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Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025: A Celebration of Art, Creativity, and Community

by Te Wāhi Toi

Every two years, Wānaka transforms into a hub of creativity, conversation, and cultural exchange as the Festival of Colour | Te Kaupeka Rau takes centre stage. As the Southern Lakes region’s flagship arts festival, it brings together a lineup of world- class performances, installations, and discussions, set against the breathtaking autumn colours of the Upper Clutha Basin.


In 2025, the...

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Your source for the latest arts and culture news happening in and around Queenstown and Wānaka. Discover the artists, exhibitions, books and films shaping our vibrant arts and culture scene.

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Te Wāhi Toi

Three Lakes Cultural Trust

The Outlet: Hosted by Brent Harbour

Alison Price

David Clarke

Britt Davies

Kahli Scott

Taste of Art

Te Atamira

Queenstown Writers Festival

Your source for the latest arts and culture news happening in and around Queenstown and Wānaka. Discover the artists, exhibitions, books and films shaping our vibrant arts and culture scene.

What's On

Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025…

Every two years, Wānaka transforms into a hub of creativity, conversation, and cultural exchange as the Festival of Colour | Te Kaupeka Rau takes centre…...

What's On

Whakatipu Music Festival: Trai…

The Whakatipu Music Festival – Training Ground is an exciting initiative that offers hands-on experience for early career practitioners in festival production. As one of three core…...

What's On

Queenstown Multicultural Festi…

On Saturday, 15th March 2025, the Queenstown Event Centre will transform into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration as the Queenstown Multicultural Festival 2025 comes…...

People

Little Art School: Inspiring C…

Nestled in the heart of Wānaka, Little Art School  has become a vibrant hub for fostering creativity and reconnecting people with their artistic sides. Founded…...

What's On

A World of Christmas: Celebrat…

Get ready to embark on a magical journey this festive season with A World of Christmas, Queenstown's much-loved community Christmas show. Taking place on Sunday,…...

What's On

Queenstown Writers Festival 20…

The first weekend in November The story of Queenstown Writers Festival began in 2019 when a group of friends brazenly decided that our place of paradise…...

What's On

Te Atamira’s 'Lyrics and Line…

Te Atamira, Tāhuna Queenstown’s arts and cultural centre, is set to showcase Lyrics and Lines, an exciting exhibition and dynamic performance series. Opening on Saturday,…...

Upcoming

Central Lakes Polyfest: Celebr…

Since its inception, Mīharo has been a driving force in celebrating the rich tapestry of Māori and Pasifika art, culture, and community across Murihiku and…...

What's On

What’s On October: Queenstown,…

After last month’s wintery surprise, October is set to bloom with an exciting array of events, workshops, classes, live music, and more across Queenstown, Wānaka,…...

What's On

OUT&about Wānaka: Celebrating …

The OUT&about Wānaka Charitable Trust is gearing up for another exciting year of celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion with a vibrant lineup of Pride events…...

People

Welcoming Communities & Welcom…

In a world where diversity enriches our lives and inclusion strengthens our communities, Queenstown Lakes District is leading the way in celebrating these values with…...

What's On

What’s On September: Queenstow…

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a renewed burst of creativity! As we step into September, Queenstown, Wānaka, and the surrounding areas…...

People

Chatting with Justine Cormack:…

Today we are chatting with Wānaka local, Justine Cormack - a freelance violinist and festival director for the upcoming At the World’s Edge Festival. 

Having...

What's On

Celebrating Emerging Talent: W…

The annual “Showing Off” Wakatipu High School Senior Art Exhibition is a highly anticipated event that shines a spotlight on the exceptional talents of senior…...

Upcoming

What's On August: Queenstown, …

August has arrived, bringing a fresh wave of creativity.  Embrace the last month of winter by diving into the vibrant arts, culture, and creative happenings…...

Reviews

Killergrams: A Multi-Sensory M…

Killergrams, known for their distinctive blend of folk, alt-country, gothic blues, and classic rock, recently celebrated the reissue of their debut album Midnight Hours with…...

Art Sector

Country Lane: Where History a…

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, Country Lane is a unique retail village that offers a refreshing take on shopping, relaxing, playing, and exploring. Unlike…...

Upcoming

What's On July: Queenstown, Wā…

The snow finally arrived, and so did the cold temperatures! Stay warm this winter and check out a range of arts, culture and creative happenings…...

News

Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata - …

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Regional Arts Organisation Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) and the Lakes District Museum are thrilled to announce the unanimous endorsement…...

What's On

The NZ Mountain Film & Book Fe…

The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, now in its 22nd year, is underway offering an incredible week of adventure, culture, and inspiration.Organized by the…...

Upcoming

Celebrating Matariki in the Qu…

Matariki is a special and significant time in Aotearoa New Zealand, marking the Māori New Year with the appearance of one of the brightest star…...

