Turakina Highland Games
New Zealand's oldest festival of sports, music & dance.
The Turakina Highland Games are generally held the last weekend of January at Turakina Domain. First held in 1864, the Turakina Highland Games all about honouring the original founders of the Turakina District, continuing their Celtic Traditions and showcasing the talents of those proudly representing them today.
If you come along, you’ll get the chance to see (and do!) traditional piping, drumming, dancing and sports and games like sheaf toss, tug’o’war and needle-in-the-haystack. There will be great food – including a traditional evening BBQ and Haggis ceremony – and delightful treats available all day long. For all the traditional dance enthusiasts, there will be a Twilight Choreography Competition, and don’t forget the (free) Ceilidh which rounds the day up around 7:30. For a full schedule of events or to enter competitions, keep your eye on the website.
This event is proudly run by local volunteers and sponsored by various families, groups, trusts and businesses. It is affordable and family-friendly, with children under 15 free. There are also camping sites available – a quiet option at Turakina School or one in on all the action at the Domain.
Come and get amongst the fun for a family day out!