Iconic Events in The Coromandel

The Coromandel region is host to numerous events throughout the year. Plan ahead to book accommodation for these annual events that have become iconic in The Coromandel Events Calendar. Check out the lineup of annual events below.

A full list of events throughout The Coromandel can be found here

JANUARY

Keltic Fair    
One of New Zealand’s most successful fairs and the highlight of The Coromandel holiday season. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, kids rides, food & a world of arts, crafts and great value shopping.

Tairua Wine and Food Festival
A huge celebration of food, wine, arts and crafts. The Tairua Wine and Food Festival is a ritual amongst holidaymakers in the Tairua and Pauanui area.

FEBRUARY

Paeroa Battle of the Streets
17 races of Motorcycling Mayhem! The Battle of the Street’s is an institution in Paeroa. Check out New Zealand’s top riders as they tear up the street circuit set through central Paeroa.

Highland Games & Tattoo
The Sounds & Soul of Scotland returns to Paeroa for the annual Highland Games! Whether there’s a bit of Scot in you or not, this is a great day of entertainment in the picturesque Paeroa Domain.

Leadfoot Festival
The Leadfoot Festival is a unique weekend bringing together a mix of classic cars, vintage motorcycles and motorsport legends. Limited tickets will be offered to the general public with an invitation to Rod Millen’s private grounds at Leadfoot Ranch.

MARCH

Paeroa Wine and Food Festival
Sample boutique wines, specialty beers and tasty food while listening to live music.

Moehau Multisport Race
New Zealand’s most spectacular multi sport event! One of the most scenic and challenging multisport races on the calendar.

Thames Heritage Week
Focusing on yesteryear with a lineup of events for all. A week of old fashion fun for the whole family.

Mercury Bay Art Escape
The Mercury Bay Art Escape is a self-drive tour of artists’ studios and galleries in the beautiful Tairua - Mercury Bay area of The Coromandel.

Whangamata Beach Hop
Held in the popular seaside holiday resort of Whangamata, the five day festival celebrates the music, culture, fashion, music, hot rods, motorbikes, dancing, dragsters and scooters of this golden era.

Colville Connection
‘Le’Originale’ - Coromandel’s original mountain bike event; circumnavigates the northernmost tip of The Coromandel.

Surf 2 Firth Marathon
The Surf 2 Firth Bush marathon has been described as the most technically challenging marathon in New Zealand and gives runners the opportunity to run from one side of The Coromandel to the other.

APRIL

Echo Walking Festival
The Echo Walking Festival is about experiencing the fantastic walks that The Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges have to offer, with experienced guides.

The Nugget Multisport Festival
The Nugget Multisport event will take you on an unforgettable adventure from the coast at Waihi Beach to the rim of the mighty Martha Mine and the spectacular finish line in Waihi.

Coromandel Arts Tour
For two weekends in April, over 30 artists from around Coromandel Town will open their studios and invite you in. 

MAY

The Blast Waihi
Awesome off-road courses will appeal to those who like to get dirty on the weekend. There are short and long options for all levels of fitness and ability.

JUNE

Illume: Winter Festival of Light
Come and celebrate Coromandel Town’s Winter Wonderland at the annual Winter Light Festival.

Monteiths Wild Food Competition
Restaurants in The Coromandel and throughout New Zealand compete with a variety of dishes to match the range of Monteiths beers.

JULY

The Bounty Hunter
Get your fishing gear ready in the winter to catch the big game around The Coromandel for a chance to win cash prizes.

AUGUST

Coromandel Classic
A two-day multisport challenge traversing both coasts of the central Coromandel, including mountain and road biking, trail running and kayaking.

SEPTEMBER

Paeroa Antiques
Revisit the days of old in a town that is renowned for being world famous in New Zealand.

Whitianga Scallop Festival
The Whitianga Scallop Festival, New Zealand’s best seafood festival, showcases a collection of the finest seafood, scenery and sounds New Zealand can muster into one venue.

Whangamata Run Walk Festival
A popular event with a great range of distances, all based out of one of New Zealand’s favourite seaside destinations.

OCTOBER

Waihi Gold Fest
Waihi Gold Fest is an institution in Waihi; a month long programme of workshops and entertainment with something to suit everyone.

Ngatea Garage Sale    
"New Zealand’s Biggest Garage Sale”, this event is held annually, on the Saturday before Labour Weekend.

Brits at the Beach
Brits at the Beach is a three day celebration of all things British, including cars, bikes, food, fashion, music, culture, dance, planes and loads more...

Xterra Trail Run Karangahake
Big on fun, in a casual, low-key environment, the Xterra Challenge is open to off-road trail running enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and levels of keenness! You’ll have a blast!

NOVEMBER

K2 Cycle Race
K2 is the toughest one day cycle challenge in the Southern Hemisphere. A scenic ride travelling through sub tropical forest, pacific coastlines, rural farmland and Pohutukawa coastline.

Coromandel Dive Festival
Come and explore the underwater world of the Mercury Bay, the Mercury Islands and Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve; a weekend full of underwater activities.

Maratoto Challenge
A challenging off road mountain biking and trail running race which takes in stunning terrain through the Southern Coromandel.

The Great Kauri Run
This off road run takes competitors from Waikawau Farm Park, up and along the Central divide and into the township of Coromandel Town.

Pohutukawa Wearable Arts
Contestants from home and far afield celebrate their truly amazing creations and share them with you at the annual Pohutukawa Wearable Arts.

Thames Art Festival    
This annual arty-party opens up Thames’ doors for a seaside summer & is a great way to end the year.

Pohutukawa Festival
Launch into summer with The Coromandel. A variety of events throughout The Coromandel including the annual Dive Festival, Wearable Arts and Thames Festival of Arts.

Don't forget to check out a full list of other events in The Coromandel.