Central Otago District Events Fund supports four new events
Four new events are set to be staged in Central Otago over the next eighteen months with Central Otago District Council announcing a combined $150,000 investment from the new District Events Fund.
The successful events are:
- $83,500 – Central Otago Tracks & Wheels, Cromwell, 26-28 March 2027
- $22,500 – Fire & Feast Harvest Festival, Cromwell, 24-25 April 2027
- $22,000 – Otago 250 Trail Running Event, Clyde, 23-28 November 2027
- $22,000 – Goldrush Mountain Biking Event, Alexandra, 30 January 2028
The fund, which used existing tourism reserves, was established to support the development and attraction of new events that grow visitation, extend visitor stays, and contribute to a year-round events calendar across Central Otago.
Events that reflect Central Otago's character bring benefits across the region and support the goals in Eventful Central, the Event Development Framework, and the Destination Management Plan.
A total of 14 applications seeking $480,428 were received during the funding round. Following assessment by a panel of elected members and staff, four events were selected for funding based on their ability to attract visitors, deliver economic benefits, and contribute to the region's events offering.
Tourism Central Otago Head of Destination Anthony Longman said the successful events represented a strong mix of new experiences that would help showcase the district to domestic and international visitors.
"Events play an important role in attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and creating vibrancy within our communities," Mr Longman said.
"Central Otago has an outstanding reputation for hosting events, and this fund allows us to support organisers with fresh ideas that have the potential to grow into significant attractions for the region. The four events selected all offer something different, and together they help strengthen Central Otago's events calendar and will create specific reasons for people to visit and stay longer."
The successful applicants will now enter into partnership agreements with Council.
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Central Otago Tracks & Wheels
Cromwell | 26-28 March 2027
A three-day festival celebrating heritage and modern machinery, featuring vintage tractors and trucks, modern earthmoving equipment, machinery parades, tractor pull competitions, steam engines, trade displays, market stalls and family activities. The event will also include an attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of Massey Ferguson tractors.
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Fire & Feast Harvest Festival
Cromwell | 24-25 April 2027
A new two-day food, wine and music festival celebrating the conclusion of the Central Otago wine harvest. The event will bring together local wineries, food producers, live entertainment and community activities, culminating in a premium Fire & Feast dining experience showcasing regional produce and live-fire cooking.
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The Goldrush
Alexandra | 30 January 2028
A cycling event following the historic Old Dunstan Road and the route travelled by early gold miners between Otago and Central Otago. The event will cater for mountain bike and gravel bike riders, with individual and team categories.
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Otago 250
Clyde | 23-28 November 2027
A multi-day ultra trail running event featuring a flagship 240-mile race from Queenstown to Clyde, supported by 100-mile, 100km and 60km distances. The event is designed to attract experienced trail runners while also providing participation opportunities across a range of abilities.
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For more information:
Anthony (Antz) Longman
Head of Destination, Tourism Central Otago
Email: Anthony.Longman@codc.govt.nz
