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Annual Events |
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Central Otago, New Zealand is a natural arena for events, offering something for everyone, from motorcycle rallies to multisport, horses to history, and festivals for wine, food, blossoms and thyme. Whether participating or just watching, our events have that unique Central difference - it’s a world of difference, where even an event can seem like a holiday!
The following are some of the events held in Central Otago which attract national and international support. There are also a number of small local events throughout the year.
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 |  |  | Ranfurly Art Deco Festival
The last weekend in February each year is Maniototo’s Art Deco Festival weekend. The Festival celebrates Ranfurly’s unique Art Deco heritage. The fun starts on Friday night with the Art Deco Dance and on Saturday its Street Party time.
READ MORE | Clyde New Year's Eve Street Party
The historic village of Clyde is the place to be if you want to celebrate and welcome the New Year. The central hub of the main street is closed off and transformed into a family-friendly party venue.
READ MORE | Clyde to Alexandra Road Race
This 10km and shorter distance run and walk event is for athletes of all ages, abilities and aspirations. Line up at the crest of the mighty Clyde Dam and make your way to Alexandra along one of the most scenic running routes.
READ MORE |  |  |  | Clyde Wine and Food Harvest Festival
The annual Easter Sunday festival is Central Otago’s biggest celebration of locally produced wines. Kick back , celebrate and sample some of the region’s best wine, food and live entertainment.
READ MORE | CENTRAL OTAGO FARMERS MARKET
One of New Zealand’s firmly established authentic farmers markets, the Central Otago Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday from late October until the end of February, 9 am – 1 pm.
READ MORE | Gold Rush
Three days of full-on adrenalin pumping multisport action. Kayak, run and bike your way into Central Otago’s back of beyond - and have heaps of fun along the way. Stake your claim now and sign up for the next Goldrush!
READ MORE |  |  |  | Lake Dunstan Boat Club Regatta
This annual event in November on the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan attracts circuit racing boat enthusiasts from throughout the country. Spectacular lakeside viewing and full-on action is guaranteed!
READ MORE | ScottisH Week
Scottish Week is a full-on programme of festivities celebrating the town of Roxburghs Scottish Heritage. Held in September every 2 years visitors are invited to join the locals in range of traditional and modern day events – each with its own particular ‘Scottish’ twist
READ MORE | Easter MARKET AT OLD CROMWELL TOWN
Bring on the sticky buns and colourful easter egg hunt! Have real dinkum old fashioned fun at this Easter Saturday event among the old stone buildings of the Old Cromwell Town precinct.
READ MORE |  |  |  | NZ Goldpanning Championships and Labour Day Market
Join in the hustle and bustle of an old fashioned fair at the Old Cromwell Town precinct and pan your way to success at the Goldpanning Championships hosted by The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust. Music, street theatre, raffles and much, much more....
READ MORE | R&R Sport Nasbey 12 Hour Challenge
A must-do mountain biking gig based at the Naseby Larchview Holiday Park. Individuals and teams compete to complete the most laps of a scenic 10km water race, single track and 4WD Naseby Forest circuit. Thrills, a few spills, and heaps of fat tyre fun guaranteed.
READ MORE | LAKE DUNSTAN TRIATHLON AND DUATHLON
This is a great event on and around Lake Dunstan with options to complete either two or three disciplines. A great day for working off the excesses of the holiday season.
READ MORE |  |  |  | Vino and Victuals Wine & Food Festival
This celebration of the 30-plus wines produced in the Cromwell Basin is held on the first weekend of January at the Old Cromwell Town precinct. Smell the bouquet and sample fine wine and food fare.
READ MORE | Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival
The Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival has a rich and unique history. It is New Zealand’s longest running festival of its kind, and is a celebration of the arrival of Spring in Central Otago. Celebrated with genuine community spirit you too can join in the fun at a range of events.
READ MORE | ALEXANDRA THYME FESTIVAL
Thyme Festival is a week-long celebration of the arts and sustainability. Based in Alexandra and held in November each year when the hills are tinged with the purple of flowering thyme, there is a series of workshops, working artists, demonstrations, walks, talks, performances and exhibitions.
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CROMWELL CHERRY FESTIVAL
Held in Cromwell the fruit bowl of the south, the Cromwell Cherry Festival celebrates the first delicious stonefruit of the season. This is a unique event where contestants compete to spit a cherry stone the farthest and for the chance to represent New Zealand at the Cherry Harmony Festival Australasian championships held in Manjimup, Western Australia.
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LAKE DUNSTAN CYCLE CHALLENGE
This 96km road cycling race around Lake Dunstan is the way to see the countryside and enjoy a circuit that starts in Cromwell, travelling via Bendigo, Luggate, Queensberry and Lowburn back to Cromwell.
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WOOLON CREATIVE FASHION
WoolOn is the gala event of the Alexandra Blossom Festival-a celebration of creativity and design that is held over two nights October. From felted accessories to glamorous gowns, models parade the examples of designers whose flair and passion for fashion are one of the highlights of the Festival.
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