Central South Island Festivals & Events

January

World Buskers Festival
Buskers from around the world compete in Christchurch.
Akaroa Festival
Celebrating the arrival of French, German and English settlers, this event includes a wine and food festival.

February

International Garden City Festival of Flowers, Christchurch
Open gardens, tours, seminars and demonstrations.
Festival of Romance
A celebration of romance held in Christchurch.
Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition
Rakaia Garden Competition

March

Methven A & P Show
The region's farming community showcases its best produce.
Canterbury Adventure Festival
A region-wide event showcasing the numerous adventure options the central South Island offers.
Le Race
The South Island's longest cycle event from Cathedral Square in Christchurch to Akaroa.
Summer Times - Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks
Live classical music with the Christchurch Symphony.
Salmon Fishing Championships
Held at the Waitaku River.
The Endurance Race
A three day, 10 stage and four discipline race from Mount Cook to Christchurch.

April

May

Wheels Week in Ashburton
Celebrating wheels from vehicles through to spinning wheels.
Mount Hutt Ski Area opens
Mount Hutt Snow Festival
A winter sports festival that continues into June.

June

July

Christchurch Arts Festival
A celebration of performing arts that continues through to August.
NZ Canadian Moose Ice Hockey Competition
Held at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre, Christchurch.
NZ Film Festival
A selection of cinema highlights from around the world, including drama, documentaries and classic movies. Opens in Christchurch and continues into August.

August

Christchurch Arts Festival
Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival
A celebration of winter in Canterbury with snow sports events, floats, fireworks and games.
Christchurch International Jazz Festival
Conservation Week, Twizel
Grand International Racing Carnival
Steeples and hurdles racing at Christchurch's Addington Raceway.
Ben Ohau Highland Games
Highland Games on skis at Ohau Skifield.
NZ Film Festival

September

October

Kaikoura Seafest
A taste of produce from land and sea.
Mount Hutt Ski Area closes
Akaroa Spring Garden Festival
Open homes and gardens, workshops and flower shows.
Meridian Energy Aviemore Classic
Yacht racing on Lake Aviemore.
Meridian Energy Kayak Race
Held on Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel.
Gardenz
A garden show at Christchurch.
Waimate Shears
The annual shearing championships.

November

Southern Traverse
A marathon event involving walking, mountain biking and kayaking.
Canterbury Draught NZ Cup Meeting, Riccarton Park, Christchurch
Three days of high-class thoroughbred racing.
Santa Parade
Christchurch celebrates the festive season with floats and a parade.
The Rose Show
Held at Canterbury Horticultural Centre.
South Island Regional Gliding Championships
Held at Omarama.
Canterbury Show, Christchurch
The region's farmers show-off the best of their produce.

December

Modern Yacht Regatta
Held at Lyttelton.
Omarama Rodeo
Coca Cola Christmas in the Park
Open air musical extravaganza featuring Christmas carols and popular songs.
The Great Britten Boat Race
A boat race and river festival on the Avon River.
Waimate Strawberry Fare
Mackenzie Shears
An annual shearing competition held at Fairlie.
Waimate Rodeo

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