Please note that some of our online services will be unavailable tonight (Wednesday 12 November) from 8.00pm for approximately one hour due to a planned system upgrade.

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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Teddy Bears Picnic

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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!

There will be a gold coin donation for ice creams where the proceeds will go toward the Sporting Chance fund.

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

Teddy Bears Picnic

The Teddy Bears Picnic returns to Queenstown on Sunday 25 January. Event details and time will be confirmed before the end of the year!

If you're a parent, then you'll already know it's a favourite of toddlers and young kids across the district.

There will be entertainment, games, inflatables, face painting, food, community group stalls, spot prizes and so much more. 

Looking for Wānaka's Teddy Bears Picnic? This year it may look a little different, so look out for a future announcement!

Picnic in the Park BBQs

Community fun accross 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. 

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

  • Tuesday 3 February - Bad weather option Friday 13 February

  • Wednesday 11 February - Bad weather option: Monday 16 February

  • Wednesday 18 February - Bad weather option: Friday 27 February

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

  • Wednesday 4 March - 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.