Oct
1
to 28 Feb

Paper Dress Competition: Waimate Museum

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

Create a masterpiece out of discarded book pages, magazines and newspapers. Dress up a mannequin and display them at the Museum.

Entry forms available at the Museum Office. Entry fee $20.

The museum has a limited number of mannequins available , or use your own. Books and magazines to be recycled available from the museum after Bookarama, from 31 October.

Take your creation to the museum for dressing on 2 December.
Judging is on Saturday 6 December.

Entries will be on displayed all summer.
On Friday 6 February there will be an event for the People’s Choice Award.
For information, contact charmaine_douglas@xtra.co.nz or admin@waimatemuseumandarchives.co.nz

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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
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
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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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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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
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
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
9:00 am09:00

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.

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

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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
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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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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Oct
17
6:00 pm18:00

Trail of Trends at The Quirky Magpie

The Quirky Magpie and Rewind invite you to an evening of fashion, festive gifting, and community spirit. Join hosts Lorraine and Steph for a night filled with style, bubbles, nibbles, fabulous spot prizes, and more!

Tickets are $25, with proceeds to The Waimate Trail - Te Ara Waimatemate.
Tickets can be purchased from The Quirky Magpie or Rewind. Available now, limited numbers.

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Oct
11
to 12 Oct

Spring Equestrian Show

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

Head to the showgrounds for the Spring Equestrian Show. Free admission.

Saturday
Main Oval (rings 1.2&3): 8:30am Showjumping. 9am Working Hunter.
Ring 4: 9am In-hand classes.
Ring 5: 9am Miniature horses. 1:45pm Ridden Coloured Horse

Sunday
Main Oval. 8:30am District Pony, NZ Riding Pony. Showjumping in Rings 1&2. 9am Group A, B & C Ponies. Saddle Hunter Ponies. 10am Ridden Thoroughbred the CFC Centennial Cup. 11am Hacks, Park Hacks, Riding Horses and Saddle Hunters. 1:30pm Senior Rider. 1.45pm Junior Rider.
Ring 4: 10:30am Lead Rein then First Ridden.
Ring 5: 9:30am Leisure Section

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Oct
10
to 11 Oct

Waimate Shears

The 58th Annual Shearing and Wool Handling Contest, Waimate Shears, is on!

Friday 10 October, from 7am: Senior Winter Comb; Woolhandling (Merino); Speed Shear.

Saturday 11 October, from 7am: Shearing Events Heats; Teams Event; South Island Woolhandling; Circuit Finals; Blade Shearing; Trans-Tasman Blade Shearing; Shearing Finals.

Free entry. Raffles. Hot Food. Bar. Courtesy Van. Facebook Live Streaming.

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Sept
23
to 3 Oct

School Holiday Programme at The Event Centre

There are plenty of activities at the Waimate Event Centre for your energetic children and those that like a challenge or to learn something new.

Indoor Climbing: Tuesday 23 September and Friday 3 October, 2pm to 3:30pm. $8 each session, adult supervision required.

Skating: Wednesday 24 September and Monday 29 September, 10:30am to 12pm. And Thursday 2 October, 2pm to 3:30pm. $8 each session.

Hoops: Thursday 25 September and Tuesday 30 September, 10:30am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm. $5 each session.

Indoor Soccer: Friday 26 September and Wednesday 1 October, 10.30am to 12pm. $5 each session. Clean sneakers please.

No bookings required for any of the activities. For more information call the Event Centre on 03 689 7771.

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Sept
22
to 3 Oct

School Holiday Activities at the Library

The Waimate Library has four engaging activities for tamariki this school holidays:

  • Origami Workshop – 30 September 11am to 12.30pm. Open to all ages.

  • Pre Halloween-Scavenger Hunt – figure out the scary clues to get a lucky dip prize/chocolate.  Every day of the holidays.

  • Reading with Wolfie – 29th September, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

  • Super Gran – both Fridays of the holidays, 10.30am to 11.30am.

    No bookings are required for any of the activities.

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Sept
20
to 5 Oct

Waimate Scarecrow Hunt

Save the date for days of fun.
Grab a map and head around town to see the marvellous creations made by creative locals for the Waimate Scarecrow Hunt. Guess the character and write it on the reverse of your map. Once you’ve found every scarecrow and completed your form, return it and be in to win a prize. Maps will be available from Value Village nearer the date. People’s Choice voting for the ‘best’ scarecrow.
Email jess.cp95@gmail.com to register or for further information.

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Sept
14
9:00 am09:00

SCNO Showjumping Training Day

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

Using the Main Ring (Day 1*)
Starts with set up by course designer Tony Hutton, with rounds commencing around 9.30-10am.
Starting height 60cm to be raised as needed with all levels catered for.
Ground fee $15 per horse. $10 per round. $17.50 for open yard if used.
Covered yards and overnight stays available through the A&P Association.
Entries close 8pm Saturday 13 September. No entry without payment.
*The event will be repeated on 21 September.
Click here for event page and how to pay.

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