Dec
1
to 24 Jan

Summer of Fun at the Library

  • Waimate District Libary & Information Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

  • The Best Gifts Don’t Need Batteries, 1 December to 6 January. Make a blind date with a book.

  • Colouring competition, 22 December to 16 January: categories are under 5years, 5 to 8 years, and 9 to 12 years. Prizegiving on 22 January.

  • Photo booth with Rosie, 22 December to 16 January, all day. Take a selfie with our huge library mascot.

  • Photo booth with Wolfie, 22 December, 1:30pm.

  • SuperGran Story time, every Friday, 10:30am to 11:30am.

  • The Amazing Adventures of Mike’s Bike!, 14 January, 10.30am. A book reading of a newly launched book with local children’s author Emma Heppell.

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Dec
4
to 23 Dec

Two Dollar Sessions at the Event Centre

A special sports programme at the Event Centre kicks off on December 4 with all sessions just $2.

Skating, Thursday 4 December, 3pm to 5pm (bring long socks)
Futsal, Thursday 11 December, 3pm to 5pm (clean sneakers please)
Indoor Climbing and Basketball Hoops, Thursday 18 December, 3pm to 5pm (adult supervision)
Primary School Mixed Sports: Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, 10am to 12pm.
High School Mixed Sports, Monday 22 and 23 December, 2pm to 4pm.

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Dec
13
9:30 am09:30

Waimate Strawberry Fare

The Waimate Strawberry Fare is one of the biggest events on our calendar so make sure you make a note of this date for a day you will not want to miss. There will be 200-plus stalls and all-day entertainment. You have never seen Seddon Square buzzing quite like this!

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Dec
14
4:00 pm16:00

Harp and Flute Concert

Join Helen Webby, principal harpist for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Anthony Ferner, an accomplished flautist at Willowbridge Hall for a collection of romantic music for Christmas. Helen and Tony celebrate 26 years of music together playing works from their CD Reverie.

Debussy, Bach, Hovhaness with Celtic and Tango.

14 December, 4pm, Willowbridge Hall

Tickets $20 from Humanitix or $25 on the door.

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Dec
20
to 4 Jan

Special Open Days at the Museum

  • Waimate Museum & Archives (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Always wanted to visit the museum but can’t get there in the week?
For two weekends, the Waimate Museum & Archives is having special open days.

Entry just $5. Free for under 16s. 10am to 3pm

Saturday 20 December and Sunday 21 December
Saturday 3 January and Sunday 4 January.

All the delights of the museum (and there is a lot to see!) plus see the creations that emerged from the Paper Dress competition and vote for the People’s Choice which will be announced at a special event on Friday 6 February.

Enquiries to admin@waimatemuseumandarchives.co.nz

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Dec
22
to 24 Jan

School holidays at the Library

  • Waimate District Libary & Information Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

 Christmas colouring in competition

22 December to 16 January.  Three categories – Under 5, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 years old.  Three first prizes with a prizegiving on 22 January.

 Photobooth with Rosie Have your photo taken with our huge teddy bear and library mascot, Rosie. She’s here all school holidays.

Super Gran Every Friday 10.30am to 11.30am.

 Across the Board with Fun!  A wide variety of board and educational games for all ages. Available all school holidays.

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Dec
25
12:00 pm12:00

Free Community Christmas Dinner

Are you on your own on Christmas Day? Or finding the cost of putting on a Christmas dinner is outside of your budget? Get along to the free community Christmas dinner and enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

RSVP and enquiries to Jacqui on 022 548 4329 or message via the Waimate Community Christmas Dinner Facebook page.

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Jan
12
to 23 Jan

Sporty School Holiday Fun at the Event Centre

  • Waimate Event Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Skating $5 (Bring long socks)
Monday 12 & Friday 16 Jan: 10:30am to 12pm
Tuesday 20 Jan: 2pm to 3:30pm

Basketball Hoops $2
Monday 12, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 Jan: 2pm to 4:30pm.
Tuesday 13, Thursday 15, Monday 19, Tuesday 20 and Friday 23 Jan: 9am to 1pm.
Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 Jan: 2pm to 5pm.

