With standout events like Mānuka Phuel Synthony Festival and Womad now around the corner, alongside tours from global and local talent filling venues nationwide, autumn brings a cooler vibe still packed with top-tier performances. The Herald‘s ultimate gig guide is back to help you plan ahead for the perfect season.
Ultimate Autumn Gig Guide 2025: All the NZ festivals and concerts booked this harvest season
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Dua Lipa is bringing two shows to New Zealand in April. Photo / Getty Images
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March
GROOVE ARMADA
If you missed your chance to see Groove Armada perform at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Gardens Music Festival over the weekend, you’ll be happy to know they’re taking themselves around the rest of the country too. Catch the electronic music duo for shows in Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington throughout early March.
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown; Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch; and TSB Arena, Wellington.
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When: Queenstown, March 5; Christchurch, March 6; and Wellington, March 7.
Tickets: Available here.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
CHRIS STAPLETON
One of country music’s most prolific musicians, Chris Stapleton, is midway through a tour of Downunder. Revealing plans for an Auckland show in April last year, the 10-time Grammy Award winner announced a second only a week later to meet “extraordinary demand for tickets”, meaning he’ll be taking over Spark Arena for the whole weekend.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: March 7 and 8.
Tickets: Sold out. Resale tickets available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CROSS ST MUSIC FESTIVAL
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On March 8, one of the K Rd laneways will be transformed into the setting for an energetic street party. Eight years on from its inaugural event, the theme this year is Out Of This World, encouraging attendees to be bold with their vision of self-expression. There’ll be DJs, art, street food, and live music going all day and into the night.
Where: Cross St, Auckland.
When: March 8.
Tickets: Available here.
Camping: No camping.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
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SIX60: THE GRASSROOTS TOUR CITY EDITION
Having taken their Grassroots Tour to smaller towns and venues in 2024, Six60 has upscaled with their city edition, although they swore to keep things as “real, close to home and authentic” as the more intimate ones were. One of New Zealand’s most successful music acts, Six60 has a stop left in their hometown of Dunedin.
Where: Union Lawn, Dunedin.
When: Dunedin, March 8.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages.
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PEACH PIT
Canadian indie-rock band Peach Pit had the October release of their fourth studio album, Magpie, coincide with a tour announcement. After wrapping up shows across Australia, the band will head to The Powerstation for a one-off show on March 9. Old favourites like Tommy’s Party and Alrighty Aphrodite are sure to feature alongside new tracks in their discography such as Yasmina and Outta Here.
Where: The Powerstation, Auckland.
When: March 9.
Tickets: Available here.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
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SLIPKNOT
Slipknot is turning 30 this year, with the heavy metal titans bringing their Knotfest festival to Australia once more after its successful debut in 2023. Having missed last year’s festivities, the nu metal band is back to headline their self-titled music event in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, while bringing a one-off side show to Auckland for Kiwis who can’t make it across the ditch.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: 6.30pm start, March 11.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
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FONTAINES D.C.
Fontaines D.C., an acclaimed post-punk band from Ireland, is celebrating the release of their redefining 2024 album Romance with a single performance at Spark Arena. The expansive record marks a departure from the band’s earlier sound, exploring new rhythms and musical landscapes. Fans can expect an entirely new experience compared to their last appearance here at Laneway 2023, with rising English rock band Wunderhorse joining as support.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: March 12.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
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SHIHAD
New Zealand rock band Shihad announced their split in November last year; bassist Karl Kippenberger told the Herald‘s Karl Puschmann “it’s been a long time coming“. They began a farewell tour on December 29 in New Plymouth, performing in Wanaka, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson and Whangamatā over the summer. You can still get tickets to their upcoming show in Auckland, or plan a trip to Wellington, where they’ll play at Homegrown on March 15 (see below).
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: Auckland, March 14.
Tickets: Available here.
Christchurch ticket-holders must be 18-plus. Auckland concert is open to all ages.
