A world of events awaits in Dunedin
For many, the end of summer is something to lament, but in Dunedin, the cooler months are by far the most entertainment filled. There are concerts for the musos, festivals for the foodies and fashion shows for the chic, all worth journeying south for. It’s the best time of year to watch rare wildlife, fossick for fashion, and froth over world-class football.
HAIRPINS AND HIGH FASHION
Otago Rally
31 March–2 April
This year’s Otago Rally is a part of the TER (Tour European Rally) World Series circuit and has attracted international competitors to the gravel roads and lush landscapes of Otago. Corral the rallies on 31 March for the ceremonial rally start where revving engines will be reverberating around the Octagon. Then head for the hills for all the dust-flying, gravel-grinding action. This is set to be an exhilarating adrenalin-inducing series of races!
iD Dunedin Fashion Show
31 March–1 April
Returning to its home of the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, iD Dunedin Fashion Show is back in its birthplace. On show is an edgy blend of high-profile designers from New Zealand and abroad. But it’s the emerging designers who are the breakout stars of the event. With many of their labels in their infancy, you get to see them before they make it big. You’ll be able to say, “I saw them before they were famous”. Enjoy the rally by day before glamming up for the iD at night. A must-do Dunedin double-feature.
WILD AUTUMN AND WORLD CUP WINTER
Wild Dunedin: NZ Festival of Nature
14–23 April
As the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand, Dunedin hosts the iconic New Zealand Festival of Nature. The behemoth Wild Dunedin festival runs for ten days over the easter holidays and features about 100 events, both free and ticketed. Events like gin tasting, boat trips, garden visits, photo exhibitions, and the creation of a giant ephemeral autumn leaf sculpture will all take place under the festival’s theme of earth/whenua. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit and is when wildlife viewing nears its peak.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
July–August
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ will see the world’s best players compete for the greatest prize in women’s football from 20 July to 20 August. Dunedin will host six Group Matches featuring 10 teams, including New Zealand vs Switzerland, on Sunday, 30 July. The largest sporting event New Zealand has ever experienced, this is a must-see, once-in-a-lifetime event, and Dunedin is the only place in the South Island matches are being held.
