With a warm wind forecast, the iconic Ōtaki Kite Festival promises two unforgettable days of giant kites, family fun, and live entertainment by the sea.
The Ōtaki Promotions Group thought the event would be a great way to draw visitors and the local community down to Ōtaki Beach, when the inaugural Ōtaki Kite Festival event was held in March 2013. They were right. The first event ran as just one public day on Saturday with a “rain day” on Sunday. Professional kite fliers were invited from Nelson and Ashburton as were enthusiast members of the New Zealand Kite Fliers Association (NZKA).
“As a result of that very successful first event, the swell of community support and the declaration from Kāpiti Coast District Council that they view the event as an “iconic” event for the Kāpiti Coast, The Ōtaki Promotions Group, has developed the festival extensively in the years since 2013.
“Now the biggest event on the Kāpiti Coast, the Ōtaki Kite Festival has something for everyone. In addition to our fantastic kite displays, we have entertainment, stalls, food and more. Make it a date,” says Ōtaki Promotions Group.
Every year the crowds are wowed by the size and number of kites as well as a huge array of activities making this a spectacular visitor weekend.
As the poster says “Watch the sky come alive with a vibrant array of spectacular kites – from enormous flying creatures to dazzling artistic displays. It’s a favourite on the Kāpiti Coast event calendar and a must-do for all ages.”
What to expect:
- Giant, colourful kites soaring high above the shoreline
- Live entertainment, music, and performances
- Food trucks and local market stalls
What: Kite Fest Ōtaki 2026
Where: Ōtaki Beach
When: March 14-15, 10am to 4pm