Stuck for ideas for things to do over Labour Weekend? Check out our last minute guide...
By Rachel PinderStuck for ideas of things to do this Labour Weekend? Well it's not too late to organise something as there are heaps of things happening around New Zealand, with some great events and festivals to choose from, so whether you’re keen to watch the Rugby World Cup Final or just kick back and relax, or a bit of both, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Bay of IslandsTantalise your tastebuds at the “it”
Bay of Islands Food and Wine Festival – Love It! Cook It! Drink It! Bite It! Sing It! This is it!
Part of the REAL New Zealand Festival, this event in Paihia on Saturday October 22 promises to be a lot of fun, with fantastic food, wine, and music from The Feelers.
Or head to nearby Russell, where the annual
Coastal Classic Yacht Race will finish on Saturday October 22 with a prize giving and party at the Duke of Marlborough pub. The race starts on Friday October 21 from Devonport, so head to Russell to see the exciting finish of New Zealand’s premier fleet yacht race.
Check out our guide to Northland accommodation and book somewhere to stay without delay! 
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Get amongst the action at the Coastal Classic Yacht Race
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CoromandelHead to the Coromandel where there are a couple of awesome events to choose from. The
New Zealand Corporate Battle of the Bands is happening in Thames on Saturday October 22 and Sunday October 23, which is a major annual music contest for amateur or semi-professional bands. You can either enter a team or watch the next big thing be discovered.
Or head to the
Port Charles Paua Festival, where there will be loads of paua cuisine to sample, along with food and drink matches, live music and entertainment, art and craft stalls, kids activities, auctions, a talent quest and much more. The festival will be held at Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat in Port Charles on Saturday October 22.
Check out our guide to Coromandel accommodation and find a place to lay your head.
Head down to Port Charles and sample some fresh paua
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MarlboroughThere’s plenty going on in Marlborough to keep you amused. Check out the
Cruise into Picton Festival, which is a programme of events which gives visitors to Picton the chance to enjoy genuine Kiwi hospitality. This seaside town with its stunning waterfront has many stores and cafes to check out, or get active with the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track right on the doorstep.
Labour Weekend is also a great time to visit Marlborough as all the cellar doors open for the season – there are 43 to choose from and the 2011 sauvignon blancs are released at this time of year. The Highfield Winery in Blenheim is holding a
Wine and Rugby Night for the Rugby World Cup Final on Sunday October 23, and Framingham Wines in Renwick have a kick a goal to win wine competition at their cellar door which is open daily.
Have a look at our guide to Marlborough accommodation and find a great spot to stay.
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Cruise into Picton and recharge your batteries
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QueenstownCheck out the awesome line-up at the
Queenstown Jazzfest, from October 20 to 24, which has a range of exciting things happening – Fat Freddy’s Drop on October 21, King Leo on October 22 and a Skyline brunch and big concert in Earnslaw Park on October 23.
The Jazzfest is the culmination of the
Rugby World Cup Matches Made in Heaven events, as part of the REAL New Zealand Festival, which runs until October 23. These events celebrate Queenstown district’s unique cuisine, award-winning vineyards, celebrated artists and stunning lake and alpine scenery.
Head to our Queenstown accommodation guide and book somewhere quick smart!
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Head down to Earnslaw Park for the Queenstown Jazz Festival
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