Organisers of the first ever New Zealand Cider Festival, Steve Wilson and Lea Boodee, at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson.

After decades of hosting beer and wine festivals Nelsonians will now get a chance to sample the nation's best cider at a festival dedicated to the fruity beverage.

Nelson Venues will introduce the inaugural New Zealand Cider Festival in November to be held at Founders Park.

Co-organiser Steve Wilson said there was a gap for a good cider festival and Nelson was the perfect place to have it.

VIRGINIA WOOLF Organisers of the first ever New Zealand Cider Festival, Steve Wilson and Lea Boodee, at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson.

"The idea came from a bunch of cider producers who had come forward and said 'hey what about cider, beer gets its own special day and MarchFest was obviously very busy' so we decided to take it on," he said.

"We want everything to be pitch perfect the way we want to go forwards, we're very much looking forward to this being an annual event. We're starting it small but perfectly formed is how we like to think of it."

Cideries from around the country will come to Founders Park to show off their best drop and increase public knowledge of the beverage.

Supplied Greg Johnson will play at the inaugural New Zealand Cider Festival.

"We're going to have a whole bunch of cider producers and you can go and try all the different ciders and all the different types," Wilson said.

"So really hoping to showcase the diversity of the beverage because a lot of people have a cider but there's definitely not the same appreciation for cider as there is for beer."

Edgebrook Cider co-owner Mandy Ostergren said she was looking forward to the festival and was pleased cider was getting recognition.

"I think it's fantastic, I think it's excellent exposure for a growing knowledge about quality cider," she said.

"I think it's really good that it's coming up because people are getting really interested in cider as well. I think it's going to be really valuable. We've said that we are going to be there. It's a great time of year for people to get into cider."

The day will be for the whole family with a kids play area and regional cuisine available.

Internationally acclaimed Kiwi musician Greg Johnson is confirmed to play at the festival as well as guest speaker Yvonne Lorkin from Dish magazine.