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 to live music, dance classes and art workshops, there’s plenty to keep the hands moving and the mind creating this June. Here’s what’s on this June in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds - read on, then head to our What’s On page for even more.
Creative Workshops
Attend a piano masterclass, try a life drawing session in Wānaka, or sign up for a dance class in Queenstown. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, our creative workshops and classes have something for everyone.
- Art Intro: A Drawing and Painting Course | Wānaka | Tue 4 Jun
Are you interested in developing your creative side? Set in a fun and nurturing environment in the heart of Wānaka, this practical art class is aimed at beginners and intermediates who want to develop perceptual drawing skills and explore a variety of techniques and ideas.
- Beginner’s Sewing Class: Making a bucket hat | Wānaka | Mon 3 Jun
Would you like to learn to sew, how to use patterns and learn how to work with fabric, then this beginner's sewing workshop is for you. No previous sewing experience is required.
- NZ Birds watercolours course for beginners | Queenstown | Thu 6 Jun
Want to paint like a pro? Join Kasia Hebda, artist and art conservator, for a 5-week in-depth exploration of watercolour painting techniques with native birds.
Art Exhibitions
Explore art galleries and exhibitions from local and visiting artists in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds. Whether you’re browsing or buying, this is a great way to support local artists.
- This Painted Land Exhibition | Alexandra | Now - 30 June
This Painted Land is a show of bigger works by Central Otago artists. These are works that give us the land, our world of difference with the assured skill of artists who live with a constant presence of blue skies and golden yellow mountains hazed by the distance and light.
- Te Whare Pora: House of Learning | Queenstown | 8 June - 28 July
A rare opportunity to see a collection of unique kākahu (cloaks) made by internationally recognised Māori weaver Rokahurihia Ngarimu-Cameron, along with hand-made taonga puoro (musical instruments) from Roka’s collection.
Theatre & Performing Arts
Be entertained through theatre, musicals and plays in Queenstown, Wānaka and throughout the district! With temps dropping, it’s the perfect excuse to hunker indoors.
Live Music
There are loads of live music gigs and events in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds this June. From Tiny Room Concerts in Arrowtown to local bands at local bars, there are live music events for everyone this month.
Explore events
What’s on in June near you? Explore your local creative scene in Wānaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown and discover exciting arts and culture events happening this month. There’s loads more, too - head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.
- WAO Film Festival | Queenstown | 7 - 8 June
Join us for the WAO Film Festival in Queenstown, featuring award-winning films set to inspire a deep connection with the natural world.
- NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival | Queenstown & Wānaka | 21 - 28 Jun
If you love adventure, the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is for you. Our films, books, guest speakers, art shows and adventure schools will inspire and entertain you with epic tales of travel and exploration from every corner of the globe.
- Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai | Arrowtown | Fri 28 Jun
Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai returns on Friday 28 June from 3:30pm - 8:30pm. With a refreshed name and committee it will be a true whānau event, with the theme of "Bringing Whānau Together" woven through performances and experiences.
- Wānaka Matariki Celebrations | Wānaka | Fri 28 Jun
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Matariki and join Kāhu Youth for this whānau-friendly event, including kapa haka performances, free activities for tamariki and rakatahi, storytelling of local Māori history and legends / purakau, a hangi, a bubble show, fire dancers, light displays and more.
- Queenstown Matariki at Te Atamira | Queenstown | 9 Jun - 28 Jul
Mark your diaries for creativity and community events throughout June and July at Te Atamira to celebrate Matariki! There'll be free arts, crafts and kōrero events for all, so bring your whānau and friends and join us to celebrate.
- Weak Layers: Film and Live Q&A | Wānaka | 24 - 26 June
Join us for a special Wānaka screening of the ski town hit film Weak Layers with an onstage Q&A with writer/director/star Katie Burrell, North America's most loved "leisure athlete" and "queen of slope-side fun."
- Creative Juices | Wānaka | Wed 12 Jun
An open mic night for spoken word and original song, kindly hosted and fuelled by Rhyme X Reason and featuring cushions, cosy vibes, fairy lights and delicious brews.
And that’s just a taste of what’s on June in the arts and culture world. Whether it’s live music, film festivals, open mics, Matariki events or art exhibitions, there’s no shortage of arts and culture for everyone. For more of what’s on in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounds this June, head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.
