Thursday, 06 November 2025

Rainbow Run to kick start Summerdaze 2025/26

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Runs in Wānaka and Frankton will be held on 21 and 22 November respectively.

Rainbow Run Banner

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Runs in Wānaka and Frankton, on 21 and 22 November respectively, will officially launch this year’s Summerdaze programme.

Summerdaze is a series of fun events organised or supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in the summer months that aims to bring the community together. The 2025/26 edition will see the return of the Rainbow Run, the Picnic in the Park series and the ever-popular Teddy Bears Picnic with Stride, Ride and Slide – a mini-triathlon for tamariki aged 2-6.

QLDC Community Partnerships Advisor Marie Schmidt said Summerdaze is all about community connection and enjoying the beauty of our district.

“It’s the sixth year of the Summerdaze programme and we’re delighted to offer a number of exciting, family-friendly community events. Check out the QLDC website for a full schedule and make sure you get along to have some fun,” she said.

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Runs, organised by Sport Central and supported by QLDC, will be at Eely Point, Wānaka on 21 November and Frankton Recreation Reserve on 22 November. The Rainbow Runs are a great family activity with plenty of laughter and colour to be had across a 3km course. Tickets can be purchased online through Sport Central or in person on the day.

Sport Central Community Sport Advisor Jo Knight is excited to have the events back on the calendar.

“What better way to say hello to summer than a 3km fun run or walk while being colour-bombed at five different corn starch stations! I challenge friends, family and flatmates to get together, dress up in black or white and have a blast,” she said.

“The local fire brigade will be on hand to douse participants near the start of the run to make the colours stick better, and we have volunteers and supporters joining QLDC in staffing the stations.”

Night ‘n Day Head of Marketing Monica Micek said there should be an awesome atmosphere.

“Night ‘n Day has proudly supported the Rainbow Runs for many years, and we love seeing the community come together to get active and have fun.”

Summerdaze will also feature free Picnic in the Park events and the signature Teddy Bears Picnic in Queenstown.

The upcoming Picnic in the Park events will feature free BBQs, a games trailer, sports activities, face painting, a library pop-up tent, and QLDC’s elected members in attendance to discuss current topics of interest with residents. Dates for the picnics will be confirmed in December.

The Queenstown Teddy Bears Picnic comes back for its sixth year and will feature entertainment, games, crafts and so much more. It’s the perfect family outing as the school holiday period comes to an end.

Anyone wanting more information about the Rainbow Runs and Summerdaze events in general, including dates and locations of activities on both sides of the Crown Range, should follow @QLDCSportRec on Facebook or visit qldc.govt.nz/summerdaze.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

Summerdaze Rainbow Run Schedule:

Gold coin donations from the ice-creams from the Rainbow Runs will go toward the Sporting Chance fund.