Summerdaze

Kāhau Raumati

Summerdaze is a collection of events happening district-wide over the summer months.  It’s all about encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, celebrate their neighbourhood and spend time with each other.  

 

Quick links

Rainbow Run 2025

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Picnic in the Park

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Rainbow Run 2025

Sport Central's Night 'n Day Rainbow Runs are kicking off the Summerdaze campaign on 21 and 22 November in Wānaka and Queenstown respectively.

Night 'n Day Rainbow Runs are fun events where hundreds of participants run or walk around marked 3km courses and become their own works of art as they pass through five colour checkpoints. We encourage participants to wear white or black clothing to really make the colour stand out!

Wānaka Rainbow Run

  • Location: Eely Point

  • Time: 21 November 5.00pm start

  • Buy tickets

  • Wear black or white to get the full burst of colour

Queenstown Rainbow Run

  • Location: Frankton Recreation Reserve

  • Time: 22 November 11.00am start

  • Buy tickets

  • Wear black or white to get the full burst of colour

Picnic in the Park BBQs

Community Fun Across the Upper Clutha and Queenstown!

Come along to the Summerdaze BBQs – a series of free, family-friendly events happening across the district!  These relaxed, fun-filled afternoons are perfect for connecting with friends, whānau, and community leaders. The Summerdaze BBQs will have something for everyone, with a fantastic line-up of activities to make the day extra special. 

What to expect:

  • Games Trailer – Packed with fun activities for all ages.

  • Sports Central – Bringing active games and sports to keep everyone moving.

  • Pop-Up Library – A chance to browse and borrow books for all ages.

  • Face Painting – Adding a splash of colour for the tamariki.

  • BBQ by Community Link – Enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle cooked up by our community team.

  • Meet Your Councillors and Board Members – Have an informal chat about open consultations and the future of our community.

  • All Queenstown events will be supported by The Lightfoot Initiative bringing OneBike to join the Picnic in the Park series with a fun bike obstacle course for kids! They'll provide a selection of bikes for the event, but you’re welcome to bring your own. OneBike rescues, repairs, and rehomes bikes within the community. If you're looking for a bike or have one to donate, please stop by and chat with us on the day!

Event Schedule for 2026 with exact locations still to be confirmed: 

  • Tuesday 3 February - Glenorchy - Bad weather option Friday 13 February
  • Wednesday 11 February - Kingston – Bad weather option: Monday 16 February

  • Wednesday 18 February - Albert Town – Bad weather option: Friday 27 February

  • Wednesday 25 February - Makarora – Bad weather option: Friday 6 March

  • Wednesday 4 March - Hāwea – Bad weather option: Wednesday 11 March

All events run from 3.00–5.00pm.

Bring the kids after school for an afternoon of games, face painting, and good food, all while connecting with the community.