The Kawerau Woodfest is the premier annual celebration in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, showcasing the National Woodskills Competition. This high-profile event features elite chainsaw carving, woodturning, and furniture crafting, attracting thousands of visitors to experience the town’s rich forestry heritage alongside family entertainment and local culture.
Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, Kawerau is often recognized for its industrial backbone and geothermal energy, but it has rapidly evolved into a vibrant hub for domestic tourism and regional lifestyle events. From the roar of chainsaws to the grueling challenge of mountain running, the events calendar in this unique New Zealand town offers something for every enthusiast.
While the town hosts numerous gatherings throughout the year, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Woodfest, a tribute to the forestry industry that built the community. However, the event landscape is diverse, incorporating high-octane sports, cultural celebrations like Matariki, and festive community gatherings.
The National Woodskills Festival: Kawerau Woodfest
When discussing events Kawerau Woodfest is invariably the first topic to arise. It is not merely a local fair; it is a nationally recognized competition that draws artisans from across New Zealand and internationally. Held typically in late September or early October, the festival transforms the town into a bustling gallery of craftsmanship and raw power.
What is the National Woodskills Competition?
The core of the Woodfest is the National Woodskills Competition. This prestigious segment invites entrants to display their mastery over timber in various categories. Unlike standard craft markets, the judging criteria here are rigorous, focusing on technical difficulty, artistic impression, and finishing quality.
Competitors battle across several disciplines:
- Woodturning: Intricate bowls, vases, and artistic forms created on a lathe.
- Carving: Ranging from traditional Māori Whakairo to contemporary sculptural pieces.
- Furniture Making: High-end cabinetry and joinery that highlight grain patterns and structural integrity.
- Marquetry and Intarsia: Detailed pictorial mosaics created using different species of wood veneers.
The Chainsaw Carving Spectacle
Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing aspect of the festival is the live chainsaw carving. This high-energy event features artists turning massive logs into detailed sculptures within a set timeframe. The noise, the smell of sawdust, and the speed at which art emerges from rough timber make this a sensory experience unlike any other.
These sculptures are often auctioned off at the end of the festival, providing attendees with a chance to own a piece of the event. The proceeds frequently go back into community projects or supporting the arts, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the festival and the town.
Family Entertainment and The Big Dig
While wood is the focus, the festival is designed as a family day out. The “Big Dig” is a staple activity where children dig through a designated sawdust pit to find tokens redeemable for prizes. Combined with food stalls offering local kai (food), live music performances, and extreme sport demonstrations—such as FMX motocross displays—the Woodfest ensures that the industrial heritage of Kawerau is celebrated in a way that appeals to all generations.
Kawerau King of the Mountain Race
If Woodfest represents the artistic soul of the town, the King of the Mountain race represents its physical endurance. Recognized as one of New Zealand’s toughest mountain races, this event challenges athletes to conquer Pūtauaki (Mt Edgecumbe).
What makes the King of the Mountain race so difficult?
The race is deceptive in its length but brutal in its verticality. The course covers approximately 8 kilometers return, but it involves an 852-meter ascent up a dormant volcanic cone. The terrain shifts from sealed roads to loose scoria and steep, root-infested bush tracks.
The defining characteristic of this race is the “sub-60 minute” benchmark. Completing the race in under an hour is considered the gold standard for elite mountain runners. The descent is often described as “controlled falling,” where runners sprint down steep scree slopes, requiring immense agility and bravery.
Prince and Princess of the Mountain
To encourage youth participation, the event includes the Prince and Princess of the Mountain races. These are shorter, modified courses designed for school-aged children. It serves as a rite of passage for many local youths, fostering a culture of fitness and resilience within the community. The atmosphere at the finish line, located at the Firmin Field, is electric, with the whole town turning out to cheer on the exhausted finishers.
