8 GREAT

NOTE:

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, at the time of print we are uncertain whether the events listed go ahead on the dates noted. Please visit the websites included for updates and postponements.

8 GREAT SPRING FESTIVALS

Looking for a little fun to brighten up your spring? We’ve found some seasonal celebrations to help you do just that.

HASTINGS BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: 11 SEPTEMBER

Be a part of the festivities in Hastings. The Blossom Festival takes place on Russell Street South, at the Hastings Clock Tower from 10am to 2.30pm. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Transport to Delight!’ There will be live entertainment in Albert Square from 10am, with the parade kicking off at 11am, followed by a prizegiving and more live entertainment from 12.45pm. facebook.com/ HastingsBlossomParade

CARTERTON DAFFODIL FESTIVAL: 12 SEPTEMBER

The Carterton Daffodil Festival is back for 2021! In the heart of the Wairarapa, this popular gala is the perfect way to brighten up your year. Events include daffodil picking, Daffodil Express steam train rides, street markets and an art sale. The market stalls will be set up in the town centre, a short walk from the railway station. Free shuttle buses will run from the town centre to the daffodil fields, where, for a donation to local charities, you can pick your own flowers. facebook.com/CartertonDaffodilFestival

DOMINION RD MOON FESTIVAL: 17–18 SEPTEMBER

Dominion Road in Auckland is welcoming the new season with its very own festival. The Moon Festival is celebrated by East and South East Asian communities. It’s a time for family and friends to unite in harmony and happiness – spending time together and enjoying the beauty of the full moon. The event covers three venues at the intersection of Dominion and Balmoral roads – Potters Park, the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, and the ex-Warehouse car park. A range of Asian cultures are on display, with an infusion of diverse ethnic representations through dance and performances, arts and craft, food and interactive light displays. drdmfest.org.nz

KAIKŌURA BEACH HOP: 15–19 SEPTEMBER

Taking place over five fantastic days, the Kaikōura Beach Hop is the perfect way to shake off those winter blues. It’s one of the biggest car shows in the South Island and is now in its 11th year. There’s something for everyone this year, including a quiz night, poker run, drivein movie, food stalls and bar, helicopter rides, Marilyn Monroe competition, rock ‘n’ roll dancing, markets and trade stalls. kaikourahop.co.nz

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WELLINGTON GARDENS FESTIVAL: 25 SEPTEMBER–3 OCTOBER

Stop and smell the flowers, and welcome the season of new beginnings where fresh buds bloom and come to life. This annual event is a riot of colour and vibrancy, and will feature guided walks, workshops, entertainments and – the star attraction – thousands of blooming tulips. wellingtongardens.nz/events/springfestival

HAWKE’S BAY SPRING FLING: SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

You can’t beat spring in Central Hawke’s Bay, especially when the Spring Fling is on! It’s a wonderful showcase of the region with events at historic homesteads, stunning coastal walks, boutique markets, masterclasses and garden trails. It kicks off on 4 September at Taniwha Daffodils, where you can stroll through thousands of beautiful blooms and pick your own bunch to enjoy, or simply marvel at the sight of 20 acres of stunning colour. thespringfling.nz

NZ CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL (HAMILTON): 25/26 SEPTEMBER AND 2 OCTOBER

This multicultural festival is set against a backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms, at 125 Matangi Road in Hamilton. It features three themes across three days. On Saturday 25 September, the theme is ‘Bridgerton Spring Ball’, with a high tea, games, food vendors, pony rides and competitions from 9am to 5pm. On Sunday 26 September, the fun continues with the theme of ‘United Nations of New Zealand’. The following weekend, on Saturday 2 October, the final theme is ‘Ring of Life’. blossfest.com

AKAROA FRENCH FESTIVAL: 15–17 OCTOBER

A holiday in France might be off the cards for now, but you can still enjoy a little joie de vivre south-east of Christchurch, at this biennial festival. The three-day event is officially opened on Friday 15 October, followed by live music and lights, set amongst stalls selling food and wine. Saturday starts early down on the beach with ‘The Landing’ – a re-enactment of the arrival of the Comte de Paris in 1840, which brought French and German immigrants seeking to start a new life. And there’s more on Sunday with La Brocante, a French-inspired antiques and collectables fair, plus a car boot sale and stalls. akaroafrenchfest.co.nz 

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