Unique festivals NZ: 7 van-friendly events this year

When you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand road trip in a van, you want to double, triple, no, quadruple check that you’re hitting all the best sights. Mt Cook, got it. Queenstown, tick. Milford Sound, no brainer. But in between all the epic tourist attractions and unbelievable scenic wonders, you also want to hit the places where you’ll be totally immersed in the Kiwi culture. As it is all over the world, local festivals can be the best places to explore the unique corners of culture you’d otherwise miss, so here’s some we can’t wait to take our vans to this year.

Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations

Where: Ōamaru, North Otago When: 15-19 November 2023

Each November, the small coastal town of Ōamaru comes alive in a sophisticated wash of Victorian outfits, bustling markets atop cobbled streets, and penny farthings rolling down alleys. The Victorian Precinct in the heart of the town still retains the 19th century limestone buildings from its storied past, and it is here where the crowds gather to celebrate the history of the region. Try local foods and drinks, check out the exquisite arts and crafts, or simply parade through town in your best bodice and long skirt.

Wellington Jazz Festival

Where: Wellington When: 25-29 October 2023

There’s only one thing better than sitting in a cosy corner of a jazz bar, drink in hand while the trumpets and saxophones soothe your unwinding mind, and that’s four nights of internationally renowned jazz artists descending on Wellington. Each October the windy city plays host to some of the best jazz musicians from across the world in one incredible celebration of the funky genre. This year, don’t miss Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gogo Penguin, an incredible Amy Winehouse tribute, and a heap of other incredible artists as they aim to get you swinging over this unmissable week.

Taranaki Festival of Lights

Where: Pukekura Park, New Plymouth When: 16 December 2023 - 21 January 2024

Every summer, Pukekura Park in the picturesque seaside town of New Plymouth transforms into New Zealand’s biggest light show. With 16 kilometres of cable, 1200 light fittings and a host of amazing local and international musicians, you’ll have to add the North Island town to your summer road trip itinerary. Running all through the holidays, there’s plenty of time to catch either the Christmas celebration or the midsummer parties.

Auckland Diwali Festival

Where: Auckland When: 4-5 November 2023

The annual Diwali celebration in Auckland is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand, drawing over 60,000 people over the weekend. The traditional festival of prosperity is free to attend and offers dancing, puppet and theatre performances, workshops and a plethora of vegetarian food stalls. Translating to ‘festival of lights’, there will also be dazzling fireworks displays and a lightshow along Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Gintastic ****

Where: Blenheim, Marlborough When: 21 October 2023

You’re always bound to stumble across a local beer or wine festival as you travel across New Zealand, but if you’re of the more botanical persuasion, you’ll have to get yourself to the stunning Marlborough region to sample some of the top-rated gins being produced in the country. Pouring from 12-6pm, immerse yourself in the world of gin distilling alongside tasty food and live music played all day to get you up and dancing.

Vegan Vibes

Where: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty When: 21 October 2023

Gin not your thing? Prefer to learn about and celebrate all things holistic, vegan and earth-loving? Well you’re in luck, up on the North Island in Mount Maunganui you’ll come across the annual Vegan Vibes festival, a place to learn about living sustainably through talks, performances, workshops and exhibitions. All are welcome, meat-eater or no, to come and discover the benefits of living with the vegan ethos and learning how best to care for our environment and safeguard our future.

Sandringham Street Festival

Where: Auckland When: 28 October 2023

Finally, we’re swinging back up to Auckland for a good old fashioned street party. Sandringham Street Festival is an Auckland staple, bringing together the best of the region and offering travellers and locals alike an opportunity to try new experiences from a range of cultures. With food trucks, local stalls, amusement rides and live music, this is one people of all ages can enjoy.

New Zealand has so many cultural experiences to offer, and the best way to get there is in a Camplify van. Book today and start travelling tomorrow.