Aotearoa Explore

Explore festivals and cultural events

A nationwide overview of ongoing, upcoming, and recently closed festivals and events.

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VerbCrawl

Nov 14, 2026 Wellington
Upcoming

VerbCrawl is a one-night literary takeover scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Wellington's central business district. The event features a diverse lineup of 20 individual sessions held across various eclectic and cozy...

Literature Cultural events +4
New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

Sep 20 - Oct 4, 2026 Dunedin
Ongoing

The New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026 is a literary gathering in Dunedin (Ōtepoti) that celebrates and supports emerging authors. The program features a two-week writer's residency, an intensive wānaka for selected...

Literary Festival Writing Workshop +5
An Taigh / The House: Held

An Taigh / The House: Held

Aug 15 - Oct 11, 2026 Timaru
Ongoing

An exhibition at Timaru's Aigantighe Art Gallery celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Friends of the Aigantighe. The event explores the gallery's Scottish Gaelic heritage and South Canterbury art history.

Exhibition Art +4
Olivia Dean show

Olivia Dean show

Oct 17, 2026 Auckland
Upcoming

British pop and soul artist Olivia Dean is scheduled to perform a headline concert at the newly transformed Western Springs Bowl in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This performance,...

Concert Music +5

Robbie Williams BRITPOP Tour

Nov 28, 2026 Christchurch
Upcoming

Global pop star Robbie Williams brings his BRITPOP Tour to Christchurch on November 28, 2026. Performing at the new One New Zealand Stadium, this sold-out show marks the singer's first visit to...

Music Concert Pop Music +4

Robbie Williams BRITPOP Tour

Nov 24, 2026 Auckland
Upcoming

Global pop icon Robbie Williams brings his BRITPOP Tour to Auckland's Eden Park on November 24, 2026. The concert features a career-spanning setlist of hits and ballads alongside special guest performances by...

Concert Pop Music +3
System of a Down and Faith No More

System of a Down and Faith No More

Feb 7, 2027 Wellington
Upcoming

Rock legends System of a Down and Faith No More are set to perform a one-off stadium concert at Wellington's Hnry Stadium on February 7, 2027. Held during Waitangi weekend, this exclusive...

Heavy Metal Rock Concert +3
Total Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse

Jul 22, 2028 Dunedin
Upcoming

Dunedin, New Zealand, will experience a rare total solar eclipse on Saturday, July 22, 2028, at 4:17 PM. This significant astronomical event, the first on mainland New Zealand in over a century,...

Astronomical Event Solar Eclipse +5
Rhythm and Vines

Rhythm and Vines

Dec 29-31, 2026 Gisborne
Upcoming

Rhythm and Vines is a premier New Year's music festival held in Gisborne, New Zealand. The 2026 edition represents the 24th and final year the event will be staged at its historic...

Music festival New Year +6
Ashburton Santa Parade

Ashburton Santa Parade

Dec 5, 2026 Ashburton
Upcoming

The Ashburton Santa Parade is a long-running festive event in Ashburton, New Zealand, scheduled to take place on December 5, 2026. Although it briefly faced cancellation due to funding challenges, the parade...

Parade Christmas +4