Autumn Harvest Festival 2025
Showcase Weekend 14-16 March | Luggate Memorial Hall
Autumn Harvest Festival | March-May 2025
Join us for an autumn-long celebration of the Southern Lakes fresh and foraged produce, running from March to May, with a range of workshops, events, tours, and farmers markets taking place across the district.
Scroll down for more details and the full season-long calendar of events.
Showcase Workshops | 14-16 March 2025
Join Wao and our partners for a three-day celebration of learning at this year's Harvest Festival Weekend Showcase, happening March 14–16 at Luggate Memorial Hall, just 10 minutes from Wānaka. The hall will be transformed into a vibrant hub with workshops highlighting local food knowledge, creativity, and deliciousness, alongside the annual Upper Clutha Apple Drive.
Scroll down for more details and the full workshop programme.
Showcase Workshops.
Our lineup of WORKSHOPS includes a range of experts and enthusiasts ready to impart new skills, covering topics such as expanding your food knowledge, honing food growing and foraging skills, mastering the art of preparing wild foods, and preserving local ingredients into delicious preserves. Taking place Friday evening, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Luggate Hall | 14 - 16 March
Workshop Tickets from $15
All proceeds from the workshops will fund our newly established Southern Lakes Kai Collective which aims to improve the district’s food system. The workshops are primarily designed for adults, but kids are welcome to come along, and they don’t need a ticket.
Due to limited seating, be sure to secure your spot by booking your tickets below.
Apple Drive.
Join the Local Food Wanaka Group at the Luggate Hall on Saturday, March 15th, from 10 am to 3 pm for Wānaka’s much loved and 9th Apple Drive, a fun and hands-on community event celebrating the autumn fruit harvest.
Luggate Hall | Saturday 15 March
10am to 3pm | $5 donation on the door.
We'll be making chutney, apple sauce, and juice together. Whether you’re a seasoned preserver or a total beginner, you’re sure to have a fun day. Everyone leaves with some fresh apple juice and delicious preserves.
No registration required, $5 entry (cash only), donations appreciated. Kids are welcome (under parent supervision) – they can join in the fun or enjoy the nearby playground.
Let’s make the most of autumn’s abundance and celebrate local food traditions together.
I you have apples but cannot participate on the day, please email Sophie at localfoodwanaka@gmail.com so they can arrange drop off or collection.
What to bring:
$5 cash
Any surplus apples or fruit you have
A sharp knife and chopping board
Small glass jars and bottles for juice (1-2 litre capacity)
Wear closed shoes and bring an apron if you wish
Harvest Events throughout Autumn.
This Autumn, our district is buzzing with events that celebrate and strengthen food resilience. Thanks to the dedication of local organisations, businesses, and individuals, you can explore a wide range of workshops, farmers markets, and community initiatives throughout the Queenstown Lakes District. Check out this calendar to discover what’s happening, learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, and be inspired by the incredible diversity of our local food community.
Keen to Volunteer?
We want you! Please register to join our group of passionate volunteers and make this event one not-to-forget!
Event Partners
Thank you to our partners and all the passionate individuals, organisations and businesses who are helping make this Harvest Festival a fabulous community event!
Interested in running a workshop or hosting an event next year?
Have you got an idea for a great food-related workshop? Would you like to open your food-production business for an ‘open doors’? Keen to be part of the Harvest Festival?
Get in touch now to register as a partner for 2026.
