A range of cultural and recreational events are set to take place across the Asia-Pacific region in the coming months, offering opportunities for both tourists and locals to engage with art, sport, and immersive experiences.
In the Maldives, Soneva Fushi resort will host a surf camp series led by Australian surfer Luke Stedman from July 18 to 27, 2026. The program caters to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced surfers, and includes flexible options such as single sessions and intensive five-day camps. Stedman, a former World Championship Tour competitor known for earning Rookie of the Year and competing against surf legends including Kelly Slater, will oversee activities that blend surf coaching with breathwork, mobility drills, guided ocean sessions, and video analysis. The sessions are tailored to participants' abilities and ocean conditions, emphasizing both skill development and ocean awareness.
Meanwhile, Auckland will come alive with the return of the Auckland Festival of Photography from May 29 to June 14. Centered around the theme of Movement (Kori), the festival will activate public spaces across the city with free outdoor installations, exhibitions, and photography-led programming. Venues include Te Komititanga, Karanga Plaza, Silo Park, Gus Fisher Gallery, and the Ellen Melville Centre. Featured projects include Shen Chao-Liang’s series on Taiwan’s mobile stage trucks and Mayumi Suzuki’s exploration of tsunami memory and place. The festival also encourages community participation through Auckland Photo Day, a 24-hour photographic challenge inviting residents to document city life.
In Melbourne, the NGV International will present the Cartier Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2026 exhibition starting June 12 through October 2. This comprehensive collection features nearly 400 pieces showcasing Cartier’s evolution since the early 20th century, with jewels, watches, and objects linked to royalty and Hollywood figures. The exhibition, curated in partnership with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and Cartier, includes archival materials such as drawings, sketchbooks, and photography that reveal the craftsmanship behind iconic designs like the Tank watch and panther brooch. Evening events as part of NGV Friday Nights will offer visitors extended access paired with music and dining.
Also in Melbourne, Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens with an expanded trail of illuminated installations designed to create an immersive sensory experience after dark. Featuring a collaboration of international, Australian, and First Peoples artists, this winter event highlights glowing pathways, soundscapes, and interactive artworks. New installations and reimagined experiences enhance the ongoing appeal of Lightscape, a regular winner at the Victorian Tourism Awards. Visitors can explore shifting colors and large-scale light sculptures while enjoying seasonal refreshments such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
These upcoming events reflect a diverse blend of artistic expression, cultural engagement, and outdoor activity across the region, catering to a wide range of interests and showcasing local and international talent.