Arts Sector

Uniting Through Creativity: Ho…

Taste of Art, a dynamic collective based in Tāhuna Queenstown.Their mission is simple: to make art accessible to everyone, believing firmly in its transformative and…...

Upcoming

What’s On June: Queenstown, Wā…

Winter is finally here, and we’re celebrating the colder months with a wide range of arts, culture and creativity throughout the district. From winter festivals…...

Arts Sector

Music Month: Celebrating Fiona…

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Queenstown Lakes District lies a vibrant community of artists, each with a unique story to tell. Among them…...

Arts Sector

Music Month: Margaret O'Hanlon…

May marks New Zealand Music Month, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with our local music scene. Today we take a moment to spotlight local…...

Upcoming

What's on May in Queenstown, W…

What’s happening in the arts and culture scene this May? It might be shoulder season, but that doesn’t mean the creativity stops. We’ve got loads…...

Creative Events

Celebrating Dance at the Titit…

Last weekend, the Wānaka community witnessed an extraordinary showcase of talent and passion at the first-ever dance competition in Wānaka hosted by the Tititea Performing…...

People

Wakatipu High School presents …

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and Tracy Turnblad has only one desire: to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy…...

Upcoming

What’s On April: Queenstown, W…

With shoulder season settling in for the haul, we’re looking forward to another vibrant month of arts and culture events in the district.
Wondering what’s...

Arts & Crafts

10 Creative Easter Crafts 2024

Easter is a special time for the whole family. More than Easter egg hunts and family traditions, it’s also a time to get crafty and…...

Arts Sector

Have your say: The Draft Creat…

The Draft Te Rautaki Auahataka me te Ahurea o Queenstown Lakes District / Queenstown Lakes District Creativity & Culture Strategy is now open for community…...

What's On

What’s On March: Queenstown, W…

March has officially arrived, and with it a crisp reminder that autumn is officially in the air and there’s arts and culture to be celebrated.…...

Upcoming

Talking with Aspiring Conversa…

Nothing gets Wānaka talking quite like Aspiring Conversations. A four-day festival with 14 exciting events, this year’s programme has an outstanding lineup of speakers and…...

What's On

What's On February: Queenstown…

It’s February, which means we’re slowly settling back into routine after another beautiful summer in the Queenstown Lakes District. Wondering what’s on in Wānaka and…...

Arts Sector

The Future of Film in Queensto…

I’m one of those people who stays in the cinema long after the lights come on and people start trickling out. The popcorn is gone…...

Arts Sector

"I say courageous" by Britt Da…

Britt Davies is a talented designer and the founder and director of Davies Studio, a Wānaka based design agency. She is also a Trustee at…...

What's On

What’s on January: Queenstown,…

It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes an exciting range of arts and culture events. Wondering what’s on in Queenstown and…...

Upcoming

Your guide to a creative Chris…

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to nurture your inner creative and let arts and creativity take the reigns. Santa pun intended. That’s…...

Art Sector Historic

A Day In the Life of a Small …

In 1992, Lakes District Museum & Gallery Director David Clarke wrote a speech about 'the day in the life of a small town Museum Director',…...

Arts Sector

Five years of Turn Up the Musi…

It’s been five years since Turn Up the Music Trust (TUTM) first opened its doors to the Queenstown community. Fostering musical connection, supporting learning opportunities…...

Arts Sector

Celebrating Creativity: Wānaka…

The Wānaka Arts Society stands as a beacon of creativity in the heart of Wānaka. A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting local visual…...

Arts Sector

Do schools need creativity?

As we prepare to roll into the fourth term of the school year, Alison Price of Wakatipu High School (HoLA Arts/Arts Director) shares with us…...

Arts Sector

The Artful Mind: How Creativit…

Did you know, art is proven to have a positive effect on mental health? Providing a way for people to express themselves without words, recent…...

Arts Sector

Podcast: The Outlet, The Talk …

Last week, we were thrilled to speak to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown about the recent launch of Te Wāhi Toi.

It was great...

Upcoming

Locals Musicians Performed at …

Over winter, Synthony in the Snow took place at Coronet Peak - a world-first electronic dance music event featuring a live orchestra, vocalists, classical instruments, a…...

Arts Sector

Have your say: Arts, Culture a…

Queenstown Lakes District Council have teamed up with the Three Lakes Cultural Trust to develop an Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy for our district with…...

Arts Sector

Creating a strong profile

Your Te Wāhi Toi profile says a lot about you, your work, and your offerings. The stronger your profile, the better it represents you as an…...

Arts Sector

What is Te Wāhi Toi?

Te Wāhi Toi is a creative directory, a leading source of all things arts and culture, and a place to find, support, and connect with…...

Arts Sector

The road to Te Wāhi Toi

Te Wāhi Toi is an online platform for all things arts, culture, creativity and community. A space for creatives to connect, locals to find talent and…...

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