Kawerau Woodfest is a premier annual festival in New Zealand celebrating the region’s rich forestry heritage. The event features elite chainsaw carving competitions, high-octane logging displays, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors experience a unique blend of industrial history, artistic craftsmanship, and community culture in the heart of the Bay of Plenty.
Kawerau, situated in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, is widely recognized as the forestry capital of New Zealand. Every year, this industrial hub transforms into a vibrant center of culture, competition, and craftsmanship through the Kawerau Woodfest. For visitors and locals alike, this event is not merely a festival; it is a celebration of the town’s identity, showcasing the raw power of the timber industry alongside the delicate artistry that wood can yield.
Whether you are an enthusiast of extreme timber sports, an art collector looking for a unique centerpiece, or a family seeking a dynamic weekend outing, the Woodfest events schedule offers something compelling for every demographic. This guide provides an in-depth look at what makes this festival a must-visit occasion on the New Zealand regional calendar.
What is Kawerau Woodfest?
Kawerau Woodfest is the flagship event for the Kawerau district, drawing thousands of visitors annually. It serves as a showcase for the forestry industry, which is the economic backbone of the region. However, over the years, it has evolved from a trade-centric display into a comprehensive lifestyle event.
The festival typically spans a weekend, often in late September or early October, coinciding with the pleasant spring weather of the Bay of Plenty. The atmosphere is electric, characterized by the roar of chainsaws, the scent of fresh sawdust, and the bustling energy of market stalls. It is designed to be an immersive experience where the public can engage with the forestry sector in a safe, educational, and entertaining environment.
Beyond the entertainment, the event plays a crucial role in regional growth. It highlights career pathways in forestry, supports local artisans, and injects significant revenue into the local economy, often sparking interest in a Relocation & Digital Nomad Lifestyle. For the attendee, it is an opportunity to witness world-class skill in a town that lives and breathes timber.
The National Woodskills & Chainsaw Carving Competition
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the Woodfest events is the Chainsaw Carving Competition. This is not amateur hour; it attracts some of the finest chainsaw artists from across New Zealand and often international competitors. The transformation of raw, massive logs into intricate sculptures is a spectacle that defies the rugged nature of the tools used.
How does the competition work?
Competitors are given a set amount of time and a specific volume of wood. Over the course of the festival, they must whittle, slice, and detail their logs into a finished piece of art. The categories often range from wildlife and fantasy to cultural heritage pieces. Spectators can watch the entire process, seeing the sawdust fly as rough shapes slowly reveal delicate features like eagle feathers, facial expressions, or abstract curves.
The skill required is immense. Artists must manage the heavy torque of the chainsaw while executing precision cuts that would be difficult even with a chisel. Safety gear is paramount, and the physical endurance of the carvers is tested as they work for hours on end.
The Sunday Auction
For art collectors, the climax of the carving competition is the auction held at the end of the festival. All the pieces created during the event are put up for sale. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial, one-of-a-kind sculpture directly from the artist. The proceeds often go back to the artists or support the event, making it a sustainable model for promoting the arts in Kawerau.
Logging Displays and Heavy Machinery
While the carvings represent the artistic side of wood, the logging displays represent the industrial might. Kawerau Woodfest events provide a front-row seat to the machinery and skills that drive the New Zealand forestry exports.
What are the key logging attractions?
The “Big Rig” displays are a perennial favorite. Visitors can see massive logging trucks up close, appreciating the sheer scale of the vehicles that transport timber from the Kaingaroa Forest to the mills and ports. Skilled drivers often demonstrate the precision required to maneuver these behemoths, showcasing safety and control.
Additionally, the festival often features heavy machinery demonstrations, such as loaders and skidders. Operators demonstrate the dexterity of these machines, stacking logs with a gentleness that belies their power. This educational aspect helps the general public understand the technological advancements in modern forestry, moving away from the dangerous manual labor of the past to highly sophisticated, mechanized operations.
Traditional wood chopping and sawing races also frequently feature. These events hark back to the pioneer days, featuring axemen standing on blocks and sawing through logs by hand. The rhythm and speed of the axemen are mesmerizing, providing a stark contrast to the modern machinery nearby.
