These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend or you can overnight nearby. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details.

MARCH

WOMAD New Zealand 2024

15–17 Mar, Fri, New Plymouth, Taranaki

Music and dance performers from around the world and across Aotearoa! womad.co.nz |ckw.nz/womad-camp ckw.nz/womad-eventfinda

Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival

Sat 16 Mar Havelock, Marlborough

A seafood extravaganza. Camping available, certified self-contained. No dogs. ckw.nz/mussel-eventfindackw.nz/mussel-fest ckw.nz/mussel-camp

Earth Beat Festival 2024

Wed 20 – 24 Mar, Wellsford, Auckland

Stay the weekend with the family. Cutting edge creativity, life-changing experiences and learning, a party. No dogs. Tent and vehicle camping. Accessible camp sites. ckw.nz/earth-beat ckw.nz/earth-beat-eventfinda

RIPE 2024: the Wanaka wine and food festival

Sat 23 Mar, Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, Otago

Central Otago’s finest wine and food. Camping at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, or Albert Town Park. ckw.nz/ripe | ckw.nz/ripe-eventfinda

Port of Tauranga 61st National Jazz Festival

23 Mar–3 Apr, Bay of Plenty

A week of jazz and fun. Choose an event near a free camp. Jazz Street Party Katikati, 23 March. Tauranga & Mt Maunganui on the other days. ckw.nz/katikati-jazz | ckw.nz/jazz ckw.nz/jazz-eventfinda

Evening Meditation on the Maunga

Sat 23 March, Maungatautari, Waikato

Evening birdsong and gentle sounds of nature are an ideal setting for meditation. There are a few overnight parks at Sanctuary Mountain. ckw.nz/meditation ckw.nz/sanctuary

Warbirds Over Wanaka Mar 2024

29 –31 Mar 2024, Easter, Wanaka, Otago

One of the world’s top Warbirds airshows it is a biennial event. More than 50,000 people attend. Sort your accomodation first. warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Oxford A&P Show 2024

Sat, 30 Mar, EASTER Saturday, Oxford, North Canterbury

Enjoy some country hospitality. There is a lovely freedom camping by the Eyre River, 1km from town. ckw.nz/oxford-show ckw.nz/oxford-eventfinda

APRIL

Mackenzie Highland Show

Mon 1 April, Easter Monday, Fairlie

A fun family day out with something for everyone. Freedom camping is some distance away at Lake Opuha, but there is free parking for the day at the show. mackenzieshow.co.nz ckw.nz/mckenzie-eventfinda

Aspiring Conversations

Thu 4–7 Apr, Wanaka, Central Otago

A biennial festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about a diverse and rich array of current, controversial and just downright interesting subjects. Camping at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, or Albert Town Park. festivalofcolour.co.nz ckw.nz/aspiring-eventfinda

Waiau School trail ride 2024

6–7 April, Waiau, North Canterbury

For competent riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Breathtaking. Basic overnight camping. theride.co.nz

LATER

Mardi Gras Ohakune

June, Ohakune ckw.nz/ohakune-24

Fire & Ice Hot Air Balloon Glow and Laser Festival

June, Mt Hutt village ckw.nz/fire-ice-24

Mystery Creek Field Days

June, Hamilton fieldays.co.nz