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HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL
After 18 years making the waterfront its home, Jim Beam Homegrown festival will take place in Wellington for the final time this year. Citing “a myriad of personal and logistical reasons”, organisers plan to move cities in 2026 to support its continued growth. Making sure it goes out with a bang, an extra night has been added, which will see 50 Kiwi acts perform across five stages.
Where: Wellington Waterfront, Wellington.
When: March 14 and 15.
Tickets: Available here.
Camping: No camping.
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All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
TWOMINDS FESTIVAL
It’s the final Twominds Festival in the trilogy, although given how popular it’s become, there’s bound to be more. Co-founders Corban Tupou and Dan Stewart created the Twominds Collective in 2020, blending their respective music scenes into one before turning the collective’s focus to events. The 2025 instalment promises a lot of fun at Spencer Beach Holiday Park, with the leafy festival situated only five minutes from the sea. There’s a stellar line-up of local and international acts, while food, decompression zones and other activities are set up for attendees over the three days.
Where: Spencer Beach Holiday Park, Christchurch.
When: March 14-16.
Tickets: Available here.
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Camping: Onsite camping.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
WOMAD AOTEAROA
Yet another festival lights up this mid-March weekend, this time in Taranaki. An acronym for World of Music, Arts and Dance, Womad was introduced to Aotearoa in 1997 after 15 successful years in the UK. This year’s line-up features Trinidadian reggae singer Queen Omega and UK-based multi-instrumentalist Nitin Sawhney, alongside local talent like rock band The Veils, who are planning an unconventional collaboration with contemporary classical ensemble NZTrio.
Where: Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth.
When: March 14-16.
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Tickets: Available here.
Camping: Onsite camping.
Festival is open to all ages.
CIGARETTES AFTER SEX
Texas dream-pop band Cigarettes After Sex will play Spark Arena on March 19 as part of their X’s World Tour. Last performing for a Kiwi audience at The Powerstation in 2018, the group’s romantic, melancholic sound returns on a much larger stage, yet fans can still expect to be immersed in their signature ethereal atmosphere.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland
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When: March 19.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
KEHLANI
R&B singer Kehlani will touch down in Aotearoa later this March for an arena performance. Born Kehlani Ashley Parrish, the Californian songstress is renowned for her unapologetic lyrics and emotional connection with fans. After several previous performances in New Zealand, the Can I hitmaker graces the stage of Spark Arena for the first time since 2023.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
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When: March 23.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
SYNTHONY FESTIVAL
An Auckland staple, Synthony in the Domain has taken on a new life as Mānuka Phuel Synthony Festival for 2025. The titular Synthony No 6 show will see the likes of Tiki Taane and Sam Allen perform alongside the Auckland Philharmonia and Maestra Sarah-Grace Williams, while Basement Jaxx, Darude, Ladi6, Kora and more will also take the stage for their own sets. Hosted by ZM’s Clint Roberts, the event has already sold at least 33,000 tickets, promising a massive day at its Parnell base.
Where: Auckland Domain, Auckland.
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When: 3pm start, March 29.
Tickets: Available here.
Camping: No camping.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CODY JOHNSON
Orchestra might not be your thing, but if it’s country, make Spark Arena your temporary home on March 29. For his New Zealand headlining debut, Cody Johnson brings his Leather Deluxe Tour to Auckland, promising a raw, heartfelt performance of authentic country anthems. You’ll only have one night to catch the Texas-born star live before he heads back home to the US.
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Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: March 29.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CUBADUPA
Wellington loves its street parties, but CubaDupa is the grandest of them all. This free, family-friendly event transforms Cuba St and its surroundings into the stage for a two-day celebration of Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s cultural diversity and creative spirit. Turning Te Aro into an immersive festival playground, CubaDupa showcases the best of the city’s eclectic community.
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Where: Cuba St, Wellington.
When: March 29.
Tickets: Free event.
Camping: No camping.
Festival is open to all ages.
BASELINE FESTIVAL
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Dunedin breathers have always been down for a bit of drum and bass, and Baseline is where they put the spotlight on Ōtepoti’s booming bass scene. Held at Logan Park on March 29, the festival features UK magnates Kings of the Rollers and Inja as headliners, with Savage, Little Fritter, Rova and more delivering heavy beats across two stages.
