Remarkables Market

Every Saturday from 28 September 2024 - 19 April 2025

Find a fantastic selection of artisans selling crafts and gifts as well as a tasty selection of local produce at the weekly Remarkables Market, Saturdays 9am - 2pm through summer. Mingle with locals to the tunes of live music or laze in the sun and enjoy a picnic on the grass.

The Remarkables Market has a hefty goal of becoming New Zealand's first zero-waste market. Their handy mug library means you don't have to remember a reusable cup to help support their mission. Find out more about the Remarkables Market here

People walking through Remarkables marketThe Remarkables Market

Arrowtown Farmer's Market

Every Sunday mid-October - Easter

The Arrowtown Farmers’ Market is a seasonal, Sunday market held on the Library Green in historical Arrowtown, on the corner of Buckingham Street and Wiltshire Street. Here you'll find a range of local goods sold by the artists and artisans themselves. As well as fresh, delicious, locally-made food you can enjoy in the gorgeous park alongside the Library Green, or as you wander the nearby Arrow River Trail. 

These locally-loved markets run from 10am - 2pm every Sunday from Labour Weekend 2024 until Easter Weekend 2025. Find out more here.

 

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon

16 November 2024

The 'World’s Most Beautiful Marathon' incorporates 42.2km, 21km and 10km events and a 2.2km kids run option. The course takes in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region on mostly hard-packed cycle trails. Afterwards, celebrate your achievements at one of Queenstown's restaurants or bars. 

The event will be supporting Queenstown Trails, with a portion of your entry fee going towards a $30,000 donation to the charitable trust that helps maintain and develop trails throughout our region. There's also the option to add an additional personal contribution when registering. Find out more or secure your spot here.

Queenstown Marathon Runner on the Lower Shotover BridgeNew Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon

New Year's Eve Fireworks 2024 

31 December

Gather your friends and family to celebrate the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display, live music from local bands, and face painting for children at the Queenstown waterfront.

A New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Queenstown waterfontNew Year's Eve Fireworks Display

McGazza Memorial Festival

Dates to be confirmed

The McGazza Memorial Festival kicks off early next year (Dates TBC) with a jam-packed weekend to celebrate the legendary Kelly McGarry. The whole idea around the celebration is to live the weekend how he would live each day, action packed and high energy, in all his favourite riding spots. 

The line up includes the mass start Mega Train, Chainless race, Kids air bag jam, Dream jam, Gorge Road jam, and last but not least the McGazza memorial ride. 

Featuring the Gorge Road Jump Park and technical rides of Ben Lomond Trails, the festival showcases the world-class quality and variety of the Queenstown trails.

The festival aims to celebrate the local legend Kelly McGarry, bring awareness to the benefits biking offers Queenstown's people and community and raise funds for the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.

Whether you’re riding, volunteering or spectating, this is a summer event not to be missed. Keep an eye out for updates here.

Two mountain bikers getting air over a big jump in front of a crowd at the Queenstown Bike FestivalMcGazza Fest Party Train

Gibbston Valley Summer Concert

18 January 2025

Set against the iconic backdrop of Gibbston Valley Winery, the Gibbston Valley Queenstown Summer Concert is a sought-after event not to be missed on your summer concert calendar. The 2025 all-star, powerhouse bill will feature renowned artists: COLD CHISEL, ICEHOUSE, BIC RUNGA and EVERCLEAR in one mammoth anniversary celebration as Cold Chisel celebrate 50 years, Icehouse 45 years since their first New Zealand tour and the festival 15 years.

The event is wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated accessibility entry gate at the venue. Find more information, and tickets here.

Concert goers relaxing at the annual Gibbston Valley Summer ConcertGibbston Valley Summer Concert, credit: Neptune Entertainment & Still Vision

Gin Fest Arrowtown

1 February 2025

Indulge in gin tastings from up to 20 distilleries from all over New Zealand at the Gin Fest Arrowtown. Discover the unique flavours, craftsmanship and story behind each distillery. Complement your gin tasting experience with some delicious offerings from Central Otago's finest food vendors, featuring a variety of local and gourmet delights.

Whether you're a seasoned gin lover or new to the world of gin, the Gin Fest Arrowtown offers something for everyone. 

A group of people enjoying the Gin Festival ArrowtownGin Fest Arrowtown

New Zealand Golf Open

27 February - 2 March 2025

New Zealand’s premier golfing event is an iconic sporting event that is steeped in both history and drama, dating back to 1907. In 2025, the 104th edition of the New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort.

The tournament will include a field of up to 156 amateurs and 156 professionals playing alongside one another.  The professional golfers will compete for the New Zealand Open title whilst simultaneously, a pairing of one professional and one amateur will play a best-ball format for the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Championship.

Spectator entry to the New Zealand Open is free for all ages. Find out more here.  

New Zealand Golf Open MillbrookNZ Golf Open at Millbrook

Motatapu

1 March 2024

The iconic Motatapu off-road event will be held on 1 March 2025. It's your one chance a year to run, bike or walk through some of the most stunning high country terrain in New Zealand, with six different events to choose from over one epic day.

$5 from your entry fee will be donated to Queenstown Trails to help maintain and develop our trails. There's also the option to add a personal donation when registering. To find out more or to secure your spot, see here.

Runners in the Motatapu RaceMotatapu

Plan your Queenstown local experience

Stay a bit longer to experience all Queenstown has to offer this summer – find more ways to immerse yourself in Queenstown’s natural beauty and connect with the locals in our 6-day travel itinerary

As you explore Queenstown, share your experiences with us on Instagram by tagging #QueenstownLive.