September brings the first days of spring, the last weeks of the ski season and the spring school holidays at the end of the month. It is also when Wellington stages its most famous show.
The events below run every year. Confirm the exact dates before you book.
Annual September events
World of WearableArt Show, Wellington
The WOW Show runs for around three weeks from mid September into early October at the TSB Arena. It sells out quickly, and many visitors travel to Wellington in groups for it.
Alexandra Blossom Festival
New Zealand's longest-running community festival celebrates spring in Central Otago with a parade, carnival rides, markets and entertainment, held in late September.
Snow Machine, Queenstown
A ski and music festival with stages at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and evening shows in Queenstown, held in September.
South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival
A month of food events celebrating South Canterbury producers, held in September.
NZ International Film Festival
The festival finishes its regional tour in early September.
September sport
- Dunedin Marathon: held in September.
- North Shore Marathon, Auckland: held in early September.
- NPC rugby: finals approach in late September and October.
- Spring skiing: most Queenstown ski areas stay open into late September or early October.
Getting your group there
Big September 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 does the World of WearableArt Show run?
The WOW Show usually runs from mid September to early October at the TSB Arena in Wellington. Book tickets and transport early.
When are the spring school holidays?
The term 3 holidays usually start in late September and run for two weeks.
Book group transport for September 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.