Rich history, culture and heritage combined with heaps of attractions, adventures and events, New Zealand lives up to its reputation as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. In case you are planning a New Year Trip to the land of Kiwis, choose New Zealand bus charter to access these event destinations.

Beast of a Feast

The hottest craft beer and food festival in Mount Maunganui is back in 2018, with an extensive line-up of top food vendors and breweries in New Zealand gathering to put up a feast for you. It is an ideal setting to get started with the New Year, with exciting competitions like “The Great Pickle Eating Competition’ and ‘The Beer Affair’ held on the 4^th of January. Sit back and enjoy the entertainment as you witness a variety of of musical shows coupled with comedy, rainbow pop and dance, jazz fusions and brass section bands. There’s something to suit every taste and style!

Mount Summer Carnival

Mount Summer Carnival is returning this year on the 6^th of January, where you can enjoy Carnival Games, Candy Floss, Hot Dogs, Turbo Boost, Ferris Wheel, Hurricane and the Dodgem Cars. Some of the new rides include the highly anticipated Awesome Gravitron and the high seas with the Pirates of the Pacific. Enjoy a wild ride with the Super Pass, offering you unlimited rides, except on the Turbo boost.

Kete-Puāwai – Basket of Evolution

Hidden meanings and symbolism is what Maori weaving is all about, and you can witness the truest essence of this at the Tairawhiti Museum on the 20th of January. It embodies the spiritual values of Maori people and Te-whare-pora, carrying the wisdom and knowledge of ancestors. There are three baskets of knowledge, including that of raranga, Te-kete-aronui, the basket of progression. Puawai refers to the progress of Te-whare-pora from the history and its present continual growth. The exhibition is a tribute to the weavers of the past as well as present.

Auckland Live Summer In the Square: Latin Fiesta Weekend

From 12^th to 14^th of January, a couple of big stages will be packed with Latin celebrations, dance and music, along with delectable food on offer. Head straight to the Aotea Square to feel the beats and rhythms of Ernesto Zuñiga and his band, letting you indulge in a high-octane Cuban tradition. Make your way to the rocking dance floor, which will transport you to a world of Matecito sounds, while also experiencing the original sounds of a Mexican mariachi band. This is certainly one of those weekends you just cannot afford to miss.

Auckland Night Market

Auckland Night Market is one of the most popular events in New Zealand, with scrumptious street food and delectable treats on offer. Ever since its inception in 2011, the market has expanded its base to 6 different locations. With plenty of interesting sights, smells, fashion and food, the market has an appeal to all age groups. The undercover location makes it an ideal event for all sorts of weather. Kids can indulge in watching performances, hearing live music and experience the best of culture. Dance troupes and magicians will also put on their show.

Jimmy Carr In Claudeland Arena

On the 17^th of January, a world-class comedian, Jimmy Carr will be taking the stage at the Claudeland Arena, with his prolific joke telling abilities on display. With 15 years of experience, he carries a huge reputation in gathering the best selection of jokes for the ultimate show. He has devoted his life to crafting some masterpieces that will give you serious stomach pain. It’s going to be an unparalleled night of entertainment with lots of laughter. He has been a stand-up comedian for a long time now, playing over 2000 shows to more than 2 million people.

Soundsplash Festival

The Soundsplash festival is returning to Wainui Reserve, this January on the 19^th, set against an impressive coastal view of the Ngarunui Beach. It is an ideal location to experience something as big as this. The environment friendly site features a main stage, at the base of an incredible amphitheatre, with plenty of space to sit and enjoy. This is a family-friendly festival full of kids and chill zones, informative workshops, a range of market stalls and several stages.  It has everything you want to experience in a typical Kiwi summer.

Fat Freddy’s Drop

On the 20^th of January, the Villa Maria Estate Winery will be hosting the Fat Freddy’s Drop, with a curated line-up, including the likes of Norman Jay MBE from London and Hiatus Kaiyote from Melbourne. This will be the first time they will be playing on home soil, after they sold out headlining shows earlier in 2017. This is a great opportunity to catch some of the songs from their new album, a couple of which they have already road tested on an astonishing tour to Europe and England.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market  

Looking to buy fresh produce that has been picked, farmed and made by regional people? Visit the Marlborough Farmers Market on the 17^th of December to grab some great prices and bargains. A huge variety of fresh vegetables and fruits will be put on sale, including bread, game meats, fish, flowers, plants, nuts, coffee, raw foods, honey, jams, olive oil, eggs and organic items. Some of the kids activities include face painting, giant Jenga, swing ball and colouring.

Garden’s Magic 2018

Experience the best and brightest of Aotearoa sounds, as you fill your summer nights with an iconic concert series in Wellington, starting 25^th of January.  The gardens will turn into a miraculous light display, and you have to make sure that you arrive in early to get a good picnic spot. Keep checking out the FB page to make sure the event is all heads up, unless weather plays a spoilsport.

If you are travelling with a group of friends to any of these events, consider hiring bus charter in New Zealand for a convenient ride. Not only do you get a chance to travel together, but you will also save on expenses!