Autumn Events Guide

Remarkables Market

Every Saturday Until 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 until 19 April 2025. Mingle with locals to the tunes of live music or 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. 

Arrowtown Farmer's Market

Every Sunday Until 27 April 2025

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 until late April 2025. Find out more here.

Community Tree Planting

Saturday 12 April, Saturday 3 May 2025

The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust is holding a series of community tree planting days at their keystone sites throughout the Whakatipu Basin this autumn.

Community planting days are a great chance to head out to a beautiful location, get your hands dirty and enjoy a morning in the fresh air. You'll learn about New Zealand native plants, connect with locals and play an important role in helping to restore the biodiversity of the Whakatipu. 

No experience is needed, everyone is welcome and morning tea is provided. Find out more here. 

Whakatipu Music Festival

18 - 21 April 2025

Get ready for a loaded schedule of workshops and two-dozen excellent performances at the Whakatipu Music Festival.  

The festival showcases extraordinary music from international guests, Aotearoa’s leading musicians, emerging artists, and local talent. You will get to experience outstanding classical, jazz, singer-songwriting, broadway hits and more. Brought to life by locals in the community, the festival supports and stimulates the arts, cultural and events scene in the Queenstown region. 

Find out more about this exceptional event that has become an absolute treasure for the community here.

Arrowtown Autumn Festival

24 – 27 April 2025

The Arrowtown Autumn Festival provides a superb reason to get out and enjoy Arrowtown's beautiful autumn colours, sample local cuisine, partake in a workshop or even do some native tree planting. Each day of the festival brings a host of great events and workshops to this stunning historic gold mining town with something for the whole family.

Events such as the Bayleys Arrowtown Festival Parade, the ASB Market Day, the Mora Autumn Lunch and the Pie, Pint and Pinot are staple events of the yearly festival and are not to be missed. 

Explore the full programme of events here. 

New Zealand Golf Open

26 February – 1 March 2026

An iconic event on the New Zealand sporting calendar, the New Zealand Golf Open returns to Millbrook Resort in 2026 for the 105th edition. The tier-one event on the PGA Tours of Australasia has a unique Pro-Am format that brings together a prestigious blend of professional and amateur golfers.

Motatapu

7 March 2026

The iconic Motatapu returns on 7 March 2026 with four iconic races: the 47km Mountain Bike Race, 15km Miners Trail, 42km Off-Road Marathon and 52.5km Ultra Run. Held on one epic day, it is your one chance a year to experience the breathtaking high country terrain and traverse the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations between Wānaka and Queenstown. Don't miss out on this legendary race! Find out more here.

Get involved in local happenings 

These events are a great way to connect to the community and meet locals who share your passions this autumn.

Attend an exhibition or workshop at Te Atamira

Te Atamira is Queenstown's community arts and cultural hub offering a curated programme of exhibitions, displays, workshops classes, performances and events for all ages. Find out what's on this autumn.

Run Queenstown Parkrun

Join the free, weekly, non-competitive 5km event every Saturday in the Queenstown Gardens. Meet next to the band rotunda at 9am in winter or at 8am during Daylight Savings Time (October-April). Walk, jog, run, or volunteer – everyone is welcome and invited to join for a coffee at a local cafe afterwards. Find out more.

Catch live music at a local venue 

Local musicians hold regular live music events at many venues around Queenstown. Discover upcoming live music events.

Get competitive at a quiz night

If you're a trivia buff, you've come to the right place. Here’s a line-up of Queenstown pub quiz nights. Booking ahead is advised.

• Pig & Whistle Pub. Every Tuesday from 7pm.
• Local Queenstown. Every Tuesday from 7pm.
• Beech Tree. Every Wednesday from 7pm.
• Lokal Kitchen & Bar. Every Wednesday from 7pm.
• Morrison's Irish Pub. Every Thursday from 7pm.