League of Fire Chilli Eating Contest

A thrilling chilli-eating contest where competitors battle for the national title.

For the first time ever, Tauranga will host the 2026 New Zealand National Chilli Eating Challenge on Wharf Street. Top competitors, including local chilli legend Shannon Leigh and 2025 NZ champion Jesse Painter, will face escalating heat in a fiery battle for the national champion title. Come along to watch the action, browse stalls from local and national hot sauce makers, and enjoy restaurants and bars serving their own spicy specials. Think you can take the heat? Sign up to compete against the region’s fiercest chilli eaters.

The event runs from 12pm to 6pm, with the chilli-eating competition kicking off at 3pm.

This event is part of the Flavours of Plenty Festival, an annual celebration of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s vibrant food scene. The festival runs from 16 April to 3 May 2026.