I’ve put together a list of all the giant pumpkin events I can find around the country.  Public giant pumpkin events are listed first and School events are listed near the bottom.  Clicking on the  map will open Google maps and I’ve linked to each events website where possible.

Please let me know if you know of an event I do not have listed below, and if you see me at an event come say hi.

Rai Valley A&P Show

Date
02/03/2019

Location
Located between Nelson and Blenheim off of SH6.

Notes
Giant pumpkin judging will take place at 10:30am followed by a sculpting demonstration.

I haven’t been to this event before and it is on my list of places to visit. I’ll need to plan for next year.

More Information
Rai Valley A&P Show Website

Morrinsville A&P Show

Date
02/03/2019

Location
Morrinsville Recreation Ground

Notes
There was talk of giant pumpkins being entered here last year, but unsure if any were entered then, or if they are part of it this year as no schedules have been put up on their website yet. Also there is a security certificate problem with the website so it might not be accessible for you.

I’ve not been to this event before.

More Information
Morrinsville Show Website

Kumeu A&P Show

Date
09/03/2019

Location
Kumeu A&P Showgrounds

Notes
This is a really big A&P show with a lot of things to see.  The giant pumpkin event is run really well.  Judging is done on the Saturday and the pumpkin auction is done on the Sunday.

For me this is the best example of a pumpkin event being run within another event.  Make sure to take your money as there is a lot of stands, attractions and food for you to see and experience.  I’ll be heading up to this event again this year.

More Information
Kumeu Show Website

Wanaka A&P Show

Date
8-9/03/2019

Location
Wanaka Recreational Reserve

Notes
Another A&P show that has pumpkins as part of it’s produce you can enter competitions.  Most A&P shows have something for pumpkins, it pays to check on what you can enter.

More Information
Wanaka A&P Show Website

Kelmarna Gardens Harvest Festival

Date
10/03/2019

Location
Kelmarna Gardens – Ponsonby

Notes
A free event for all. 10am -3:00pm  The harvest competition has 3 categories: Biggest pumpkin, Biggest Marrow (both judged by weight) and Homegrown Bouquet .

More Information
Kelmarna Gardens Harvest Festival Event Listing

Mitre 10 Mega New Plymouth – Big Pumpkin Weigh In

Date
24/03/2019

Location

Notes
Once held all over the country, it now appears it is up to each Mitre10 store if they are going to run a giant pumpkin event.  This is the only prominent one I can find advertising for.  Prizes for the heaviest, best dressed and the ugliest.

The Great Pumpkin Carnival

Date
31/03/2019

Location
Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens

Notes
One of if not the biggest pumpkin event around.  The only GPC weigh off site in New Zealand.  Lots of categories and classes to enter, we’ve weighed the heaviest pumpkins in the Southern Hemisphere.  The current NZ record was weighed at the 2018 event at 808kg.  I’ll be there as I’m the President of this event, make sure to say hi if you come along.

More Information
The Great Pumpkin Carnival Website

Marton Harvest Festival

Date
31/03/2019

Location
Marton Park, Marton

Notes
A great harvest festival and event to check out.  View my video from my 2018 trip to Marton right here. 

More Information
Marton Harvest Festival Website

Bushmere Arms Giant Pumpkin

Date
07/04/2019

Location
Bushmere Arms

Notes
A great event which raises money for the Cancer society.  Lots of stuff to take part in.  I’ll be going down for the 2nd time this year.

More Information
Bushmere Arms Website

Little River Country Bumpkin Giant Pumpkin Festival

Date
14/04/2019

Location
Little River Domain

Notes
If you are around Christchurch area this is the competition you want to go and check out.  Lots of things to see.  I won’t be making it down for this event this year but highly recommend it if you are in the area.

More Information

South Otago A&P Show

Date
28/04/2019

Location
Balclutha Show Grounds

Notes
This could be the most Southern Giant Pumpkin competition in NZ.  It’s on my list to check out in the future.

More Information
South Otago A&P Show Facebook Page

School Giant Pumpkin Events 2019

These events are primarily for the School community to enter, but are great events to check out if you are wanting to support local community and check out pumpkins.

Te Kowhai School Harvest Festival

Date
22/03/2019

Location

Notes
Lots of activities for kids to do and a great example of the ticket system mentioned in The Free Guide to Running a Giant Pumpkin Event you can get for free.  I’ll be heading along to this to judge for the third year in a row.

More Information
Te Kowhai School Website

Tamahere School

Date
06/04/2019

Location

Notes
The biggest fundraiser event for the school, this is another great event that uses tickets instead of cash for any purchase.  Amazing pumpkin creations and there can be some rather large giants on display.

More Information
Tamahere School Website

Tatuanui School

Date
06/04/2019

Location

Notes
The newest pumpkin event out of the Schools listed, this is slowly turning into a great community event and shows that a giant pumpkin competition is a great idea if the community gets behind it.

More Information
Tatuanui School Website

It’s great to see so many giant pumpkin events around the country with many having been run for many years.  If you have an event, or are thinking about starting a new one, please let me know and I will add it to the list.