What’s On Autumn 2026
From the high street to the hills, mark your calendars with our top picks.
Waiheke House Tour
12-13 March
Waiheke
Get ready to fall in love with Waiheke’s breathtaking blend of art, architecture and island charm. Explore a curated collection of stunning private homes set against sparkling coastal views while supporting the Waiheke Art Gallery’s creative community. waihekeartgallery.org.nz
Reflections
12-26 March
Auckland
Reflections marks fifty years of Parnell Gallery through the work of twelve artists with longstanding ties to the gallery. Conceived as a moment of pause rather than retrospect, the exhibition reflects on time, continuity, and artistic growth. Together, the works speak to the depth of sustained creative dialogue and enduring connection.
parnellgallery.co.nz
Balloons Over Waikato
21-28 March
Hamilton
Float into autumn with one of Aotearoa’s most magical gatherings, where a kaleidoscope of hot air balloons fill the sky with colour. As the week unfolds, enjoy hands-on activities for all ages and an unforgettable nightglow spectacle, live music and fireworks. balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz
CubaDupa
28-29 March
Wellington
Step into Pōneke’s colourful Cuba Quarter this autumn for CubaDupa, Wellington’s beloved free street festival where vibrant art, live music, theatre, dance and spontaneous performances transform the city into a buzzing creative playground. cubadupa.co.nz
National Jazz Festival
27 March – 6 April
Tauranga
Get swept up in the rhythm of the Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival with 11 days of world class jazz, soul and swing performances from local and international artists across iconic venues, outdoor stages, intimate gigs and lively street carnivals. jazz.org.nz
Warbirds Over Wānaka
3-5 April
Wānaka
It’s back, and lighting up the skies with a spectacular mix of historic war planes, modern fighter jets and precision aerobatics set against the stunning Southern Alps backdrop. With thrilling aerial displays, immersive aviation exhibits and family-friendly entertainment, this iconic Easter weekend event is an unforgettable celebration of flight, history and Kiwi hospitality. warbirdsoverwanaka.com
East Auckland Walkfest
1-30 April
Auckland
Discover East Auckland WalkFest this April, a month-long celebration of scenic trails that invites you to wander from golden beaches and lush wetlands to rolling countryside and charming town centres. The perfect autumn escape for nature lovers, curious explorers and anyone craving fresh air and beautiful views. eastaucklandtourism.co.nz/walkfest
Wild Dunedin Festival
10-19 April
Dunedin
This festival of nature is all about diving into Dunedin’s incredible wildlife. Join hands-on conservation activities and celebrate the wonder of native creatures and wild places. From record-breaking community events and live performances to nature walks, talks and immersive experiences, this is one for nature lovers and curious explorers. wilddunedin.nz
Flavours of Plenty Festival
16 April – 3 May
Bay of Plenty
Taste your way through the Flavours of Plenty Festival in the Coastal Bay of Plenty where more than two weeks of inventive dining events, chef challenges and foodie tours celebrate the region’s rich produce and bold culinary creativity. flavoursofplentyfestival.com
A Letter to Them
13-18 March
Auckland
Rachael Mayne paints the kind of work that makes you stop, breathe, and feel something before you’ve even worked out why. The Auckland-based artist is best known for her large-scale, expressive floral paintings that seem to hum with emotion. Thick, gestural brushstrokes and fearless colour choices create gardens that feel alive, shifting between softness and intensity, light and shadow.
Before committing fully to art, she spent 15 years working as a clinical psychologist; a background that quietly shapes everything she makes. Her paintings are not just beautiful objects, they are spaces for reflection, healing and emotional honesty. Her new exhibition, A Letter to Them, is her most personal body of work yet. Rather than telling literal stories, the paintings hold feeling. They honour the resilience, courage and vulnerability she witnessed in others, in the way beauty and pain so often sit side-by-side. These works feel bigger, braver, and more expansive, with new colour palettes and scale that invite you to step inside and linger.
A Letter to Them runs 13-18 March in conjunction with Turua Gallery at a soon to be announced secret location.
Hike for a Cure
28 March
Lake Hāwea
Hike for a Cure returns to the breathtaking Lake Hāwea Station on Saturday 28 March 2026, inviting people from across the country to step into nature for a powerful cause. This much loved fundraising event supports Breast Cancer Cure while offering an unforgettable day on private high country trails with views that stay with you long after the boots come off.The 2026 hike introduces an exciting new challenge with two iconic summits on offer, Breast Peak plus the tougher Breast Hill, giving walkers the choice to go as far as feels right for them. Whether you choose a gentle out and back stroll or push on for the full double summit, this event is about connection, confidence, fresh air and doing something meaningful together.Expect a warm welcoming base station buzzing with food, wine, laughter plus that unmistakable feel good energy that comes from moving for a cause that touches so many lives.With moderate to good fitness, a sense of adventure, plus a desire to make a difference, Hike for a Cure is the perfect reason to gather friends, lace up your boots, enjoy Lake Hāwea Station, then walk with purpose for women everywhere. breastcancercure.org.nz/hike-for-a-cure-lake-hawea-station
Parnell Art Gallery – Celebrating 50 Years
Auckland
