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Tekapo & Mackenzie

Events Calendar

There is always an event coming up in Tekapo or the wider Mackenzie area – from mountain biking events, kayaking competitions, ski slaloms, ice hockey tournaments or multi-sport races; to markets and musical performances.  An annual Matariki Mackenzie festival is held each winter to celebrate the start of the Māori New Year.

Tekapo Community Market

REGULAR: Tekapo Saturday Market

Regular local market in the village square, 9am – 1pm first Saturday of the month, and long weekends from September to April.

Art, crafts, local food, beverages and products.

Night Market

REGULAR: Tekapo Street Food Night Market

Every Wednesday 4pm – 7pm in the village square.

Showcasing Tekapo’s amazing ethnic diversity with delicious street food from around the world.
Come early, come hungry!
Spirited Women Adventure Race 2025

Feb 20-22 2026: Spirited Women Race

This coming year, the thirteenth Spirited Women, All Women’s Adventure Race will be held out of the neighbouring township of Twizel.

Teams of four women choose from a short, medium or long-course adventure. Travelling together in a team, they must navigate around a secret course by foot, mountain bike, and kayak, completing a few surprise mystery activities along the way.

Twizel Salmon and Wine Festival

Feb 28 2026: Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival

Held on the shores of stunning Lake Ruataniwha, this annual festival offers delicious local salmon and tasty foods, boutique wines and craft beers, to lively bands with a bouncy castle & face painting for the kids.

Come and experience the best of the Mackenzie for yourself and savour some tastes of our region.

Swim Ruataniwha

March 14 2026: Swim Ruataniwha

Open water swim event on the picturesque Lake Ruataniwha at the heart of the Mackenzie Region.

Every swimmer, sponsor, and supporter is helping the community thrive both in and out of the water, as funds raised are invested back into community groups.

Choose from a 500m, 1500m or 3800m swim, as an individual or in a team.

 

The Mackenzie Race

April 11/12 2026: The Muster

88K / 65K of incredible scenery as you loop Lake Tekapo on two wheels over a mixture of sealed road, gravel road, farm tracks, river crossings.

Experience access to private high country stations for this day only.

Book your Mackenzie Muster accommodation direct with us for a 10% discount – enter the code: muster2026

Breathe Tekapo

May 22-24 2026: Breathe Tekapo

Breathe Tekapo is an invitation for you to step away from your everyday demands and make space for your wellbeing.

Our three day festival brings together high-profile wellness leaders, invigorating workshops, and opportunities to relax and refresh, under the wellness pillars of Nature, Food, Movement & Inspiration.

Book your Breathe accommodation direct with us for a 10% discount – enter the code: breathe2026

Race Tekapo

Sep 19 2026: Race Tekapo

Race Tekapo is an exciting destination race located in the heart of Tekapo – unique courses, a great race environment and fun for all! All finishers will be presented with a beautiful medal and get to enjoy the legendary Mackenzie hospitality!

Book your Race Tekapo accommodation direct with us for a 10% discount – enter the code: racetekapo

Twizel Hard Labour Weekend

Oct 23-25 2026: Twizel Hard Labour Weekend

Three events (mountain bike, kayak and off-road run) over two days in Tekapo’s neighboring town of Twizel.

Competitors can enter individual events or for the really keen, complete all three events and become a Hard Labourer!  Events have age groups and are family focused.   Funds raised supports local kids sports teams & community groups.