Harvest Festival
Seasonal Events
Plant Propagation Course
Learn plant propagation in a hands-on 9 months long course at a commercial nursery, guided by expert propagators. Gain skills in seed collection, germination, and plant propagation techniques, including cuttings and eco-sourcing and food growing. No prior knowledge required.
More at https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/short-courses/propagation
Grow Wānaka Saturday bee & harvest celebration sizzle
Join Grow Wānaka for the Saturday morning bee and stay for a shared potluck lunch and sizzle. Bring nibbles, something for the BBQ, a dish or dessert. We'll harvest fresh produce, fire up the BBQ, and chill refreshing drinks.
More at https://www.facebook.com/events/1259066328503650
Grow Wānaka fundraiser garden tour and afternoon tea
Join Grow for their fundraiser garden tour to explore their incredible growing and educational activities. Enjoy a light afternoon tea. Everyone is welcome! $10 entry, with proceeds supporting their project.
More at https://www.facebook.com/GrowWanaka
Composting for a bumper crop
Learn how to create healthy soil by composting in Dr Compost’s free workshop, brought to you by Wastebusters. Discover easy methods like backyard composting, Bokashi bins, and worm farms to turn food and garden waste into nutrients.
More at https://events.humanitix.com/composting-for-a-bumper-crop-tahuna-queenstown
Wao Autumn Harvest Festival: 3 days of food-related workshops & tours
Join Wao 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 organised by the Local Food Wānaka group.
Details at https://www.wao.co.nz/events/harvest-festival Bookings essential.
Open Garden & Workshops at Hāwea Food Forest
On Saturday, 15 March, the Hāwea Food Forest welcomes you for a morning of learning and connection led by Sue Hoskin and Nicky Davis from the Hāwea Food Forest team. Discover bio-stir, seed saving, and much more during this open garden event.
Free entry, no bookings required, donations appreciated.
The Hāwea Food Forest is a charitable trust dedicated to creating a community garden and orchard on Domain Road, Hāwea. Once mature, this incredible food forest will provide abundant food for the community, serve as an educational hub for horticulture, and act as a park-like gathering space for all to enjoy.
Volunteers regularly host educational workshops and working bees to help the project grow.
More details at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HaweaFoodForest
Herbal workshop at the Sherwood
Join Glenorchy Herbs and Healing at the Sherwood for a hands-on herbalism workshop. Learn about plant remedies, create your own tinctures and vinegars, and discover how food plants can also be medicine.
More at https://events.humanitix.com/herbal-workshop-at-the-sherwood?hxchl=mkt-loc&hxref=new+zealand%2Farrowtown
Future Whenua Field Trip
Join Future Whenua’s field trip to explore regenerative practices in Central Otago. Visit three properties between Luggate and Cromwell, engage in discussions, and see innovative land stewardship in action. This koha event welcomes donations. RSVP to zeb@futurewhenua.co.nz
More about Future Whenua: www.futurewhenua.co.nz
Future Whenua Summit 2025
The fifth Future Whenua Summit at Lake Hāwea Station gathers innovators for discussions, workshops, and great kai, showcasing holistic grazing and environmental restoration. This event advances land-based innovation and fresh perspectives on New Zealand’s primary industries.
More at https://www.futurewhenua.co.nz/fws-25-1
Introduction to Permaculture
Join the Introduction to Permaculture workshop with experienced tutor Dylan Graves to learn the basics of permaculture design and thinking in an interactive, hands-on environment. Ideal for beginners interested in sustainable practices.
More at https://www.sces.org.nz/workshops-and-activities
Permaculture Hui
Join the Lower South Island Permaculture Convergence in the lead-up to the Heritage Harvest Festival (March 29-30) for a day of networking, tours, talks, and discussions. Limited spots available, book early and secure accommodation.
More at https://www.sces.org.nz/workshops-and-activities
Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival
The Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival (March 29-30, 2025) celebrates homegrown produce and sustainable living with over 30 workshops, music, displays, and a Saturday evening harvest meal. Organised by the South Coast Environment Society in Riverton, Southland.