Family Activities and Entertainment
Kawerau Woodfest is curated to be a family-inclusive event. The organizers recognize that to attract regional tourism, there must be activities that engage children and teenagers while the adults inspect the carvings or machinery.
The “Kids Zone” is a staple of the festival, usually featuring amusement rides, bouncy castles, and interactive games. Face painting and balloon twisting keep the younger children entertained. For older children and teenagers, the festival often incorporates BMX demonstrations or skate competitions at the local skate park, which is often integrated into the festival precinct.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Dog Agility displays. Working dogs are a part of rural New Zealand life, and seeing highly trained dogs navigate obstacle courses is entertainment that appeals to all ages. These displays often highlight the bond between handler and animal, a theme that resonates well in a rural community hub like Kawerau.
Local Food and Craft Markets
No festival is complete without a culinary component, and Woodfest delivers a taste of the Bay of Plenty. The market stalls are a vibrant mix of local entrepreneurs, artisans, and food vendors.
What can you buy at the markets?
The craft stalls are heavily influenced by the theme of the festival. You will find high-quality wooden furniture, toys, chopping boards, and turned bowls. These are not mass-produced items but handcrafted goods made by local woodworkers. It is the perfect place to buy early Christmas gifts or unique home d%C3%A9cor.
On the food front, visitors can expect a range of options. Traditional H%C4%81ng%C4%AB (M%C4%81ori earth oven food) is often available, offering a cultural taste of the region similar to the Matariki Celebrations at Putauaki. Alongside this, you will find classic festival fare: hot dogs, chips, fry bread, and locally roasted coffee. The food court area serves as a social hub where families can sit, eat, and listen to the live music that typically accompanies the festival.
Planning Your Visit to Kawerau
To make the most of the Woodfest events, a little planning goes a long way. Kawerau is easily accessible, located approximately an hour’s drive from Rotorua, Tauranga, and Whakat%C4%81ne. However, during Woodfest, the town swells in population. For details on local facilities and support, check out the Kawerau Essential Services & Amenities guide.
Where should you stay?
Accommodation in Kawerau itself can book out quickly during the event weekend. It is advisable to book months in advance if you wish to stay in town. Alternatively, many visitors choose to stay in nearby Whakat%C4%81ne or Rotorua and drive in for the day. Safe Overnight Parking for Travelers in Kawerau options are available for those with campervans, and the town also hosts local training programs, including Industrial Training Programs, which are vital to the local economy.
Parking is generally well-managed, with designated areas for visitors. It is recommended to arrive early, particularly on the Saturday, to secure a good spot and catch the opening of the carving competitions. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the event covers a large area, and sun protection is essential given the outdoor nature of the festival.
Visiting Woodfest also puts you in proximity to other Kawerau attractions. The Tarawera Falls are a short drive away, often accessible via Kawerau Shuttle Services for Hikers & Bikers, and the free hot pools in the center of town are a perfect way to relax after a day of walking through the festival grounds. By combining the event with these natural attractions, you can create a comprehensive weekend itinerary that highlights the best of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
When is the Kawerau Woodfest typically held?
Kawerau Woodfest is usually held annually in late September or early October. Specific dates can vary slightly each year, so it is best to check the official event website or local council listings for the exact schedule.
Is there an entry fee for Woodfest events?
Many areas of the Woodfest, including the market stalls and general spectating of the carvings, are often free or require a gold coin donation. However, specific activities or enclosed entertainment zones may have ticket prices. Always check the current year’s pricing structure.
Can I buy the chainsaw carvings created at the festival?
Yes, the chainsaw carvings created during the competition are typically auctioned off on the final day of the festival (usually Sunday). This is a public auction where anyone can bid on the artwork.
Is Kawerau Woodfest suitable for young children?
Absolutely. The festival includes a dedicated Kids Zone with rides and activities. However, parents should be mindful of the noise levels near the chainsaw carving and machinery displays and may wish to bring ear protection for sensitive children.
Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Policies on dogs can vary by year and specific zones within the festival. While dog agility displays are part of the event, public pets may be restricted in food areas or crowded zones. It is recommended to check the specific rules for the current year before bringing a pet.
What happens if it rains during Woodfest?
Woodfest is primarily an outdoor event. While some market stalls and eating areas may be covered, the carving and machinery displays are outdoors. The event typically proceeds rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.
