Central Hawke's Bay - The Festival
04 Sep 2008 - 07 Sep 2008 - Hawkes Bay
A three day festival extravaganza of Arts in beautiful central Hawke's Bay.
The festival features traditional, garden art, digital art, designer jewellery, workshops and seminars.
LG FIS Snowboard World Cup Half Pipe
06 Sep 2008 - 07 Sep 2008 - Lake Wanaka
The event will feature some of the world's top snowboarding talent in the first event of the 2008-09 FIS World Cup calendar. Approximately 100 athletes are expected to compete in the event, which will take place on Cardrona's new 22-foot superpipe, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The crowds are guaranteed to be entertained by the creative mix of tricks, flips, back-to-back rotations and big air grabs throughout the competition.
In addition, the FIS Continental Cup Slopestyle on 3 September will be the only slopestyle event in the Southern Hemisphere to carry coveted FIS points, and is expected to attract a strong field of both domestic and international riders keen to improve their world rankings and for many of New Zealand's snowboarders it is a key event in the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
42 Below Cocktail World Cup
13 Sep 2008 - Queenstown
After a week of extreme cocktail making, teams of international bartenders shake it out on stage for the 2008 Cocktail World Cup title. 42 BELOW is bringing up to 60 international bartenders to Queenstown again for the 5th annual Cocktail World Cup. During the week, bartenders will be competing in various exteme cocktail making events, shaking their stuff in Queenstown's cocktail bars and preparing a cocktail for the Grand Final Event. This will be held at The Rec - there'll be a big stage, cocktails, food, music and lots more.
Air New Zealand Fashion Week
15 Sep 2008 - 21 Sep 2008 - Auckland
NZ Fashion week is an event like no other. A city is transformed and a nation inspired with an exhilarating mix of creativity, talent and multi-million dollar glamour when the stars of the New Zealand fashion industry take centre-stage.
Details of who you can expect to see on the runway and in the exhibition will be announced in July's media launch; with delegate registration opening soon after.
The 2007 Air New Zealand Fashion Week was branded the ‘best ever' with international VIP media and buyers raving about the wealth of local fashion design talent and designers themselves enjoying an exciting number of export opportunities.
And for the first time ever Air New Zealand Fashion Week is opening up the runway to Australian fashion designers and inviting them to show their latest designs as part of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Collections.
SCAPE 2008 Christchurch Biennial of Art in Public Space
19 Sep 2008 - 02 Nov 2008 - Christchurch-Canterbury
SCAPE 2008 puts Christchurch firmly on the international map with an impressive line up of artists showcasing new ways of creating and experiencing art in public space. Featuring more than 25 artists from 15 countries and presenting the most innovative and bold public art being made today; this year's biennial dares visitors to take a fresh look at Christchurch and the spaces within it. Visit over the opening weekend (19-21 Sep) and enjoy a range of lectures, artist talks, panel discussions and performances.
Davis Cup Tennis
21 Sep 2008 - Taranaki
The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas will be held over 3 days (19-21 September) at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth. Being the New Zealand vs China tie, it is the final of the Asia-Oceania Group II competition for 2008. A win will put New Zealand up to the level that Australia has played at in the Davis Cup Competition in 2008.
2008 Christchurch Antarctic Festival
26 Sep 2008 - 03 Oct 2008 - Christchurch - Canterbury
The Christchurch 2008 Antarctic Festival will celebrate the Kiwi connection to Antarctica with a series of movies, exhibitions and talks. Vivid imagery of the last great wilderness, tales of courage, of pride for the pioneers of the continent and showcasing the research on the ice are to be the highlights of the 2008 Christchurch Antarctic Festival.
Celebrating Christchurch's century-old connection to the wild continent, the Antarctic Festival seeks to pack in as much fun events and Antarctica-associated features from September 26 to October 3. The Antarctic Centre and Christchurch International Airport will be the hub of the Family Day on the September 27 week-end.
Hagglund pulling competitions, playing with huskies, sled rides and inspection of equipment used on the continent, including aircraft used as transport to and on Antarctica will feature at the Family Day. The aircraft and hangar tours are made possible with the partnership of Air New Zealand and its engineering section and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, as well as the US Air Force which is expected to showcase its C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter. Ice sculptures, treasure trails and ice sports demonstrations are added attractions.
Marlborough Sounds Festival - Water & Wilderness
26 Sep 2008 - 27 Oct 2008 - Marlborough
Come alive this Spring at the inaugural Water and Wilderness Festival, Marlborough Sounds. A festival designed to showcase this fantastic region, its produce, its nature and its inherent adventure. Discover wines, seafood, art, music and activities in the magical Marlborough Sounds.
