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Dunedin’s Wild Dunedin festival is set to attract strong visitor interest this month, with more than 200 events scheduled and many already sold out ahead of opening.
The New Zealand Festival of Nature runs from April 10–19 during the school holidays, bringing visitors to Ōtepoti for a programme centred on conservation, wildlife and the outdoors.
Organisers say demand has been strong nationally, reflecting growing interest in sustainability and environmental awareness.
Visitor draw for Dunedin
Now in its 11th year, the festival has become a key event on Dunedin’s calendar, attracting visitors from around the country and supporting activity across the city and Otago Peninsula.
More than 30,000 people attended last year, with a similar turnout expected in 2026.
Festival director Carla Munro says the programme is designed to connect people with the natural environment.
“Wild Dunedin is about bringing people together to celebrate nature,” Carla says.
Experience-led programme
The event includes a mix of talks, guided experiences, food events and community activities, offering a range of ways for visitors to engage with the region’s natural assets.
Marketing manager Charlie Buchan says interest in the festival reflects wider changes in consumer behaviour.
“We are seeing huge national interest in the festival this year,” Charlie says.
“People are recognising that investing in sustainability… is more important than ever.”
Wider context
The festival comes at a time of increasing focus on renewable energy, local production and environmental resilience, with organisers pointing to growing awareness of sustainability issues among New Zealanders.
Events such as Wild Dunedin highlight how nature-based experiences are contributing to regional visitation and tourism activity.