Christmas in the Park Celebrations
As the year winds down, the focus shifts to community connection and celebration. Kawerau’s Christmas in the Park is a staple of the summer calendar, usually held in mid-December. It leverages the town’s warm summer climate and spacious public parks to create a festive open-air concert environment.
The Santa Parade and Float Competition
The event typically kicks off with the Santa Parade, which winds through the main streets of Kawerau. Local businesses, schools, and community groups invest weeks into designing elaborate floats. The competition for the best float is fierce but friendly, showcasing the creativity of the locals.
Evening Entertainment
Following the parade, the crowds migrate to the main park for an evening of entertainment. This often features a mix of local school kapa haka groups, regional bands, and occasionally high-profile national recording artists. The night concludes with a fireworks display, illuminating the silhouette of Mt Pūtauaki and marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Matariki: Celebrating the Māori New Year
In recent years, the celebration of Matariki (the Māori New Year) has grown significantly in prominence across New Zealand, and Kawerau is no exception. Given the town’s strong Māori population and cultural heritage, Matariki events here are deeply authentic and spiritually resonant.
Cultural Significance and Activities
Kawerau’s Matariki festivities often span several days or weeks in June or July. The programme typically includes:
- Dawn Ceremonies: Gatherings on high ground to view the rise of the Matariki star cluster, accompanied by karakia (prayer) and waiata (song).
- Kapa Haka Performances: Showcases of traditional performing arts from local iwi and schools.
- Manu Aute (Kite Flying): A traditional activity where kites are flown to connect the earth and the heavens.
- Night Markets: Stalls selling Māori arts, crafts, and traditional kai like hāngī and fried bread.
The focus is on whanaungatanga (kinship) and reflecting on the year passed while preparing for the year ahead. It provides visitors with a profound opportunity to engage with Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in a respectful and welcoming setting.
Planning Your Trip to Kawerau
Visiting Kawerau for these events requires some logistical planning, especially given that accommodation in the town itself can fill up quickly during major festivals like the Woodfest.
Accommodation Options
While Kawerau has local motels and camping grounds, many visitors choose to stay in nearby Whakatāne (30 minutes drive) or Rotorua (50 minutes drive). This allows tourists to enjoy the events in Kawerau during the day while accessing a broader range of amenities in the evenings.
Getting There
Kawerau is centrally located in the North Island. It is approximately a 1-hour drive from Tauranga and 50 minutes from Rotorua. For international travelers, the nearest domestic airports are in Rotorua and Tauranga. Renting a car is highly recommended as public transport options between towns can be limited, particularly for late-night event finishes.
Weather Considerations
The Bay of Plenty generally enjoys a warm, temperate climate. However, Woodfest is in spring, so weather can be changeable—layers are essential. The King of the Mountain race is weather-dependent for safety reasons; if the mountain conditions are too severe, the course may be altered.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kawerau Woodfest held?
The Kawerau Woodfest is typically held annually in late September or early October. Dates can vary slightly each year, so it is recommended to check the official Kawerau District Council or event website for confirmed schedules.
Is the Kawerau Woodfest free to attend?
Yes, general entry to the Kawerau Woodfest is usually free for the public. However, there may be charges for specific activities, rides, or purchasing items from stalls and the wood auction.
Can anyone enter the King of the Mountain race?
Technically yes, but it requires a high level of fitness. There are age restrictions for the main race, and all competitors must pass a safety gear check. The Prince and Princess races are available for younger participants.
What other attractions are near Kawerau?
Nearby attractions include the Tarawera Falls, Lake Tarawera, and the free geothermal hot pools in the center of town. The Tarawera River is also popular for whitewater kayaking and rafting.
Is Kawerau suitable for family visits?
Absolutely. Events like Woodfest and Christmas in the Park are specifically designed with families in mind, featuring dedicated kids’ zones, safe entertainment, and alcohol-free areas.
How do I register for the National Woodskills Competition?
Registration forms are typically available on the official Woodfest website several months prior to the event. Categories fill up, so early registration is advised for competitors wishing to display their work.
