What's On
It's Labour Weekend, and with three days off there's plenty on across Southland. Waka paddlers race on Lake Te Anau on Saturday, while anglers try their luck across Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri in the Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, chasing a boat package worth over $115,000. Back in Invercargill, model trains fill Surrey Park on Saturday and Sunday, trucks roll through town on Sunday, and the Edendale tulip paddocks open on Labour Day. The Spring Exhibition at Anderson House also celebrates New Zealand creativity, showcasing work by a talented group of artists from 24 October to 8 November. Here's what's on, day by day. For what else is on check out the What's On page.
Saturday 24 October
The Great Little Train Show: 10am to 4pm, Southland Society of Model Engineers clubrooms & badminton halls, Surrey Park, 18 Surrey Park Road, Invercargill. A record 36 layouts this year, plus model boats, RC buggies, a LEGO display from LUG South and the outdoor ride-on train. Admission charged. On Saturday and Sunday. Read more: Record 36 Layouts At This Year's Train Show
Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Challenge: racing from 8.30am, Marakura Yacht Club, Lake Te Anau. Outrigger canoe racing with health stalls, market stalls and food trucks. Read more: Waka Challenge Returns To Lake Te Anau. Read more: Waka Challenge Returns To Lake Te Anau
Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic: fishing runs Fri 23 Oct 2pm to Sun 25 Oct 2pm on Lakes Te Anau & Manapouri and the Upper Waiau River. HQ is Te Anau Rugby Club, 21 Dusky Street, Te Anau. Online entries close 2pm Saturday. It's the event's 19th year, and the major prize is a Stabicraft 1850 Supercab boat, trailer & motor package valued at over $115,000. On Saturday and Sunday.
Cruise Milford Take A Kid Fishing: 7.30am to 6pm, McGregor Pond, off SH94 near the Whitestone River bridge, Te Anau. For kids 11 and under, with a parent or guardian.
Southland Labour Weekend Show (Showjumping): Gore, Saturday & Sunday.
📍 Gore A&P Showgrounds – SEPT Arena
📅 24th & 25th October 2026
⏰ 8:30am start both days
With a full schedule of classes, there’s something for everyone — from those just starting out through to our more experienced combinations. Come along, bring your horses and enjoy a great weekend of show jumping in Southland! 🏆
🌟 First show of the season
🌟 All jumping on the SEPT Arena
🌟 Classes for everyone
🌟 8:30am start both days
Entries are now available through Main Events
Sunday 25 October
Southland Transport Invercargill Truck Parade: Sunday 25 October. Trucks traditionally gather from 8am at the NZ Woolhandler yard on Fox Street, where the public can look them over, with the parade leaving at 1pm along Bond Street & Tweed Street and finishing at Regent & Tweed Streets. 2026 times & route.
The Great Little Train Show: Day two, 10am to 4pm, Surrey Park, Invercargill.
Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic: Final day. Fishing closes 2pm. Weigh-in 11am to 2pm at Te Anau Rugby Club, 21 Dusky Street, with prizegiving straight after.
Southern Farmers Market: 9.30am to 1.30pm, Railway Station, Leven Street, Invercargill. Free, rain or shine.
Monday 26 October (Labour Day)
Edendale Tulip Day: 10am to 4pm, Edendale Recreation Grounds, Salford Street, Edendale. Entry by donation, more than 25 food & market stalls, tulip bulbs for sale, van tours or a self-drive paddock visit. Helicopter flights $120, weather permitting. Bring cash. No pets or drones.