Step out of winter’s shadow and into the light and enjoy some of the spectacles and special experiences below.
A spectacular water and light show will herald the inaugural Matariki holiday in Dunedin 24‒26 June. Over three nights, Mana Moana: Ōtepoti will entertain and inspire, through a breath-taking and poignant cinematic experience on the Otago Harbour waterfront. The free Dunedin City Council-funded event will bring together the work of Māori and Pāsifikā artists through images, short film, poems, dance and more, all projected onto a water screen, creating the illusion of appearing out of thin air.
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a major test match to bring the city alive and Dunedin is getting ready to celebrate the return of international rugby in a festive fashion this winter as the All Blacks take on Ireland on 9 July. In the first Dunedin meeting of the two sides in 20 years and the only South Island match as part of the Irish 2022 tour, this will be an event not to be missed. A fanzone in the Octagon will provide pre-match entertainment and activities on both Friday 8 and Saturday 9, and just around the corner on Moray Place the Midwinter Carnival Village will be weaving its magic for even more family fun.
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival has long been a beacon of light and magic during the darkest nights of winter. This year's two-night carnival on the 8-9 July will be more spectacular than ever, featuring an entire Carnival Village themed around 'islands of light' within the grounds of First Church and a night food market on lower Moray Place. The Carnival Village, including the church itself, will be alive with spectacular lantern installations and projections, a mini-procession, live local bands, dancers, stilt-walkers, cultural performances and mesmerizing aerial silks artists weaving their magic high amongst the trees. A small $5 ticket fee applies with online and gate sales available.
An exclusive dinner party in Olveston historic home, a beer tasting train trip to Arc Brewery and a Night Food Market at Dunedin’s iconic railway station are among the experiences to be savoured during this year’s Dine Dunedin festival. Ōtepoti Dunedin’s very own culinary festival — Dine Dunedin — is now in its fourth year, and it just keeps getting better. From Friday 5 August to Sunday 21 August fantastic foodie experiences will pop up all over the city, featuring unique events and menus, collaborations, signature burgers and tasty tipples, available only during the festival’s duration.
Find out more on DunedinNZ.com
