Several cultural and recreational events are scheduled across New Zealand in the coming weeks, offering a range of experiences from food and drink festivals to wellness retreats and family-friendly activities.
On October 17, Palmerston North will host the ¡Salud! Festival at the Central Energy Trust Arena’s Pit Lane. Following last year’s successful debut, the festival transforms the space into an outdoor garden party featuring more than 20 bars showcasing cocktails, spirits, craft beers, wines, and mocktails from boutique producers in the Manawatū region and beyond. Attendees can enjoy signature drinks crafted by top national liquor makers alongside artisan street food served by various food trucks. Live musical performances from artists around New Zealand will accompany the festivities throughout the day.
Starting October 25, Sanctum 7—a weeklong wellness retreat—is launching at Earnscleugh Castle near Clyde. The retreat, founded by Ryan Sanders and co-owner Marco Creemers, follows an extensive restoration of the historic castle costing over $11 million. Drawing from Sanders’ personal journey balancing entrepreneurship and family life, Sanctum 7 offers a structured itinerary for its small groups of 12 guests. Daily routines include yoga, breathwork, sound healing, meditation, ice baths, and leisure time in amenities such as a pool, sauna, library, and gardens. Visitors can also explore the nearby valley before convening for communal dinners prepared by MasterChef winner Aaron Brunet. Additional retreat dates are set for November 29 and January 17.
Family-friendly entertainment arrives in Tauranga from October 23 to 26, when the Ninja Run obstacle course comes to Tauranga Racecourse. The 2.5-kilometer inflatable course features 14 large obstacles, a 13-meter waterslide, and allows participants unlimited laps. Originating from the team behind the award-winning Ninja Valley, this event marks the first time the course will tour, stopping in 19 cities nationwide. Competitors finishing before 1 p.m. on Labour Day qualify for city finals held the same afternoon, where winners in each age group—from children as young as seven to adults—compete for the title of Tauranga’s fastest ninja. Children aged one to five have access to a dedicated "Little Ninja Dojo" with various play structures, available for $10 an hour.
In the King Country near Kakahi, Ni Restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience rooted in local heritage and seasonal New Zealand ingredients. Run by Chef Jeremy Rameka, formerly of Pacifica Restaurant, Ni seats only six guests in an intimate setting on the chef’s rural property. The name “Ni,” meaning “us” or “we” in Welsh, reflects the personal nature of the dinners. Each course is a surprise, created to highlight the chef’s connection to whenua (land) and whakapapa (genealogy). A curated selection of New Zealand drinks complements the meal. The dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $225 per person, with reservations required. The kitchen is unable to accommodate egg-free or dairy-free diets but is willing to discuss serious allergies in advance.