Over five weekends, each with a unique focus there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Weekend 1, Water and Wilderness September 26-28, opening weekend is a party with music, wild foods, gourmet foods and wines from Marlborough's top producers.
Weekend 2, Sounds Adventure Challenge, 3-5 October, multi-adventure challenge of biking, seakayaking, walking and running on the world-class trails of the Marlborough Sounds.
Weekend 3, Sounds Seafood School, 10-12 October, with the assistance of a celebrity chef learn to cook alfresco.
Weekend 4, Creative Sounds, 17-19 October, inspirational weekend with abstract painter JS Parker.
Weekend 5, Spring in the Sounds, surrounding the annual Keneperu fishing competition over the labour weekend national holiday, festivities complete the event with Nairobi Jazz Trio, chef Leungo Lippe and Allan Scott Wines, it's a party with class.
Alexandra Blossom Festival
27 Sep 2008 - 04 Oct 2008 - Central Otago
Festival-lovers will be treated to one of the most extravagant displays of spring-time colour and blooms in Central Otago. Held for 17 days each September, the Alexandra Blossom Festival features over 30 events ranging from wool shearing competitions and fashion parade, dances, parades, arts & crafts and amusement rides to garden tours and cycling rides.
Attracting an average of 25,000 participants each year, the Blossom Festival is held when the town's fruit trees are in bloom. Festival-lovers will be treated to one of the most extravagant displays of spring-time colour and blooms in Central Otago.
Otago Festival of the Arts
03 Oct 2008 - 12 Oct 2008 - Dunedin - Coastal Otago
A two-week programme of music, theatre and dance, which combines national and international acts with the very best of Otago's local talent.
Celebrating a decade of indulgence in international and New Zealand performing arts, the fifth Otago Festival of the Arts features the excellent and the extra-ordinary in its flamboyant and impressive programme of music, opera, dance, theatre and literary performances. A total of 42 individual events will be on offer over 10 days. The Festival will debut four international acts never seen in the country before, premiere three New Zealand productions, stage two operas and host, arguably, the largest number of great New Zealand literary figures to ever be brought together in one city.
Kelt Capital Stakes Premier Raceday
04 Oct 2008 - Hawkes Bay
Bring your hats and frock up for a day at the Spring races! The $3.3 million Kelt Capital Spring Carnival is New Zealands richest racing event...
The Kelt Capital Stakes Premier Raceday is New Zealand's richest raceday and features two of New Zealand racing's most high profile events. The Bay Ford NZ Punter of the Year takes place on the Kelt Capital Stakes Premier raceday, or for the young in years and the young at heart it's party time in racing most retro venue, the Club Festivus Lounge. You can strut your stuff on the catwalk in the Fashion in the Field, enjoy fine dining, exquisite wines and prime trackside viewing from the "Marquee City" situated right alongside Hawke's Bay Racing's premier turf, take in the comfort of the Hylton-Smith (Members) Stand or simply enjoy the action from the Champagne lawn area.
Akaroa French Festival
10 Oct 2008 - 11 Oct 2008 - Christchurch - Canterbury
The Akaroa French Festival is a celebration of all things French and the settlement of the small seaside community of Akaroa in Bank Pensinsula. Experience everything french from food, wine, petanque, the french markets and the Cirque d'akaroa - A spectacular French-themed circus to delight and amaze you.
Nelson Arts Festival
16 Oct 2008 - 27 Oct 2008 - Nelson
Twelve days of top national and international theatre, dance, cabaret, music and talks, packed around Labour Weekend. In Nelson we welcome the spring with an explosion of creativity. For 13 years the Nelson Arts Festival has offered Nelsonians and visitors twelve days of top national and international theatre, dance, cabaret, music and talks. This year's festival opens on October 17 with the Port Nelson Masked Parade, where over 4000 children throng the city streets.
The festival continues with an exhibition of contemporary art installations, and performances that include Joe Bennett's circus comedy The Butler, flamenco dance, some of New Zealand's rising contemporary music stars and international shows including the physical comedy Tricicle from Spain.
ASB Queenstown JazzFest
18 Oct 2008 - 27 Oct 2008 - Queenstown
It's Queenstown's major springtime event, a 10-day programme of live music from October 18 to 27 showcasing a breadth of jazz styles from around New Zealand and the world.
More than 50 bands and 200 performers inspire and entertain through a programme of 80 free events, premium ticketed headline concerts, free workshops from leading jazz exponents, and master classes taught by top international tutors.
The live music extravaganza in ‘God's amphitheatre' sees jazz, and jazz-influenced styles, made accessible to everyone, young and old. It's about quality music and entertainment ranging from traditional jazz to the blues, from jazz rock to soul or fusion and hip hop.
By attracting leading exponents of all forms of music to New Zealand's beautiful resort town, and then packaging their performances into concerts and themed events in downtown Queenstown or amongst the vines in Gibbston Valley, the festival delivers a unique experience for everyone to enjoy.