Badminton $5 (All equipment supplied.)
Wednesday 14 and Thursday 22 Jan: 10:30am to 12pm

Indoor Wall Climbing $5 (Adult supervision required, all equipment supplied)
Tuesday 13, Monday 19 and Friday 23 Jan: 2pm to 3:30pm

Football $5 (Clean sneakers please)
Thursday 15 Jan: 2pm to 3:30pm
Wednesday 21 Jan: 10.30am to 12pm.

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Jan
16
to 18 Jan

Kōwhai Grove 2026

After a test run in 2024, Kōwhai Grove returns to Gunns Bush Camp over two nights to showcase local, domestic and international artists and producers from all walks of the musical spectrum.
Expect a weekend of dance, laughter and love. R18 event brought to you by TyanHAUS, powered by 103 Soundsystem.

Tickets from 103soundsystem.flicket.co.nz

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Mar
29
8:00 am08:00

Whitehorse Big Easy

The Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy on 29 March 2026 has individual mountain bike and trail run/walk categories, and a solo or team relay duathlon.

The event is based at Victoria Park, a 5 minute walk from the centre of the Waimate township. All event courses are loop tracks starting and ending at the park, except for the 5km MTB.

Trail Run/Walk: Kids' 1.5km; 5K; 13km; 21km
Duathlon: 13km Trail Run + 20km MTB
Team Challenge: 21km Trail Run + 27km MTB
Plus Mountain Bike distances: 7km, 13km, 20km, 27km

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Apr
26
8:30 am08:30

Pentland Hills Trail Ride

Dirt bike riders will love these tracks in the Pentland Hills.
Beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks.
Appropriate safety gear, boots, gloves, armour and helmet compulsory.
Breakfast and lunch available to purchase on the day.

Registration opens 8.30am. Tracks open 10am, close at 4pm
$65 per adult, $35 per youth (16 and under).
(Community fundraiser for Waimate Rotary)

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Dec
10
4:00 pm16:00

Twilight Market

The Waimate Community Market is holding a special Twilight Market with free entertainment, food vendors and stall holders. Family friendly. Enjoy the atmosphere and make an evening of it.

*Twilight Market, Wednesday 10 December from 4pm to 8pm.

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Dec
6
6:00 pm18:00

Argentinian BBQ Fundraiser

Head down to the Waimate A&P Showgrounds on Saturday 6 December for slow cooked lamb Argentinian style and a live band and support the Waimate High School Opportunities Project and Waimate High School AgHub Programme.

$60pp, tables of 10. Arrive from 6pm, dinner from 7.30pm. Dinner, auction and entertainment included in ticket price. Tickets from The Veterinary Centre or phone 027 405 2772.

Live band: Joihnny and the Cashtones.

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Dec
4
9:00 am09:00

Festive Fun at New World

Get into the holidays spirit at New World on Thursday 4 December.
Tastings in store: 9am to 5pm
Sausage sizzle: 11am to 1pm. Gold coin donation.
Spin the wheel to win (fabulous prizes include 2 nights at Matchbox Glamping, $100 New World gift cards, a hibachi grill and more…)

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Dec
3
to 4 Dec

Food Drive for the Foodbank

  • New World car park kiosk (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Support Waimate Community Foodbank by donating with cash or non-perishable grocery items, dried goods, canned food, toiletries, cleaning products, Christmas treats, breakfast cereals etc.

Waimate New World carpark, Wednesday 3 December & Thursday 4 December.

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Nov
30
10:00 am10:00

Whitehorse FUNduro bike event

  • Start at Eco Sanctuary on Point Bush Road (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mountain bike enthusiasts will love this fun 5 or 3 stage enduro race on Sunday 30 November 2025 at the Whitehorse MTB Trails at Point Bush Road, Waimate. There is the option of an easier 3 Stage Enduro utilising only blue, grade 3 trails OR the full 5 Stage Enduro with a couple of grade 4/5 (dark blue/black) trails. E-Mountain Bikes welcome (pedal assist only) - choose e-bike on your entry.

More details and sign up at Humanitix

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Nov
29
9:00 am09:00

Christmas Cracker Market

Waimate Community Market is running a special Christmas Cracker Market on November 29, extending the market closing time out by an hour to 1pm. There will be all your favourite stands plus entertainment, food, coffee, special guests and much more. All proceeds donated to a worthy cause.

Stall bookings essential. $10 per site. Secure your spot by contacting the secretary on 0274602849.