Where: Logan Park, Dunedin.
When: March 29.
Tickets: Available here.
Camping: No camping.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
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April
SEX PISTOLS FEATURING FRANK CARTER
Although the band officially split in 1978, the Sex Pistols have reunited for another world tour, visiting New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years. Joining them on tour as their live vocalist is former Gallows member and fierce punk star Frank Carter. Having last played here in 1996, this may likely be the last chance the punk rock band will make its way to our side of the world.
Where: Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, and Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch.
When: Auckland, April 2, and Christchurch, April 3.
Tickets: Available here.
DUA LIPA
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British singer Dua Lipa’s treasure trove of bangers grew extensively with the release of Radical Optimism in 2024. Now she’s coming to perform in New Zealand for the third time, bringing the album on tour to Auckland following a string of appearances in Australia. The award-winning pop artist is quickly selling out Spark Arena, even after adding a second show due to “extraordinary demand”.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: 7pm start, April 2 and 4.
Tickets: Limited tickets available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
HOT DUB TIME MACHINE
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Australian DJ Tom Loud, better known as Hot Dub Time Machine, has made a name for himself playing to huge crowds at some of the world’s top festivals. Proudly from Sydney, Loud specialises in “chronological” mixing, starting his lengthy sets with hits from the mid-1900s and seamlessly working up to today’s anthems. Delivering a unique, club-like experience, his two New Zealand shows are set to appeal to music lovers of all generations.
Where: Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, and Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Christchurch.
When: Auckland, April 4, and Christchurch, April 5.
Tickets: Available here.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
SUPERGROOVE
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Kiwi funk-rock band Supergroove are dusting off their instruments to embark on The Phenomenon Tour, stopping in towns and cities throughout the country this April. Announcing the tour, the band said it’s “something we’ve been excited to do for a long time, and we want to make the most of the opportunity to celebrate the fun of those early years” together.
Where: Sir Owen Glenn Theatre, Rotorua; Royal Whanganui Opera House, Whanganui; Opera House, Wellington; Trafalgar Centre, Nelson; Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch; Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin; Civic Theatre, Invercargill; Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North; and Auckland Town Hall, Auckland.
When: Rotorua, April 8; Whanganui, April 9; Wellington, April 11 and 12; Nelson, April 17; Christchurch, April 19; Dunedin, April 20; Invercargill, April 21; Havelock North, April 25; and Auckland, April 26 and 27.
Tickets: Available here.
Age restrictions vary; check with your venue for more information.
DAY6
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K-rock boy band DAY6 will tour Australia and New Zealand in April. The group’s debut EP, The Day, reached No 2 on Billboard’s World Album Chart in 2015, and their wide-ranging sound and musical versatility has captivated fans and critics alike ever since. With their 2024 album Fourever being released fresh off the back of the four members’ completed military service, DAY6 are picking up right where they left off for their [FOREVER YOUNG] World Tour.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland
When: 7pm start, April 12.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
BLUEYS BIG PLAY: THE STAGE SHOW
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Emmy Award-winning puppy Bluey is crossing the Tasman to Aotearoa later this season. The beloved children’s TV series has been adapted into a theatrical production; the unique family-friendly experience includes original music from Bluey composer Joff Bush and a new script from Bluey creator Joe Brumm. Eight arena shows are planned in five cities from Dunedin to Auckland - the kids will be fizzing for this one.
Where: Regent Theatre, Dunedin; Woolfbrook Arena, Christchurch; TSB Arena, Wellington; Globox Arena, Hamilton; and Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: Dunedin, April 12; Christchurch, April 15 and 16; Wellington, April 19 and 20; Hamilton, April 23; and Auckland, April 26 and 27.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CHAKA KHAN
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Celebrating a five-decade-long music career, 10-time Grammy winner and R&B singer Chaka Khan is making a single stop in New Zealand as part of her 50th anniversary tour. Performing at The Civic on April 16, with homegrown DJ Frank Booker opening the show, experience Khan’s acclaimed, genre-bending style and talent firsthand.
