Velkommen! This is the official homepage of the Norsewood Viking Festival.

Every year Vikings from around New Zealand and beyond assemble to convert Matthews Park into an authentic Viking village. 2020 was our first year and had an enormous turnout and 2021 was even bigger.

Try your hand at archery or axe throwing. See spinning and weaving. Browse amazing traditional items made from wool and leather. See the original Viking Fjord Horses and try out authentic Scandinavian food.

Vikings from around New Zealand and beyond are already making preparations for the 2022 festival so keep an eye out on our Facebook for updates! If you are interested in participating with the reenactors make sure to drop us a line and get in touch as we would love to hear from you!

This year (2021) we will be hosting a Midvinterblot to celebrate the Winter Solstice on July 2nd - 4th. Join us to celebrate the season and share stories.

Last year's festival schedule is below. 2022 will be posted later in the year as we prepare for another awesome weekend!

Entry $5, Kids under the sword height FREE

10:00 - Open to public, Viking parade around the park

10:15 - Morris Dancing Group doing their show where the maypole is situated

11:00 - In the hall you will be able to watch a movie about the real Viking lifestyle and true story of Ragnar Lothbrock

- Denyse and her warrior’s will be doing the horse show

11:30 - A battle will take place between the Medieval and Viking groups

12:00 - The Pixie Chicks performing live

- A professional telling and showing of how to use Axes, Crossbow, Spear, and Archery

13:00 - Shea, a blacksmith from Stackhouse Knives will be talking about blacksmithing in the Viking age

13:30 - The Morris Dancing Group will be doing their show where the maypole is situated

14:00 - Denyse and her warrior’s will be doing the horse show

14:00 - The Ceoul Manawatu performing live

16:00 - The festival is closed to the public

18:00 - The Viking and Medieval groups social event, the Pixie Chicks will perform live for the evening

10:00 - Open to public, Viking parade around the park

10:30 - Denyse and her warriors will be doing the horse show

11:00 - Archery competition for 1 hour

- In the hall you will be able to watch a movie about the real Viking lifestyle and the true story of Ragnar Lothbrock

11:30: - Shea, a blacksmith from Stackhouse Knives will be talking about blacksmithing in the Viking age

12:00 - The pixie chicks performing live

13:00 - A professional telling and showing of how to use Axes, Crossbow, Spear, and Archery

14:00 - Denyse and her warriors will be doing the horse show

15:00 - The festival closes to the public

17:00 - Social meeting for the Vikings and Medieval groups