Events Calendar - Bay of Islands, New Zealand
What's happening in the Bay..
Waitangi Day
6 February
Our nation's birthday, celebrated best at our nation's Birthplace. In recent years, a family festival of sport and culture during the days prior has set the tone for ever more celebratory events.
http://www.waitangi.net.nz/
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival
13, 14 & 15 May
Country Rock Festival is this year celebrating its 20th Anniversary! Each year the festival features more than 45 acts from New Zealand, Nashville and Australia performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features.
http://www.country-rock.co.nz/
Puff and Pull Carnival, Kawakawa
May
Annual community event with school and community teams competing to pull the vintage steam engine down Kawakawa's main street, plus sponsored walk, vintage car display and much more around the theme of steam and coal.
Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival
12, 13 & 14 August
Every year the Bay of Islands comes alive with the sounds of smooth jazz and sultry blues, as musicians gather from all over New Zealand for the annual Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival.
http://www.jazz-blues.co.nz/
it! Bay of Islands Festival
October
This is “it” - The event not to be missed. Love it! Cook it! Drink it! Bite it! Sing it! Catch it! This is it!! A successful recipe of fantastic food, wine, entertainment, fishing and friendly locals all mixed up together in the Bay of Islands.
http://paihianz.co.nz/it_festival/
Coastal Classics Yacht Race
October
The Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Devonport Wharf in Auckland, to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands. New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held annually at Labour weekend since its inception in 1982.
http://www.coastalclassic.co.nz/
Fullers Kerikeri Half Marathon
November
Picturesque rural Half Marathon course covering 21.1km from Okaihau to Kerikeri.
http://www.kerikerihalfmarathon.co.nz/
Paihia Christmas Parade
December
Magical parade with lots for the kids to do! Bouncy Castle, entertainment, food stalls, clowns. A prize for every kid that dresses up! And Santas famous lolly scramble.
New Years Eve Fireworks Extravaganza
31 December
Spectacular fireworks display at midnight in the Bay. A fantastic event with a great atmosphere to top off a night out on New Years Eve in Paihia. The fireworks are on a barge in the Bay and can be seen from Paihia, Russell, Haruru Falls and Opua. A sight not to be missed!
Tall Ships & Classic Invitation, Russell
January
The Tall Ships & Classic Invitation are 2 light-hearted races in the Bay of Islands celebrating the spectacle of sail.
Paihia Summer Family Fun Festival
January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week, Opua
January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week is an annual Yacht Racing Regatta.
