As the vibrant hues of summer transition into autumn, Wānaka and Hawea remains as lively as ever, offering an exciting lineup of events for locals and visitors alike. From arts and cultural festivities to hands-on workshops and community initiatives, April is the perfect time to immerse yourself in all that the area has to offer.
The Leaves are Changing!
Autumn is arguably one of the best times of year to visit the Queenstown Lakes District – the leaves are oh-so beautiful, the temperature is perfect for adventures and trails are quieter than in peak seasons. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, it’s perfect for a visit to the Secret Sauna and slow mornings with a coffee. The best time to see those beautifully yellow leaves is during April (but you’ll notice it anytime between late March to early May, depending on the weather).
Public Holidays & School Break
April is a jam-packed month. Autumn school holidays for Australia and New Zealand kick off in April, as well as Easter and Anzac Day providing with public holidays for us adults. You can get a $30 voucher for two nights or $75 voucher for three nights if you stay in any glamping accommodation at The Camp. It’s the perfect time to get out with your family and loved ones to make the most of getting outside before the weather starts to cool down.
Events in April
Check out the list of events below happening in the area:
Festival of Colour
March 29 – April 6, 2025
A true celebration of creativity, the Wānaka Festival of Colour is a nine-day event packed with theatre, music, dance, and storytelling from March 29 – April 6, 2025.
There's a wide range of events happening throughout the week - check out the 2025 Programme for more info on individual events.
Native Plant Propagation Workshop with Te Kakano
April 1, 2025
Native species are an important component of our ecosystem and multiplying a single plant sure does make it easy. Join the Te Kākano team for a hands-on experience in native plant propagation. Learn about local flora, eco-restoration efforts, and how you can contribute to a greener future.
Harakeke Weaving Workshop with Te Kakano
April 5, 2025
Ever weaved some flax before? If you haven’t, it’s a great way to get crafty and cultural, all at once. Discover the traditional art of harakeke (flax) weaving in this interactive workshop. Connect with Māori culture while learning the techniques to create your own woven piece to take home.
Herbal Culture - Winter Remedy Workshop at Grow Wanaka Community Garden
April 12, 2025
We might be talking about autumn, but winter is just around the corner! Prepare for the colder months by learning how to craft natural herbal remedies. This workshop at Grow Wānaka Community Garden offers practical insights into using herbs to support health and well-being.
Wheels at Wanaka 2025
April 18–20, 2025
The largest vintage machinery event in New Zealand returns! Witness an incredible display of tractors, motorbikes, trucks, and heavy machinery in action. This year, Wheels at Wānaka will attempt a world record for the most Caterpillar machines in a parade while also hosting the New Zealand round of the Cat Global Operator Challenge.
Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 (Easter Sunday)
Get ready for the annual easter egg hunt at The Camp – it’s the perfect thing to keep the kids occupied. With sustainability a focus for us, you’ll be finding rocks instead of chocolate – bring them to us to receive your bounty!
Beach Clean-up at Wanaka Lakefront
April 22, 2025
Here at The Camp, sustainability and conservation are always front of mind – we want our beautiful home to be better for the next generation, and part of that means looking after what we’ve already got.
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to the environment. Join the community in cleaning up the Wānaka Lakefront and help preserve this beautiful area for future generations.
Get Your Feet Wet at Bullock Creek
April 24, 2025
A great opportunity for eco-conscious individuals to engage in water conservation efforts. This hands-on experience focuses on freshwater restoration and protecting native species in Bullock Creek.
Last Month of The Food Truck at The Camp
As the cooler months set in, it’s your last chance to enjoy the delicious offerings from The Camp Food Truck before it closes after Easter weekend. We’re open Thursday to Sunday from 8–11 AM and 4–8 PM, so make sure to stop by for a meal. Oh, did we mention pizza nights? Every Thursday until we close, you'll be able to grab any pizza for just $20 (including takeaways), plus plenty of other great options on the menu and music every Sunday from 4.30-7.30pm.
April is shaping up to be an exciting month in the region filled with creativity, culture, and community initiatives. Whether you’re keen to immerse yourself in the arts, learn a new skill, contribute to conservation efforts or explore the area (because that temperature is perfect for an adventure), there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Mark your calendar and make the most of this vibrant autumn season!