August is the last full month of winter and a great time for food, beer and snow. Wellington runs New Zealand's largest food festival for the whole month, and the Queenstown ski fields are usually at their best.
The events below come back every August. Confirm dates with each organiser before you book.
Annual August events
Visa Wellington on a Plate
More than 200 Wellington venues take part across the whole of August, with ticketed food events and the Burger Wellington competition. Group dinners during the festival are popular, so book tables early.
Beervana, Wellington
New Zealand's biggest craft beer festival is held over two days in August at Sky Stadium. A booked coach home is the sensible option for any group.
WORD Christchurch Festival
A readers and writers festival in Christchurch with author talks, events for young people and family days, held in August.
Winter Pride, Queenstown
The Southern Hemisphere's largest winter pride festival usually runs from late August into early September, with on-mountain days and evening events. It took a break in 2026 and plans to return in 2027.
NZ International Film Festival
After opening in Auckland in late July, the film festival screens in Wellington, Christchurch and other centres through August.
August sport
- Winter Games NZ: in event years, international ski and snowboard competitions are held at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona in late August and September.
- NPC rugby: provincial rugby is played most weekends from August to October.
- Peak ski season: the best snow in Queenstown, Wānaka and Canterbury is often in August.
Getting your group there
Big August events bring road closures, limited parking and long taxi queues at the end of the night. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together, gets you to the official drop-off zone and takes everyone home at a set time.
- Book early for long weekends and the biggest festivals, as coaches in the host town are often fully booked weeks ahead.
- Check the event's transport page for the bus drop-off point before you confirm pick-up times.
- Allow extra time after the last act or final whistle for crowds to clear.
- For multi-day festivals, ask about a return trip on each day or a single drop-off and pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
When is Wellington on a Plate?
Visa Wellington on a Plate runs for the whole of August, with Burger Wellington running for around three weeks within the festival.
Is Beervana suitable for corporate groups?
Yes, it is a popular work social. A pre-booked coach makes the trip home simple for everyone.
Book group transport for August events
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form, and we will come back with options.