what's on this autumn
The temperature might be dropping, but the action is heating up! Autumn is packed with festivals—think delicious food, smooth jazz, and exciting sports events. From the annual foodie festival to skateboard nationals, live music and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the action below!
MARCH
Beast of a Feast | 1 March
Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a music connoisseur, or a sausage sizzle queen, BOAF will fulfil your needs.
Pukehina Surf n Sand Automara | 8 March
Pukehina School
Live music, food & craft stalls, classic cars and more.
Marra Sprint Triathlon | 9 March
Mount Maunganui
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mauao, the Marra Sprint Triathlon returns for the 38th year.
Tauranga Moana Irish Festival | 15 March
Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Get ready for a craic-filled day of mighty Irish culture and revelry with live Irish music, entertainment by comedy legend Alan McElroy, Irish dancing, and more!
Tutus on Tour | 21&22 March
Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour 2025 showcases timeless pas de deux, the stage premiere of Limerence, and the NZ debut of The Way Alone.
Tauranga Multicultural Festival | 22 March
The Historic Village, Tauranga
An iconic and vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that call Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty home.
WHITE FERNS v Australia 2ND T20I
BLACKCAPS V Pakistan 4TH T20I | 23 March
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
An action-packed T20 double header featuring the White Ferns v Australia and BLACKCAPS v Pakistan!
Flavours of Plenty Festival | 27 March - 13 April
Various locations
Savour local delicacies, meet passionate artisans, and indulge in culinary masterpieces. From farm-fresh produce to innovative cuisine, this 18-day feast promises an unforgettable celebration of what the Bay of Plenty has to offer as a food region.
Skateboard Nationals | 28 & 29 March
Destination Skatepark, Mount Maunganui
Catch some of the country's best skateboarders in the Skateboard Nationals.
APRIL
ECHO Walking Fest | 1-22 April
Various locations
The ECHO Walking Fest offers guided walks throughout the region, ranging from short one-hour walks to full-day tramps, catering to all levels of experience.
BLACKCAPS v Pakistan | 5 April
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Pack your picnics and head along to Bay Oval to see BLACKCAPS v Pakistan.
Mount Maunganui Triathlon | 5 April
Mount Maunganui
Another great triathlon, plus multi-sport races for individuals and teams.
Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival | 7-21 April
Various locations
The Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival presents an exceptional programme of events in Tauranga, featuring performances by some of the finest jazz musicians from Aotearoa and around the globe.
Ultimate Athlete NZ | 11 April
Mount Maunganui
Ultimate Athlete is a obstacle course race. You can run/walk, climb, swing or crawl your way through this one-of-a-kind course through sand and over trails.
The West End Wiggle | 11-13 April
West End, Ōhope
A traditional longboard surfing festival that encompasses visual art, film, live music and world class surfing.
Gallagher Chiefs vs Western Force | 25 April
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
After more than a decade, the Gallagher Chiefs return to Tauranga to play a regular season game at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
D1NZ National Drifting Championship Grand Final | 25-26 April
Mercury Baypark
An action-packed weekend for the D1NZ.
XAIR | 26 April
Mercury Baypark
New Zealand's largest action sports event is coming back with BMX, BMX Big Air, Skateboarding, Rollerblade and Scooter.
MAY
Tauranga Home Show | 2-4 May
Mercury Baypark Arena, Mount Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty's biggest home and lifestyle exhibition, featuring over 300 exhibitors to help you build your happy place
We run the Night | 3 May
Mount Maunganui
Put on your bright colours and run the night! Choose from a 5km, 10km or 21km run or walk.
Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series | 10 May
McLaren Falls Park
Choose from 5.5km, 10.3km or 14.7km course through stunning McLaren Falls Park.
Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport | 10-11 May
Mercury Baypark Arena and other locations
Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport is New Zealand's largest disability sporting event. This two-day event brings together physically disabled athletes from across the nation and feature multiple sports codes.
Ohiwa Oyster Festival | 17 May
Port Ōhope Wharf
Enjoy a tidal wave of oysters, music, kai and coastal vibes at the Ōhiwa Oyster Festival in Ōhope Beach.
