weekend events calendar
Harvest
Rippon Hall | 14 & 15 March
From Forest to Plate: Stories of Food and the Native Bush, with Sam the Trap Man
Join Sam the Trapman to uncover bush foods, edible species, sustainability, forest ecology and bushcraft skills, with stories from years in Aotearoa’s native bush. Fascinating for adults and kids alike – an event not to miss!
From Garden to Jar: Seasonal Sweet and Savoury Preserves
Learn with Emma and Lucy practical techniques to make the most of seasonal produce, reduce food waste and capture the flavours of Central Otago. Perfect for beginners or anyone keen to refresh their preserving skills.
Plan your veggie garden with Ali Soper: The 4-Bed Rotation System
Build healthy, resilient soil and grow better vegetables. In this hands-on workshop, Ali Soper of Your Garden Coach NZ shares the practical 4 bed rotation system to boost soil health, strengthen crops and simplify seasonal planning.
Gain clear, confidence building steps to grow nutrient rich food and let your soil do the hard work.
Guided Nature Walk: From Forest to Plate, with Sam the Trapman
Join Sam the Trap Man for a guided native forest walk exploring bush foods, ecology and bushcraft skills, with stories, hands on learning and small group connection.
Gluten Free Baking Done Well, with Tanja Schwindt
Join local baker Tanja Schwindt from Anything but the G Bakery for a 1.5-hour workshop making proper gluten free scones. Mix, shape, bake, and taste while learning what really happens when wheat disappears, how different flours behave, and the small tricks that make a big difference. Limited spots to keep it interactive and personal.
Mastering Hot & Cold Smoking
Learn the art of smoking fish and meat with expert Allan Kelly and his daughter Monique Kelly. This hands-on workshop covers techniques, equipment, and pro tips to create mouth-watering smoked delights. Perfect for hunters, fishers, and food lovers!
Guided Nature Walk: From Forest to Plate, with Sam the Trapman
Join Sam the Trap Man for a guided native forest walk exploring bush foods, ecology and bushcraft skills, with stories, hands on learning and small group connection.
The Harvest Table: Potluck & Ceilidh
Celebrate the harvest with your community at Rippon Hall on Saturday 14 March from 5.30pm! Enjoy live folk music from Devil’s Nook, a massive community potluck with 100 seats to share home-made seasonal dishes, and a lively ceilidh led by Maura Wilson - no experience needed. Family friendly, welcoming, and full of community spirit.
Homemade Wild Greens Pesto & Cold Flu Vinegar
Join Sarah Millwater for a hands-on 1.5-hour workshop where you’ll make your own healthy, low-cost wild pesto and a simple Cold & Flu Vinegar to stock your pantry.
Herbal Tea Making with Loran Verpillot
Hands-on workshop to learn how to make a tasty herbal tea with local herbs. We will also explore the medicinal properties of a range of herbs.
Kitchen Alchemy with Del from Dishes with Del
Hands on workshop turning surplus produce into seasonal dishes, cooking together, learning simple techniques and making your own lacto fermented vegetables.
Food Growing & Regeneration Tour at Namaste Park
Explore Namaste Park with Florence Micoud, learning about food production, natural fertilisation and land regeneration. Includes orchard tips, veggie gardening, berry care and foraging insights.
Botanical walk with herbalist Loran Verpillot
Join herbalist Loran Verpillot for a guided botanical walk and explore the medicinal and edible properties of the plants along the path. Learn how to identify, harvest respectfully, and use them in practical ways.
From Field to Plate: Rabbit Preparation 101
Join local hunter Dan Orbell for a hands-on session on preparing rabbit meat. Learn ethical hunting basics, safety, and the step-by-step process of skinning, gutting, and breaking down rabbit for cooking.
Community Gardens Working Bees
Head to our local community gardens, meet the volunteers, learn about their incredible mahi and get your hands in the soil.
Wanaka: Grow Wānaka, Outlet Road (260m before the Outlet Campsite, signposted on the right as you drive downhill), every Saturday from 9.30am to 12pm
Lake Hāwea: Hāwea Food Forest, 130 Domain Road, every Saturday from 9am to 12pm.
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/
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
