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.
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.
REGULAR: Tekapo Street Food Night Market
Every Wednesday 4pm – 7pm in the village square.
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.
March 6th 2027: 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.
March 12-14 2027: Spirited Women Race
All Women’s Adventure Race, where women team up, train and have an absolute blast of an adventure together, side by side all the way.
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.
March 29th 2026: Mackenzie Highland A&P Show
Experience a true taste of country life at the 129th Mackenzie Highland A&P Show, a much-loved annual event celebrating the people, animals, agriculture and rural traditions of the Mackenzie Country.
There’s something for all ages, whether you’re interested in rural life, looking for a family day out or simply keen to experience a genuine slice of South Canterbury country culture.
April 3rd 2027: The Mackenzie
170km / 92km / 77km / 34km of incredible scenery as you loop Lake Tekapo on two wheels over a mixture of sealed road, gravel road, farm tracks, river crossings.
Book your Mackenzie Muster accommodation direct with us for a 10% discount – enter the code: muster2027
Sep 18 2027: Merrell 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