Each year the calibre of artists and performances sets a new benchmark for the event, with the majority of ticketed events a sellout.
Up and coming young musicians are given their chance to star through the AJ Hackett Bungy Jumpstart youth jazz competition, open to young musicians from around the country. The winner of the solo section will head to Aspen to develop new skills and improve their musicianship.
Queenstown International Film Festival
23 Oct 2008 - 05 Nov 2008 - Queenstown
The 32nd Queenstown International Film Festival will run from October 23 - November 5, 2008. Following the Dunedin and Christchurch festivals, a selection of up to thirty films will travel to twelve provincial cities, including Queenstown.
The Festival has a long tradition of bringing the world of film to New Zealanders while at the same time supporting New Zealand filmmakers. Categories in the festival include favourites from international festivals, selections of the best international films from the past year, first and second time directors, documentaries, music and dance films, classics from the past, animation and the incredibly strange, all of which showcase the depth and variety of contemporary world cinema. A number of short films are screened alongside the feature films, adding to the programmes.
Adidas Auckland Marathon
02 Nov 2008 - Auckland
The adidas Auckland Marathon is iconic on the New Zealand running calendar and is fast gaining an international reputation. The adidas Auckland Marathon has four events: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5km Walk. The Marathon and Half Marathon events run over the Auckland Harbour Bridge - an experience within itself.
Join over 11,000 other entrants in a day of entertainment, fun and achievement finishing with the ‘Party in the Park' within the corporate marquee village.
Hunter's Garden Marlborough
05 Nov 2008 - 10 Nov 2008 - Marlborough
Hunter's Garden Marlborough is New Zealand's premier garden event and is sponsored by Hunter's Wines Ltd. This five day festival showcases the finest gardens in the district. Guided tours take you through private gardens along waterways that make up the Sounds and through secluded town and country gardens from ridge top to valley.
World renowned and local experts on gardening are invited to speak at seminars on everything form growing your own vegetables to planning your garden.
Socialise at our Garden Party in glorious surroundings and indulge your passion at our annual art auction. Shop till you drop at the Garden Fête and eat at some of our fine cafés and restaurants. Above all come and enjoy the warmth and generosity of the people who live in this glorious corner of the world.
New Zealand Cup and Show Week
07 Nov 2008 - 16 Nov 2008 - Christchurch - Canterbury
A unique time in Christchurch when racing, fashion, food and local lifestyles converge to create a festival atmosphere that is High Action, High Energy, High Stakes...
A ‘must do' on New Zealand's social calendar - head to the heart of the Mainland to celebrate the 2008 New Zealand Cup and Show Week. It's a unique time in Christchurch when racing, fashion, food and local lifestyles converge to create a festival atmosphere that is high action, high energy and high stakes.
Stroke & Stride #1
12 Nov 2008 - Auckland
The Stroke & Stride Series is the world's most popular SWIMRUN series held in Auckland each summer. The Series enables participants to enjoy a regular form of healthy, outdoor exercise progressing through the summer months and makes the most of the city's magnificent harbour and beaches.
The Stroke & Stride is now in its 20th season and annually attracts thousands of local residents and visitors to the city. Each event involves a sea swim in the sparkling Waitemata Harbour followed by a road run on Auckland's waterfront. All events are over distances that are achievable by the general population and at the same time offering excellent competition for the top athletes.
All entrants are in the draw to win the $50,000 in prizes including more than $35,000 prize money for the fastest competitors.
Royal New Zealand Show
12 Nov 2008 - 14 Nov 2008 - Christchurch - Canterbury
When Country Comes to Town..three days of indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature marquees and pavilions showcasing the very best of New Zealand... Over 117,000 visitors in just three days, indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature marquees and pavilions, showcasing the very best of New Zealand farming and rural life, top entertainment and attractions. Bringing the country to town. Held at Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram Road, Christchurch.
International Rodeo
15 Nov 2008 - Christchurch - Canterbury
Saddle up ladies and gentlemen because November 15th 2008 will once again see Christchurch's Westpac Arena filled with Cowboys, Cowgirls, Bulls, Horses and clowns.
Held as the finale to Canterbury's Cup & Show Week the 2008 International Rodeo is shaping up to be bigger than ever before with cowboys from the USA, Canada, Brazil and Australia battling the Kiwis for rodeo domination.
The 2008 International Rodeo will feature four rodeo disciplines: bull ride, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, and an exciting cowgirl barrel racing challenge.
Spectators will be on the edge of their seats when 39 of the world's best cowboys and cowgirls gather in Christchurch during Cup & Show week for the biggest stand-off between man and beast ever staged in New Zealand.
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