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Nov
23
5:30 pm17:30

Pike River - Waimate Cancer Society Movie Fundraiser

As part of their fundraising, Waimate Cancer Society brings us a great opportunity to see the much-talked about Pike River film. It’s the story of two women who together stand up and take on the government, justice system and a company that will stop at nothing to protect itself, after the 2010 Pike River Mine Explosion takes the lives of 29 men underground.

All tickets $15 (no comps). Cash only.
Sunday 23 November, 5.30pm. Regent Theatre
Run time 2 hours, 11 minutes with an intermission in the middle. Rated M (Offensive language)

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Nov
8
8:00 am08:00

South Canterbury A&P Show

  • South Canterbury A&P Showground (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Town meets country at this vibrant show. Expect to see animals of all kinds for showing and action in the form of showjumping. Displays, stands and stalls for information and shopping. Plus, the NZ army team from Burnham will be showing off the equipment they used during the August training exercises in Waimate.

Tickets $15, ex-army veterans and children under 16 go free.

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Nov
7
7:30 pm19:30

Comedy Hypnosis Show - Waimate Main School Fundraiser

The Waimate Main School PTA are excited to present Ian Blaine. Known for his hilarious and jaw-dropping performances, Ian will have you in stitches as volunteers from the audience become the stars of the show.

Specially timed R18 event for after calving, so it’s the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a fantastic evening out with friends.

Tickets $35 from Humanitix

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Nov
1
to 7 Nov

Student Art Exhibition

Waimate High School and Waimate Art Gallery presents Student Art Exhibition.

1 November to 7 November at the Waimate Art Gallery.

Refreshments served on opening night.

Art produced by students of Waimate High School.
3, 4, 5 November: Hours to be advised.
6, 7 November: 11am to 3pm.
Free entry. Art for sale (Eftpos or cash)

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Nov
1
to 9 Nov

The Bacon Brevet: Cycle Ride

The Flahute Presents this not-for-profit self-supported bike-packing ride.
Full ride information at itu.co.nz

Ride choices are the Taster, 3-day and 8-day Brevet. Trackers compulsory and available to hire if you don’t have one. You can share a tracker within a team of up to three but you need to ride together. You don’t need to ride 100% of the course, you can miss bits out or add bits in to suit youself.

Tickets from Trackme.nz

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Oct
31
6:00 pm18:00

Roller Disco

Skatescool NZ is back with another Roller Disco in Waimate!
6pm Lesson for beginners and confident skaters (50 mins)
7pm Roller Disco for all ages, all levels (90 mins)
Come 10 minutes early if you are hiring skates.
Lesson + Disco Combo $20, Lesson or Disco only $15, Skate hire $5 - cash please

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Oct
25
to 30 Oct

Bookarama

  • Machinery Hall, Waimate Museum (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Head to the museum for this week-long fundraiser.
Books, puzzles, DVDs, magazines and more. Saturday includes a White Elephant & Bake Sale.
October 25-30 10am to 4pm. Machinery Hall, 9 Innes Street, Waimate.
Call 03 689 7832 for more information.

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Oct
25
to 26 Oct

Endurance and CTR Horse Ride

Calling all horse riders.

⭐ The East Coast Endurance Club is holding an Endurance and CTR Ride at Willowbridge over Labour Weekend. Distances start at 5km up to 80km including a two-day 80km. Tickets through EVO Events or check out the details on their Facebook page. Entries close late afternoon Wednesday 22 October.

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Oct
24
4:00 pm16:00

Halloween Disco

Come and have a spooky afternoon.
Preschoolers (Year 3) from 4pm to 4:45pm (adult must accompany)
Year 4 to Year 6 from 5pm to 6pm

$2 entry. Prizes for Best dressed; best dance moves; scariest outfit + spot prizes.
Food, drink, glow sticks available for purchase.

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Oct
22
4:30 pm16:30

Community Trust Annual Public Meeting

Hear from the Trustees and CEO of the Community Trust about how they’ve supported the community in the last 12 months and how they are aiming to move forward. Stay for kai (food) and kōrero (chat).
All welcome.
Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury covers the Waimate, Mackenzie, Timaru and Ashburton districts and are holding meetings in each one.
Waimate Event Centre, 15 Paul Street, 4.30pm on Wednesday 22 October.

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