October is full spring, with longer evenings, gardens in bloom and the Labour Weekend long weekend on the fourth Monday of the month. It is also the start of the work Christmas function season, when group bookings pick up.
The events below return every October. Confirm dates with each organiser before you book.
Annual October events
Diwali festivals
Wellington's Diwali Festival of Lights is usually held in October on the waterfront, and the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival takes over Aotea Square and Queen Street in late October or early November. Both are free, family-friendly events with food, dance and fireworks.
Tauranga Arts Festival
Ten days of music, theatre, comedy and literature across Tauranga, running from late October into early November. The festival is now held every year.
Taranaki Garden Festival
Private and public gardens across Taranaki open to visitors for ten days from late October into early November, alongside the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival. Garden club coach tours are a long-standing tradition.
Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival
Runway shows, styling events and late-night shopping in central Christchurch in mid October.
Sculpture Festival, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Contemporary sculpture and object art in the Great Hall and North Quad of the Arts Centre, held in October.
October sport
- Auckland Marathon: from Devonport over the Harbour Bridge to Victoria Park, held in late October or early November.
- NPC rugby finals: usually in October.
- Cricket season: domestic and international cricket begins around the country.
Getting your group there
Big October 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 Labour Weekend?
Labour Day is the fourth Monday in October, making it the last long weekend before Christmas. Coaches book out quickly for this weekend.
Is the Auckland Diwali Festival free?
Yes. The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is a free event in central Auckland.
Book group transport for October 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.