Bay of Island & beyond...
Events
The traditional events in the Bay of Islands that take place year-in year-out are featured here.
If you are looking for SUMMER SEASON 2012-2013 EVENTS you know what to do (click the link! It'll take you to a dedicated page).
This is an opportunity for community groups and non-profit organisations to promote their events: if you want add something special as a one off event, get in touch and we'll see how we can help you promote it.
January
Paihia Summer Family Fun Festival
Free summer fun for families! Enjoy 7-10 days of free fun events such as classic games, pavement drawings, scavenger hunts and sandcastle building for kids and families with about 15-20 events on the village green and in and around Paihia's waterfront.
Tall Ships Race
This annual event happens on the 5th of January 2013 - this is a spectacle of sail and a light-hearted race of classic vessels. The race is followed by a prizegiving and traditional hangi at the Russell Boat Club, with two bands and lots of dancing until late. To see photos by Stephen Western of this year's event visit www.bayofislandsblog.co.nz.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Three days of competitive yacht racing in the Bay of Islands held annually in January. This regatte attracts yachties from around New Zealand and overseas. There are eleven divisions, plenty of social events, a beautiful location, warm weather and awesome prizes. To follow the action, log on to Facebook and follow the "unofficial" Bay of Islands Sailing Week profile.
February
Waitangi Day (6 Feb)
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 this celebratory occasion. The Waitangi Festival kicks off on 5 Feb 2013 - find the programme on the Waitangi Treaty Ground's Facebook page.
Ocean & Orchard Festival
April
Cape Brett Challenge (27 April)
A choice of three stunning off-road runs in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
- Classic 37km run (takes in the iconic lighthouse - the toughest race in the north!)
- Whangamumu 17km run
- Kauri Ridge 10km run or walk
Entries now open - visit the website for entry forms and Cape Brett Challenge on Facebook for more information.
May
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival (10-12 May 2013)
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship. Each year the festival features more than 34 acts from New Zealand, Nashville and Australia performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features. You pay $50 and we give you more than 50 bands to watch perform over the three days of the festival. Contact Shirley May 09 404 0163.
Kawakawa Puff and Pull Carnival (awaiting 2013 date)
The great Puff and Pull Carnival in Kawakawa is always a cracker of an event! Sponsored events and team competitions, with trophies up for grabs.
Johnson Park activities comprise school dance and music performances, bouncy castle and various stalls and refreshments.
Paihia Fun Walk (12 May 2013)
Part of the Run/Walk Series organized by Sport Northland. Both the 8km run and the 6km walk distances start on Marsden Road (adjacent the Paihia Village Green and on through the beautiful Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Lots of great spot prizes. Phone: 09 437 9600 Email: sportnorth@sportnorth.co.nz / www.runwalkseries.co.nz
June
Tell us what's going on in June 2013! Send us your events and we'll include them here.
July
Russell Birdman Festival (dates to be confirmed for 2013!)
Three days of wacky fun to be had by kids and grown ups! There are plenty of prizes to be won as we have 11 events for all ages! Spaghetti Eating, Beach Dig, Drag Race, Musical Chairs, Cook off, and the Birdman Jump.
As much as we talk about competitiveness the Birdman Festival is all about fun. Visit www.russellbirdman.co.nz to find out more.
August
Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival (9-11 August 2013)
September
Rumour has it that the Russell oyster festival will be back for 2013! We await with anticipation...
Russell to Paihia Snorkel Scuba Race
October
Coastal Classic (Friday 20 October 2013)
NZ's premier fleet yacht race from Auckland to Russell. The HSBC Premier Coastal Classic is one of the world's iconic yacht races, spanning 119 nautical miles from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Held annually each Labour Weekend since 1982, the race begins at Devonport Wharf and finishes at Russell Wharf.
it! Bay of Islands Festival (date to be confirmed for 2013)
Russell Annual Flower Show
Held in the town hall each year, a great way to spend the day. Stalls on the village green. This year we have a scarecrow competition for the kids. Bake your own lemon cake and bread to enter in a competition too.
November
State Paihia Classic Ocean Swim
Dates for 2013 to be confirmed, but visit their website to find out what it's all about. Have YOU got what it takes?!
Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon (Sat 16 Nov 2013)
The Kerikeri Half Marathon is a predominantly downhill run from Okaihau to Kerikeri. Also part of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series. Some information online here.
The Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show
Northland’s leading food & wine festival combine at the Waimate North Show Grounds to stage a great day’s entertainment for all ages. Traditional events include equestrian, livestock and indoor hall competitions, demonstrations, trade exhibitors and live entertainment for adults and children.
December
Paihia Christmas Parade
Magical parade with lots for the kids to do! Bouncy Castle, entertainment, food stalls, clowns. A prize for every kid that dresses up! And Santa's famous lolly scramble.
New Year's 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 Year's Eve in Paihia. The fireworks are on a barge in the Bay and can be seen from Paihia, Russell, Haruru Falls and Opua.
Markets
Paihia and Kerikeri Farmer's Market: buy fresh food, grown or produced within a defined local region, direct from the grower or producer. Buy it fresh from their gate to your plate. Every Thursday at the Paihia Village Green. Starts at 2pm, ends at 5.30pm. Every Sunday morning in Kerikeri until midday.
To add community events to this list just send us the details and we'll do our best to promote them for you!