Where: The Civic, Auckland.
When: April 16.
Tickets: Available here.
TOUCH BASS
In the spirit of Jesus’ last supper, get your friends together and head to The Trusts Arena, where this one-day festival is poised to bring all things low-end to Tāmaki Makaurau’s bass lovers. Touch Bass kicks off at 5pm on Easter Thursday, and it’s a great way to enjoy a night out before the long weekend begins. The line-up is stacked with global bass heavyweights such as Hedex (UK), Camo & Crooked (Austria) and Excision (Canada), with the latter debuting an unparalleled audiovisual experience to complement his set.
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Where: Trusts Arena, Auckland.
When: 5pm start, April 17.
Tickets: Available here.
Camping: No camping.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
TOTO
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Iconic 70s band Toto are making their way to New Zealand soon for a three-show nationwide leg of their Dogz of Oz 2025 tour. Bringing special guest Christopher Cross, the LA musicians behind iconic hits Africa and Hold The Line have planned concerts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in a first since their last performance here six years ago.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland; TSB Arena, Wellington; and Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch.
When: Auckland, April 23; Wellington, April 24; and Christchurch, April 26.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult at both venues.
GRACIE ABRAMS
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Bedroom-pop singer Gracie Abrams is a rising star in the resurging world of pop. After boosting her fame as an opener on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, the Mean It singer is now headlining her own The Secret of Us tour. Catch her first-ever New Zealand arena performance on April 29.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland.
When: 7pm start, April 29.
Tickets: Limited tickets available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
May
PORIRUA ROCKS
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This one’s very much bordering a sports event, but nonetheless, Porirua Rock’s smashing success last year means it can’t be ignored. A cross between a music festival and a wrestling arena, the second instalment will merge six professional wrestling matches with six performances from some of Aotearoa’s finest rock bands, such as Coridian, Clæmus and Volts.
Where: Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.
When: 2pm start, May 3.
Tickets: Available here.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
MARLON WILLIAMS
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Marlon Williams is kicking off on a tour of Aotearoa soon after the April 4 release of his te reo Māori album Te Whare Tīwekaweka. Frequenting the small towns first, Williams’ tour will see live performances of songs Aua Atu Rā and Kāhore He Manu E (featuring Lorde) from his profoundly personal new album. If the May dates are out of reach for whatever reason, Williams has more shows planned in the major cities over June.
Where: TSB Showplace, New Plymouth; Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North; Napier Municipal Theatre, Napier; War Memorial Theatre, Gisborne; Holy Trinity, Tauranga; Clarence Street Theatre, Hamilton; and Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua.
When: New Plymouth, May 9; Palmerston North, May 10; Napier, May 12; Gisborne, May 13; Tauranga, May 15; Hamilton, May 16; and Rotorua, May 17.
Tickets: Available here.
Check with your venue for more information on age restrictions.
ZZ TOP
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ZZ Top are edging closer to 60 years in the business, but the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers don’t plan on standing down anytime soon. Following Dusty Hill’s death in 2021, the two remaining band members recruited bassist Elwood Francis to enable their shows to continue. Last playing here in Taupō in February 2023, the Gimme All Your Lovin’ hitmakers are returning to Aotearoa for three concerts as part of The Elevation Tour, with support from George Thorgood & The Destroyers.
Where: Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch; Spark Arena, Auckland; and TSB Arena, Wellington.
When: Christchurch, May 15; Auckland, May 17; and Wellington, May 18.
Tickets: Available here.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult at both venues.
CHELSEA WOLFE
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Chelsea Wolfe’s whimsical sound brings elements of country and folk together with the dark undertones of gothic rock and doom metal. The Sacramento-born musician will headline two New Zealand shows later this year as she prepares to head Downunder on tour.
Where: Meow Nui, Wellington, and The Powerstation, Auckland.
When: Wellington, May 29, and Auckland, May 30.
Tickets: Available here.
All ticket-holders must be 18-plus.
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based digital producer and editorial assistant for the Herald who covers lifestyle, entertainment, and travel.
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