June is the first month of winter. The ski fields open, Fieldays draws huge crowds to the Waikato and, in some years, the Matariki public holiday falls at the end of the month.
These events come round every year. Confirm the exact dates for your year before you book.
Annual June events
Fieldays, Mystery Creek, Hamilton
The Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural event runs for four days in mid June at the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton. Car parks fill early and the roads in are slow, which is why farm groups, schools and businesses often travel together by coach.
Ski season opening
Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona usually open in mid June, snow permitting. Ski club trips and school snow camps start soon after.
Matariki
The Māori New Year is a public holiday that falls on a Friday in late June or July. Cities run Matariki festivals with light shows, kai and community events. In 2027 the holiday is on Friday 25 June.
Lōemis, Wellington
A winter festival of light, fire and performance in Wellington in June.
June sport
- Super Rugby Pacific play-offs and final: usually in June.
- Wellington Marathon: held in late June or early July around the harbour and Miramar Peninsula.
- International rugby: All Blacks home tests often begin in July, with tickets on sale well before.
Getting your group there
Big June 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
How do we get a group to Fieldays?
A private coach is the simplest option. We can pick up from your farm, office or school and drop off at the official bus parking area, then collect you at a set time.
When does the ski season start in New Zealand?
Most Queenstown and Wānaka ski areas aim to open in mid June, with exact dates depending on snow.
Book group transport for June 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.