)
- MLT Moonshine Trail
- Kepler Challenge (Te Anau)
See these and even more events listed below!
Invercargill Holiday Light Displays
Magical Christmas Doors of Riverton
What to Expect:
Colorful door decorations showcasing local creativity.
Description:
Explore the beautifully decorated doors of Riverton, transformed into vibrant holiday displays, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of the town.
Where: Riverton | More Info: Magical Christmas Doors of Riverton
Invercargill Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Night of the Arts (NoTA)
What to Expect:
Mid-winter celebration of local arts with diverse performances and installations.
Description:
NoTA - Night of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of Invercargill's local arts scene, featuring acts, gigs, street performers, storytellers, and art in unexpected places.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Night of the Arts (NoTA)
Invercargill Other Holiday Activities
Ascot Park Christmas at the Races
What to Expect:
Immersive Christmas atmosphere with live music and thoroughbred racing.
Description:
Ascot Park Christmas at the Races offers a classic Christmas experience with live music, amazing food, TAB, and bar facilities. Elegantly attired racegoers mingle in the picturesque Ascot Park Racecourse, surrounded by festive marquees and thoroughbred racing action.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Ascot Park Christmas at the Races
Rakiura Challenge Trail Run
What to Expect:
Conquering New Zealand's southernmost Great Walk in a single day.
Description:
The Rakiura Challenge Trail Run is a 32km trail race around the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's most varied and diverse trails. The course spans through pristine native bush, sandy beaches, and historic sites, offering stunning views of Te-Ara--KiwaFoveaux Strait. Participants will experience the island's special sense of community and enjoy the rewards of conquering New Zealand's famous Great Walks in a single day.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Rakiura Challenge Trail Run
Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic
What to Expect:
Unique family fishing competition with a grand prize of a Stabicraft boat.
Description:
The Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic offers a family-friendly fishing competition in the picturesque Fiordland region. Participants can fish in the crystal-clear waters of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, with a separate kids' event at McGregor Pond. Earlybird entries double the chances of winning, and all participants must have a current fishing licence.
Where: Te Anau | More Info: Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic
Kepler Challenge
What to Expect:
Iconic mountain run with community support.
Description:
The Kepler Challenge is New Zealand's premier mountain run, a 60km iconic event since 1988, following the Kepler Track through Fiordland National Park. Runners experience stunning landscapes and unique community support.
Where: Te Anau | More Info: Kepler Challenge
Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational
What to Expect:
High-level tennis competition with grand stand seating and family-friendly atmosphere.
Description:
The Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational is a premier tennis event held annually in Te Anau, featuring New Zealand's finest male tennis players competing for prize money. The tournament takes place over two days, with play starting at 10:00 AM each day. General entry is $15.00 per adult, with children under 14 years old admitted free. The event offers grand stand seating on a first-come, first-served basis and ample space for spectators to relax with picnic blankets. Hot and cold drinks, as well as food, are available for purchase throughout the day.
Where: Te Anau | More Info: Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational
Edendale Crank Up
What to Expect:
Historic vintage machinery display with family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Edendale Crank Up is a premier vintage machinery show and country fair featuring historic tractors, cars, and steam engines. The event showcases lovingly restored machines, food and craft stalls, children's entertainment, and various demonstrations. It's a celebration of nostalgia and community spirit.
Where: Edendale | More Info: Edendale Crank Up
Burt Munro Challenge
What to Expect:
World-class motorcycle racing with a rich historical context.
Description:
The Burt Munro Challenge is a premier motorcycle event in Invercargill, New Zealand, celebrating the life and achievements of legendary motorcyclist Burt Munro. The event features various racing disciplines, including hill climbs, drag racing, beach racing, and superbike championships, showcasing a week of motorsports excitement.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Burt Munro Challenge
Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival
What to Expect:
Vintage aircraft and steam locomotive experiences.
Description:
The Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival transports visitors to an era of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. Vintage bi-planes and the 140-year-old Rogers K92 Steam Locomotive create a nostalgic atmosphere. The event features a nationally significant collection of de Havilland aircraft, many of which are restored and maintained by the Mandeville-based Croydon Aircraft Company.
Where: Mandeville | More Info: Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival
MLT Moonshine Trail
What to Expect:
Challenging off-road courses through scenic farm properties and bush tracks.
Description:
The MLT Moonshine Trail is a premier mountain bike and off-road run event held in Dolamore Park near Gore, featuring diverse running, biking, and E-bike events for all ages.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: MLT Moonshine Trail
Southern Field Days
What to Expect:
Showcase of cutting-edge rural technology and equipment.
Description:
Southern Field Days is a premier agricultural event showcasing the latest rural technology, equipment, and innovative ideas from around the world. Over 700 exhibitors will be on display across three days, featuring working demonstrations, live entertainment, and a variety of recreational activities.
Where: Winton | More Info: Southern Field Days
Men’s Muster Fiordland
What to Expect:
Transformative journey with engaging workshops and speakers.
Description:
Men’s Muster Fiordland is an empowering men's well-being event in Te Anau, featuring enriching activities, captivating speakers, and memorable experiences. It aims to help men explore and overcome life's challenges through engaging workshops and thought-provoking discussions.
Where: Te Anau | More Info: Men’s Muster Fiordland
George Begg Festival
What to Expect:
Retro motorsport event with vintage vehicles and classic car displays.
Description:
The George Begg Festival in Invercargill is a retro motorsport event celebrating classic cars and motorsport from the 1960s and 1970s. It features action-packed racing, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: George Begg Festival
Multicultural Food Festival
What to Expect:
Diverse global cuisine and cultural performances.
Description:
The Southland Multicultural Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of international flavors, featuring over 30 stalls offering diverse cuisines from around the world. Enjoy sumptuous fare, live entertainment, and cultural performances that showcase the region's growing diversity.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Multicultural Food Festival
Southland A&P Show
What to Expect:
Celebrating rural life with livestock, equestrian, and community activities.
Description:
The Southland A&P Show is a traditional event showcasing livestock, equestrian competitions, trade-site displays, and kids' activities. It celebrates the region's heritage and communities with diverse new activities and attractions.
Where: Invercargill | More Info: Southland A&P Show
Revitalize Music Festival
What to Expect:
Intimate music festival on an organic farm with holistic therapies and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Revitalize Music Festival is a small, intimate summer event at Mangapiri Downs Organic Stud Farm, featuring live music, food trucks, family-friendly play areas, walks, and animals. The festival celebrates organic farming and sustainability, with workshops on music, songwriting, farming practices, meditation, and more.