Matcha Festival NZ 2026 in Auckland

When and where is the matcha festival

The details below are as the organisers publish them on the festival and Auckland Asia Festival websites, checked on 5 October 2026. Entry is free and no ticket is needed; the event page offers an optional free RSVP.

• matchafest.co.nz (opens in a new window): the festival's own site.
• Auckland Asia Festival event page (opens in a new window): dates, venue and the free RSVP.

What is on at the festival

The organisers describe more than 100 matcha products to try, from matcha cheesecake, cookies, cream puffs, macarons and sandwiches to mango matcha drinks, alongside matcha powders and tools for sale. The programme lists matcha workshops and presentations, with live demonstrations on the main stage, tastings, panels and a closing ceremony. A full timetable had not been published when we checked.

Who is exhibiting

No full exhibitor list has been published. The festival's own posts name these accounts among its matcha brands, partners and food vendors, listed here in the order they appeared and not ranked:

• Matcha brands and partners: @matchanature_nz, @_betweenleaves, @greengoosepods (matcha pods) and @t.e.a.m.matcha
• Food vendors: @amaihousenz, @macaronphzertskitchennz, @toro_creampuff, @noonchaofficial and @bella.bakes.nz

How to taste matcha well at an expo

A festival is the cheapest way to compare matcha side by side, if you taste with a plan. Try plain matcha whisked with water before any latte, because milk and sugar hide bitterness and colour. Ask each seller what grade they call it, where it was grown and when it was harvested, and whether the tin is pure matcha or a blend with added sugar or milk powder.

Colour and smell tell you a lot: bright green and fresh, grassy and sweet suggest young shaded leaf, while dull or yellow-brown powder usually means older or lower-grade leaf. If you plan to buy, note the price and pack size so you can compare the price per gram with what NZ shops charge week to week.

Common questions