New Zealand Cider Festival Celebrates 10 Years In 2025
Festival Director Shelley Haring says: 'It's an incredible milestone to be celebrating a decade of cider festivities. The festival has grown and evolved over the years, with attendance steadily increasing each year. We're proud to have maintained a family-friendly and inclusive atmosphere while showcasing the best of New Zealand's cider, mead, and fruit wine.'
Andrew and Jane Dixon, owners of The Mussel Inn in Golden Bay, have been part of the festival since the beginning: 'The Mussel Inn has been involved with the NZ Cider Festival since the start and hasn't missed a show yet — even when we dragged our wares all the way up to Hastings for the festival's first foray into the great northern apple bowl. It's been a pleasure every time. The excellent organisation goes a long way to making it the smooth-running success that it is, and Founders Park in Nelson is the ideal location — especially for us locals.
There's a highlight at every festival, usually involving a great connection with either a fellow cider maker or a member of the appreciative crowd — often both. We love the family-friendly vibe and the camaraderie among producers, which reminds us of where craft beer was back in the '90s.The event is firmly on our calendar, and we look forward to many more in the years to come.'
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Over the years, the festival has expanded both in scope and reach, showcasing a broader range of local and national cider producers as well as incorporating mead & fruit wine into the offerings. It has become a flagship event for Nelson, celebrating the NZ's vibrant craft cider scene and drawing visitors from across New Zealand. Thanks to generous support from the Nelson City Council Events Fund, the festival has secured funding for three consecutive years, ensuring it remains a staple of Nelson's vibrant events calendar.
The 2025 festival will showcase over 100 ciders from producers across New Zealand, alongside a curated selection of mead, fruit wine, craft beer, and local wine. Expect fresh flavours, exclusive festival releases, and the return of crowd favourites.
The live music lineup is set to impress, with a mix of local legends and national acts taking the main stage throughout the day. Families can enjoy the day together with under 18's coming along for free, and food lovers will enjoy a wide selection of artisan food trucks offering everything from classic comfort eats to creative, local fare.
Festivalgoers can also take part in cider workshops with industry professionals and learn more about the craft behind the glass, join a fun cider & food paired workshop with Yvonne Lorkin – food & beverage editor for Dish magazine. A major highlight of the day will be the announcement of the 2025 Fruit Wine and Cider Awards, honouring innovation and excellence in the industry.
Tickets are on sale now, with early bird pricing available until 31 August. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by a legal guardian. Grab your tickets and be part of this special 10-year celebration at www.nzciderfestival.com.
When: Saturday, 1 November 2025, 12:00–7:00PM
Where: Founders Heritage Park, Whakatū Nelson
Who: All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by a legal guardian)
Note:
Nelson Venues & Events specialises in managing and coordinating events, supporting local venues with marketing, bookings, and connecting clients to the right locations. Proud owners of major local events including the NZ Cider Festival and Marchfest Craft Beer Festival, Nelson Venues collaborates with a trusted network of professionals to deliver seamless event experiences.
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