What’s on: February and March 2025 highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
Martinborough Fair
1 February & 1 March
Martinborough Square, Martinborough
The Martinborough Fair is held the first Saturday in February and first Saturday in March every year and has become a must-do event on the Wairarapa summer and autumn calendar.
From small beginnings, the fairs have grown into one of the largest craft and produce markets in the southern hemisphere. There is something for everyone – over 500 clothing, arts and crafts, plant, pet accessories, handcrafted furniture, jewellery and produce stalls are spread around the entire village shopping area and in among the trees of the picturesque Memorial Square.
Gourmet food is always a highlight at the fair – imagine West Coast whitebait fritters, Thai beef, the ever-popular potato rosti … there is something sweet or savoury to tempt the taste buds all day long.
The Martinborough Fair is owned by South Wairarapa Rotary and all proceeds are distributed to charities and organisations in South Wairarapa. martinboroughfair.org.nz
World Tennis Tour: Timaru
10–16 February, Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre, Timaru
Tennis buffs get ready! Some of the world’s most promising young players will be heading to the south in February when Timaru officially joins the international tennis circuit as it gears up to host part of the World Tennis Tour.
The southern Canterbury town will be hosting the event from the stunning Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre, overlooking the picturesque Caroline Bay, in the heart of Timaru. Organisers Tennis NZ have been blown away by the facility, labelling it the best in the country, year-round.
The professional tennis event for men and women has official ATP and WTA world-ranking points up for grabs, and a total prize pool of $100,000. tennis.kiwi/timaru
Local Wild Food Festival
22 February
Mahy Reserve, Ōhope Beach
Head to one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches for a wild taste of the region! The annual festival, held beneath pōhutukawa trees on the water’s edge of Ōhope beach, showcases food that has been foraged, grown, caught or hunted from wild and beautiful places nearby.
Tuck into food truck fare or tastings of local gin, truffles and slow-roasted possum. Pick up butchering skills, join a cooking challenge or just kick back and listen to the live music.
The Local Wild Food Festival is one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s most iconic events, celebrating abundant food found in the diverse natural environment and is a great day out for all. whakatane.com/local-wild-food-festival-2025
JANETTE CERVIN & DALENE MEIRING
In Bloom & Being
4–18 March, Parnell Gallery, Auckland
Janette Cervin and Dalene Meiring bring together unique perspectives of the natural world in an exhibition brimming with vibrancy and depth. Cervin’s layered resin techniques immerse viewers in a lush antipodean paradise, while Meiring’s expressive compositions reflect symbolic connections between flora, fauna and humanity.
Together, their works celebrate the intricate beauty and interconnectivity of nature. parnellgallery.co.nz
Wonderful Waiheke House Tour
6–7 March
Waiheke Island
Calling all lovers of grand design: book your tickets now to tour some special Waiheke homes featuring dramatic architecture and enviable artwork collections in one of the most beautiful places in the world – picturesque Waiheke Island. What better excuse to enjoy two days of art and architecture with a backdrop of stunning views. Each home in the tour is unique, with its own distinct personality and style.
Ticket options include a $95 self-drive; entry and bus ticket for $125, or add on a delicious light lunch at Casita Miro (Thurs) or The Heke (Fri) for an additional charge. All proceeds support Waiheke Community Art Gallery. Tickets are essential and always sell fast, so get in quick! waihekeartgallery.org.nz/events
Wānaka A&P Show
7–8 March
Wānaka Showgrounds & Pembroke Park
Get ready for an unforgettable Wānaka A&P Show! New for 2025 is the Local Larder, a hub where foodies can explore gourmet offerings from local producers, enjoy live cooking demonstrations by renowned chef Peter Gordon, dive into rural innovation and leadership at the Agri Exchange where we connect future thinkers, and enjoy the thrill of the Speed Shearing Competition.
They have also introduced zoning for easier shopping and navigation, as well as more relaxing picnic areas for all to enjoy.
With over 500+ stalls, there’s something for everyone to explore and discover. Plus of course all your favourites – rural demonstrations, livestock and home industry competitions, plus rides, food trucks, and the iconic Jack Russell Race. wanakashow.co.nz
Caroline Bay Rock and Hop
13–16 March
Caroline Bay, Timaru
This classic car show celebrating the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s is held at the beautiful Caroline Bay in Timaru and offers everything for the classic car lover – whether you own one or wished you did. At the Gala Day held on the Saturday the Show and Shine competition sees up to 1,000 vehicles park up, perfect and gleaming waiting for viewing and judging. There are more than 100 fantastic stalls to browse through, food and drink outlets plus entertainment, which includes music, rock and roll dancing, best dressed competition, fashion show and especially for the kids – a Scavenger Hunt with a new PlayStation up for grabs!
The Caroline Bay Rock and Hop Gala Day is a must-see-and-do event for the whole family in the middle of the South Island. carolinebayrockandhop.co.nz
Flavours of Plenty Festival
27 March – 13 April
Coastal Bay of Plenty, between Waihī Beach and Ōhope.
Enjoy 18 delicious days alongside the food creators, growers and educators of this plentiful region.
Find culinary trails and cooking classes, crayfish and inventive cocktails at more than 50 festival events, delivered by Tourism Bay of Plenty for the fourth year running.
This year’s ‘edible stories’ theme ensures ticketholders can experience kai from as far afield as Greece and India as chefs weave personal stories into their food. Taste a fairy tale. Tuck into a legend. Devour a myth. Meet a mother and son making dishes from their homeland.
Encounter baristas, bakers, distillers and fellow foodies at multi-course dinners, long lunches and breakfast tables along the coast. Offerings include plenty of family-friendly options, too.
And look out for cafés and restaurants participating in the popular Plates of Plenty Challenge, where eateries create a signature festival dish made using a mystery box full of locally produced goodies. flavoursofplentyfestival.com
Mansfield Park by Jonathan Dove & Alasdair Middleton

5, 6 April, Hanover Hall, Dunedin
Following its sellout Aotearoa debut in Auckland and Wellington in 2024, NZ Opera is thrilled to announce the return of the Waterperry Opera Festival production of delightful chamber opera Mansfield Park – a delicate dance of love, ambition and expectations.
Open the door to the hidden world of the Regency drawing room, as we dive into Jane Austen’s timeless tale of manners, marriage and money. This unique production offers an intimate musical experience that Austen herself would have relished. Starring an all-New Zealand cast, sung in English. nzopera.com