More at https://www.facebook.com/rivertonheritageharvestfestival/
Foraging Workshop with Peter Langlands (Festival of Colour Wānaka)
Join foraging expert Peter Langlands for a 60-minute walk around Wānaka lakefront, exploring wild edible plants and safe foraging tips. Peter, New Zealand’s top forager, will guide you to nature’s culinary treasures. A FESTIVAL OF COLOUR event.
More at https://www.festivalofcolour.co.nz/2025-programme
Kika Foraged Lunch (Festival of Colour, Wānaka)
Join chef James Stapley and forager Peter Langlands for a special lunch at Kika, featuring wild ingredients from our lakeshore. Peter will share insights on foraged foods, their origins, and preparation tips. A FESTIVAL OF COLOUR event.
More at https://www.festivalofcolour.co.nz/2025-programme
Food for Love Summer Fruit Crumble Fundraiser
Got surplus fruit? Donate it to Food For Love's annual fundraiser! Our Upper Clutha community loves their famous crumbles. Email volunteer@foodforlovewanaka.com with questions. More info will be on their Facebook page soon. They gratefully accept produce donations year-round.
More at www.foodforlovewanaka.com
Arrowtown Autumn Festival
Now in its 38th year, the Arrowtown Autumn festival celebrates community spirit with over 50 events across six days, showcasing local talent, food, arts, music, and long-standing traditions against the backdrop of our town's stunning scenery.
More at: https://www.arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz/
Grow Your Own Winter Veggies with Dr Compost
Join Dr Compost’s free Winter Veggies workshop to learn what to plant and how to protect crops year-round. Delivered by Wastebusters, this workshop will equip you with the skills to make your garden thrive in our climate.
More at https://events.humanitix.com/grow-your-own-winter-veggies-with-dr-compost-tahuna-queenstown
Composting for a bumper crop
Learn how to create healthy soil by composting in Dr Compost’s free workshop, brought to you by Wastebusters. Discover easy methods like backyard composting, Bokashi bins, and worm farms to turn food and garden waste into nutrients.
More at https://events.humanitix.com/composting-for-a-bumper-crop-wanaka
Upper Clutha Farmers Market
A local farmers market for the Upper Clutha area, with local vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, bread and pastries, cheese, butchery, fresh fish, coffee and artisan food goods. Join them for a relaxed market atmosphere with local musicians and delicious brunch & lunch items.
More at https://www.facebook.com/events/580923361417071
Hāwea Food Forest Summer preserving workshop
Join the Hāwea Food Forest and enjoy preserving summer produce including tomatoes, fruit and herbs.
Cost: Free – supported by funding from Te Hau Toka
All welcome but numbers are limited - Email haweafoodforest2@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
For more details check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HaweaFoodForest
Grow Your Own Winter Veggies with Dr Compost (Wānaka)
Grow Your Own Winter Veggies with Dr Compost (Wānaka)
Join Dr Compost’s free Winter Veggies workshop to learn what to plant and how to protect crops year-round. Delivered by Wastebusters, this workshop will equip you with the skills to make your garden thrive in our climate.
More at https://events.humanitix.com/grow-your-own-winter-veggies-with-dr-compost-wanaka-lh5d6lav
Event details are provided to the best of our knowledge, but please check the organiser’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information and any changes.
Harvest Homegrown Microgreens Workshop
Join Grow Wānaka for a microgreens workshop with Erin from Harvest Homegrown! Learn the benefits, growing techniques, and expert tips. $10 per person, with all proceeds supporting Grow Wānaka Community Garden. Spaces are limited—book now!
More at https://www.facebook.com/share/14mDnJvH8E/
Underground Festival 2025
UNDERGROUND connects farmers and growers through soil, food, and farming—plus a bit of music! With 30+ speakers, great kai, field sessions, walks, stalls, and a closing feast, it inspires people to grow, shop, and eat in harmony with nature and papatūānuku.
More at https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/about