What's on in our district

As spring begins to blossom across the district, it's the perfect time to shake off the winter chill and embrace the longer days ahead. September brings a vibrant calendar of events, offering plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, connect with friends and whānau, and celebrate the unique experiences our communities have to offer. Whether you're looking for family fun, arts and culture, sport or local markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season. It's also the ideal time to start planning your summer adventures and securing tickets to your favourite events before they sell out.

Laps at the Lake

Saturday 5 September 

Laps at the Lakes is a time-based running challenge based at Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club, Pāuanui.

Run as many laps of the 5.5km circuit as you choose, within a 6-hour or 12-hour time limit. The course is an anticlockwise loop around the asphalt and gravel paths of the pristine Lakes Resort Golf Course.

You can participate as an individual or in a relay team of up to six people. This is not a timed event. Each time you complete a lap, simply mark it next to your name on the lap board.

There are zero aid stations on course. This is a fully self-supported event. Tent sites will be made available for you to set up your own ‘transition’ space.

This is a pay-what-you-want event. Fifty per cent of all funds raised by Laps at the Lakes will be donated to the I Am Hope charity.

Rural Support Lunch: Coroglen Tavern

Thursday 10 September: 12–2pm

Farmers, growers and rural communities in Coroglen / Coromandel and surrounding areas, join us for a free lunch and take a well-earned break while you catch up with your local rural community.

RSVP is essential - events.waikato@ruralsupport.org.nz

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori Wearable Arts

14–20 September 

Whitianga Oceans Festival

Saturday 19 September

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitianga Marina, the Whitianga Oceans Festival is a celebration of great music, delicious food and the unique spirit of the Coromandel – here coast meets country.

This much-loved event brings together an exciting line-up of local, national and international artists performing throughout the day, creating a lively festival atmosphere by the water. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of tasty food offerings, including fresh local seafood and a variety of festival favourites.

Edisons Night Market: Whangamatā

Saturday 26 September

We're coming out of hibernation and ready for our first night market for the summer.

Join us from 4pm for cocktails, delicious food and a spot of shopping from all your favourite local vendors. For this market we'll be joined by Banh Mi Caphe, Pizza Dose, Cherry Bomb Coffee, X Volare Bread, Coro Stoke, Estus Ceramics and Raya's Beads.

Pop it in the calendar, this is an evening you don't want to miss.

Whangamatā Half Marathon

Saturday 29 September

Whether you’re local or just visiting, invite your family and friends to join you at the Whangamatā Half Marathon, 10km or 5km – run or walk.  Perfectly timed for the first weekend of the spring school holidays.

Open Studios Coromandel Arts Tour

Saturday 3 October – Sunday 11 October: 10am–4pm

Coromandel is famous for its creative people. Come and meet some of them in October as part of the Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour. Every year, on the first two weekends of October, nearly 40 artists from in and around Coromandel Town open their studios for you to visit.  

Pāuanui Pink Walk

Saturday 3 October  

Enjoy a fun 5.5km walk in beautiful Pāuanui, while raising valuable funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and two local projects. Gather your friends and family, dig out everything you own that is pink, and get your tickets now.

Whangamatā Adventure Race

Saturday 10 October 

Get ready for the Whangamatā Adventure Race, an action-packed day of fun, fitness and teamwork. Explore Whangamatā’s stunning natural environment as you run, ride, navigate and complete exciting challenges for all ages and abilities.

Steampunk Thames

Thursday 12 November – Sunday 15 November 

Steampunk the Thames celebrates 11 years. The annual steampunk festival of the arcane and thaumaturgic arts will crank up a head of steam with an action-packed, fun-filled weekend of high-energy hoopla for grownups and young people alike.

Ridge Runner: Colville

Date change – Saturday 5 December 

Ready to take on the Ridge?

Ridge Runner returns to the stunning White Star Station on Saturday 7 November, bringing you an unforgettable trail experience through native bush, rugged climbs and sweeping ridgeline views.

Whether you run, walk or take it all in at your own pace, this is more than just a race – it’s a full Coromandel adventure.

• Epic trails (with exciting new sections coming soon)
• Gourmet food
• Live music and afterparty vibes
• Camping under the stars

Round up your crew, lock in the date, and get ready for something special.

Buffalo Beach Party

Saturday 2 January 2027

Coro Classic

Sunday 3 January 2027

Markets

Coromandel Town – Wharf Road: Fridays, 8.30am–1pm 

An array of local and homegrown produce and crafts for sale. Organic and gluten-free options. You will be spoilt for choice.

Thames Market – Pollen Street, Grahamstown: Saturdays 8am–12pm

You'll find locally produced plants, fruit and veg, plus bric-a-brac, secondhand goods and books, arts and crafts, fine food, cheeses, specialty oils and much more.

Have you got an event that has the potential to become iconic to the Coromandel - will attract domestic and international tourists as well as our holidayhome owners - and can be run outside of peak summer? You could be eligible for support through our District Event Fund.