What’s on in Wānaka this October
In short: Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking destinations, and this October it will be alive with the sounds of chamber music. Wānaka is hosting the At the World’s Edge Festival opening weekend this spring with two exceptional programmes that set the scene for all that’s to come during the festival week. Whether you’re here for music, scenery, or a mix of both, Wānaka in October is the perfect place to be.
Why Wānaka is a perfect festival setting
Nestled beside its glittering lake and framed by snow-dusted mountains, Wānaka offers a slower, more contemplative pace than Queenstown, making it an ideal town to explore before, during and after the chamber music festival. For those who prefer to discover a place on foot, there’s plenty to explore in the town’s galleries, cafes, and along the lakeside walks. If you’re keen to head out a little further, the world’s your oyster!
AWE in Wanaka
Take your seats for AWE at Rippon Hall
Pairing live music with a weekend escape, Wānaka in October offers the best of both worlds: world-class chamber music in Aotearoa New Zealand alongside the beauty of the Queenstown Lakes District.
So whether you’re here for a single concert or planning a longer stay, the combination of stunning landscapes, welcoming community, and plethora of activities makes Wānaka an unmissable stop on the At the World’s Edge Festival 2025 itinerary.
For a festival that takes nature as muse as the theme in 2025, there really could be no better place to kickstart this spring’s AWE Festival than in Wānaka. Here, the landscape feels part of the performance with the lake, mountains and vast skies providing inspiration for days!
AWE’s Wānaka venue is Rippon Hall, a beautiful rammed earth and timber building that looks out over the vines of Rippon to the Southern Alps beyond. Rippon Hall is a fabulous festival venue, intimate yet majestic, with fantastic acoustics for chamber music.
What else can you do in Wānaka in October?
Enjoy wine with a view at Maude’s scenic Tasting Room
Walks and hikes: Early October is perfect for lakeside strolls along the lakes and rivers of Wānaka and Hāwea or local hikes like Mount Iron or Rocky Mountain that offer spectacular views of the region.
Wineries: Wānaka boasts an array of excellent vineyards and wineries, producing superb Central Otago wines. AWE Festival partner, Rippon, hosts tastings at their vineyard Cellar Door daily while Maude’s scenic Cellar Door is conveniently located alongside thriving Wānaka restaurant, Bistro Gentil.
Art and culture: Wānaka has a flourishing creative community. Be sure to stop by Gallery Thirty Three, the town’s contemporary art hub featuring paintings, sculpture, and jewellery; the Wānaka Fine Art Gallery, a boutique space showcasing regional artists in painting, sculpture, glass, and greenstone; and The Picture Lounge, a fine art photography gallery that hosts works by artists such as Camilla Rutherford, Craig Potton and Richard Sidey.Together, these spaces reflect the town’s dynamic cultural spirit and are perfect complements to the festival experience.
Relaxation: Cafés, artisan bakeries, and the tranquil lakefront provide the perfect backdrop between concerts.
Spring events: If AWE leaves you thirsting for more in the way of events this spring, you won’t be disappointed. Veteran jazz band The Nairobi Trio returns to Wānaka for one night in October while The Canyon in Tarras plays host to a food and wine pairing lunch, raising funds one of Wānaka’s primary schools. Finally, if you find yourself staying for longer, the Wānaka Arts Society’s annual Labour Weekend exhibition features works from more than 80 artists from across the region and further afield.
Explore the great outdoors
October is the perfect month to get outside in Wānaka. Spring weather brings crisp mornings, longer days, and landscapes alive with blossom.
Blowing bubbles from the top of Rocky Mountain
The Outlet Track: A gentle yet rewarding riverside walk along the Clutha River, starting from Lake Wānaka. This track is a favourite among locals and offers stunning views without needing a full day’s commitment.
Wildwire via ferrata: For adventure seekers, climbing the world’s highest waterfall cable climb is an unforgettable way to experience Wānaka. Options range from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced routes that ascend the full waterfall.
On the lake: Take to the water with one of the many boat options available: from a relaxed lake cruise to kayaking or sailing. It’s the best way to take in the surrounding alpine scenery from a different perspective.
Why choose Wānaka for your festival getaway?
Pairing live music with a weekend escape, Wānaka in October offers the best of both worlds: world-class chamber music in Aotearoa New Zealand alongside the beauty of the Queenstown Lakes District.
Tickets for AWE 2025 are on sale now, so why not plan an October visit to Wānaka around the opening weekend of At the World's Edge Festival? Come for the music, stay for the scenery, and make the most of all that this lakeside town has to offer.