Summer’s in full swing and New Zealand’s food festival scene is buzzing! From wine celebrations to craft beer festivals and everything in between, the next two months offer great opportunities to discover local flavours and find the perfect excuse to send someone special a thoughtful gift.
Food Events Happening This Summer
January and February are packed with food experiences across the country. Here’s where you can discover local flavours and maybe even find inspiration for your next gift choice!
Auckland
- Takapuna Beach Summer Days (January 24): A free community festival at Takapuna Beach Reserve with live music and local hospitality. Pack a picnic or grab something delicious from nearby cafes.
- Auckland Spirits Festival (January 30 to February 1): Over 40 distillers from New Zealand and Australia take over The Cloud at Queens Wharf for unlimited tastings across four sessions. Food trucks keep everyone well fed between sips.
- Sunsetter Festival (January 31): This boutique waterfront festival returns to Windsor Reserve in Devonport with international and local acts, wines, craft beers, spirits, and street food vendors.
- BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival (February 26 to March 1): Manukau Sports Bowl hosts 110,000+ visitors across four nights with 500 handmade lanterns and 65 to 70 street food stalls serving Pan-Asian cuisines. Free entry.
Waikato
- Hobbiton Summer Harvest Festival (February 20 to 21): Experience a guided movie set tour followed by a harvest feast featuring artisan breads, NZ cheeses, and Hobbit-themed BBQ at the Green Dragon Inn.
Bay of Plenty
- Katikati Avo Fest (January 10): New Zealand’s avocado capital celebrates its favourite fruit at Uretara Domain. Headlined by Tami Neilson, you’ll find creative avocado dishes, chef demos, and family activities throughout the day.
- Local Wild Food Festival (February 21): Ōhope’s Mahy Reserve celebrates wild and foraged foods with seafood, venison, goat, puha, chef demos, cooking challenges, and live music.
Hawke’s Bay
- Bridge Pa Wine Festival (January 17): Nine wineries in Hawke’s Bay’s Bridge Pa Triangle open their doors for hop-on shuttle tours, food pairings, and live music at this 12th annual celebration.
- Outfield Music, Food & Arts Festival (January 31 to February 1): Te Awanga Downs hosts this two-day celebration featuring 35+ performers (Che Fu & The Kratez headline) alongside Hawke’s Bay’s finest food vendors.
- Te Awanga Wine Festival (February 14): Seven coastal wineries including Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate host this boutique celebration with shuttles, masterclasses, and views across the bay.
- Napier Art Deco Festival (February 19 to 22): New Zealand’s largest Art Deco event features themed dining experiences, speakeasy bars, food truck villages, and wine tastings throughout this four-day celebration.
Marlborough
- Picton Maritime Festival (January 16 to 17): The 21st edition of this free waterfront festival brings food stalls, craft vendors, and Saturday night fireworks to Picton’s foreshore over Wellington Anniversary weekend.
- Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (February 14): The 39th edition of New Zealand’s original wine festival brings 40+ wineries and 200+ wines to Renwick Domain. A Valentine’s Day tradition for wine lovers.
Canterbury
- Great Kiwi Beer Festival (January 31): Christchurch’s North Hagley Park welcomes 10,000 beer lovers for the 15th edition of this iconic festival. Over 35 breweries pour 300+ beers and ciders, with chef pairings in the Cooking Theatre.
- Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival (February 28): The 20th anniversary edition of this beloved festival celebrates local salmon, Central Otago wines, and craft beers beside Lake Ruataniwha.
Central Otago
- The Valley Festival (January 24): Gibbston’s newest wine and food festival debuts at The Church Cellar Door. Expect Mount Edward wines, Canyon Brewing craft beers, and Scapegrace cocktails in one of Central Otago’s most scenic settings.
- Gin Fest Arrowtown (February 7): Butlers Green transforms into gin paradise with 15+ distilleries showcasing their finest alongside gourmet Central Otago food, craft beer, wine, and cider.
Five Perfect Reasons to Send Gifts This Summer
January and February bring some wonderful occasions to show people you care. We’ve matched each moment with the perfect gift box to make your gesture extra special.
💕 Galentine’s Day (February 13th)
Before Valentine’s Day steals the spotlight, take a moment to celebrate the women in your life. Our Best Friend Gifts collection brings together treats that say “you’re amazing” without needing a romantic occasion.
Best Friend Gift Box
Show your bestie some love with a gift box filled with treats she’ll actually want. Wine, chocolate, and all the good stuff.
Perfect for the friend who’s always there when you need a chat or a wine.
❤️ Valentine’s Day (February 14th)
Skip the generic roses and give something that shows you really know them. Our Craft Chocolate Gift Box features artisan chocolatiers from across New Zealand who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations.
Craft Chocolate Gift Box
Craft chocolate gift box with a selection of locally made goodies for the discerning chocaholic.
Because saying “I love you” with premium local chocolate hits differently.
🇳🇿 Waitangi Day (February 6th)
Celebrate Aotearoa’s founding document with a gift that honours our unique heritage. Our Kai Māori Gift Box showcases indigenous ingredients and Māori-owned producers who are keeping traditional flavours alive.
Kai Māori Gift Box
Celebrate indigenous New Zealand ingredients with this gift box featuring products from Māori-owned businesses.
A meaningful way to honour our heritage while supporting Māori entrepreneurs.
💝 Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th)
Sometimes the most powerful gifts are the ones people don’t expect. Our Kia Ora Care Package is the perfect surprise for someone who could use a little reminder that they’re thought of.
Kia Ora Care Package
A thoughtful care package filled with local treats to brighten someone’s day.
For those moments when you just want to make someone smile.
🍷 Marlborough Anniversary Day (February 2nd)
This region has given us world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc, exceptional seafood, and some of the most passionate artisan makers in the country. Our Magnificent Marlborough Gift Box is like sending a love letter to one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions.
Magnificent Marlborough Gift Box
Celebrate Marlborough’s finest producers with this gift box featuring local wines, treats, and artisan goods.
Perfect for anyone with Marlborough connections or those who simply appreciate exceptional local craftsmanship.
Two Wine Festivals, One Perfect Day
Here’s something fun: Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, and two of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine festivals are happening on the same day. The 39th Marlborough Wine & Food Festival at Renwick Domain and the Te Awanga Wine Festival in Hawke’s Bay both kick off on February 14th.
Whether you’re planning a romantic wine-filled adventure or treating yourself to some well-deserved indulgence, it’s the perfect excuse to explore New Zealand’s wine regions. And if you can’t make it in person? Send a Wine Gift Box to someone who’d appreciate a taste of what they’re missing.
Looking Ahead to Easter…
We’re already working on something special for Easter 2026, and we can barely contain our excitement! Think local artisan chocolatiers creating seasonal masterpieces, autumn harvest flavours, and that special magic that makes Easter gift giving so meaningful.
Get first dibs when they launch and subscribe to our newsletter today.
