Iron Maiden
When: November 7 and 8, Spark Arena, Auckland
Audiences will be ‘running for their lives’ to see the British metal legends this summer. Touting a setlist covering the biggest hits from their 50-year discography, Bruce Dickinson and his band are set to bring fire and fury to the Spark Arena stage.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Flight of the Conchords will bring tour their musical comedy across the country.
Flight of the Conchords
When: November 10, 14, 15, 16, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
November 12, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
November 18 and 19, The Civic, Auckland
November 21, Spark Arena, Auckland
New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo are back for their first local headlining tour since 2012. Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement got rave reviews for their Meow Nui warm-up shows.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Courtney Barnett
When: November 18, BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
November 20, Auckland Town Hall
November 21, Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
November 22 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
The Aussie singer-songwriter is bringing her deadpan singing style and storytelling prowess to NZ audiences in support of her new album, Creature of Habit.
Tickets: Live Nation
Jack Johnson
When: November 20, Spark Arena, Auckland
November 22, Waipara Winehouse, Canterbury
Hawaii’s son of surf rock hits our shores, promising a nostalgic night of hits and stories for his Surfilmusic tour.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Rise Against
When: November 24, Spark Arena, Auckland
The Chicago-born punk rock outfit is set to provide a taste of the 2000s at Spark Arena.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Robbie Williams returns to New Zealand for two massive gigs. Photo / Paul Taylor
Robbie Williams
When: November 24, Eden Park, Auckland
November 28, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch (Sold Out)
Ex-Take That heart-throb and notorious British bad boy Robbie Williams might be in your wheelhouse if 2000s Britpop is more your style. The singer touches down for two massive arena shows, promising hits like Angels and Rock DJ.
Tickets: AXS
Cat Power
When: November 26, Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her beloved album The Greatest, Cat Power will play one night only on Auckland’s North Shore.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Boyz II Men will perform four New Zealand tour dates in December. Photo / Supplied
December
Boyz II Men
When: December 1, Spark Arena, Auckland
With their voices still silky smooth, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman remain one of the defining boy bands of the 90s and the most notable R&B acts of all time. There’s no End of the Road in sight as they take New Zealand by storm. Supported by other 90s legends Salt N Pepa and Bell Biv Devoe.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
J. Cole
When: December 5 and 6, Spark Arena, Auckland
Nearly 10 years since he last came to New Zealand, the North Carolina rap superstar returns to promote his latest album The Fall-Off. Last time, he produced a full-scale prison yard on the Spark Arena stage, so expect big things this time.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
A$AP Rocky will perform at Auckland’s Spark Arena on December 12. Photo / Live Nation
A$AP Rocky
When: December 12, Spark Arena, Auckland
A hip-hop heavy December continues in Auckland, with Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky returning to our shores after previously headlining Listen In festival in 2018. This time, he’s set to bring a high-energy set, lots of flames and songs off his 2026 album Don’t Be Dumb.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
The Clubhouse
When: December 12, Hobson Wharf, Auckland
In this day and age, you don’t often get the chance to experience the first of something. But this open-air music event will take over Hobson Wharf for the first time in December. From 4pm, a line-up of international and local talent, including DJ sets from the likes of The Jungle Giants and Flamingo Pier will soundtrack what’s being called the city’s send off before the summer holidays.
Tickets: Plan After
A Perfect Circle
When: December 13, Spark Arena, Auckland
Get ready to rock with this 2000s band. It’s been more than 20 years since they performed a headline show in Auckland, and now they’re back with fresh material and a heap of hits.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
When: November 28, Hagley Park, Christchurch
December 12, Auckland Domain, Auckland
Aotearoa’s favourite free family-friendly Christmas concert returns with a stellar line-up, including local talents Lavina Williams, Ella Monnery and Dillon Rhodes.
Tickets: Free
Guns N’ Roses last performed at Eden Park in 2022. Photo / Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses
When: December 17, Eden Park, Auckland
One of the world’s most recognisable rock bands returns to New Zealand and our biggest stadium (they last performed at Eden Park in 2022). Catch Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan belt out all the hits from their lengthy career.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Queens of the Stone Age
When: December 20, Spark Arena, Auckland
No One Knows what Josh Homme and his band of merry men will bring to Spark Arena this time. Last time, the rock frontman parted the crowd like the Red Sea and the band provided a setlist of new material and their greatest hits.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Hidden Valley
When: December 27, Matakana Country Park, Matakana
Electronic heavyweights Dimension and Armand Van Helden headline this yearly dance music festival. Expect drum and bass bangers and house hits. (R18)
Tickets: hiddenvalleyfestival.com
Fat Freddy’s Drop. Photo / File
Le Currents
When: December 27 and 28, Riverside Park, Taupō
Funky fashion and chill tunes combine for this long-running summer staple. Ocean Alley, Fat Freddy’s Drop and UK electronic legend Carl Cox will bring the beats and vibes to this summer hotspot. (R18)
Tickets: lecurrents.com
Rock The Bowl
When: December 29, Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth
The same three artists above will take their party to Taranaki to headline this epic pre-New Year’s festival in an iconic Kiwi location.
Tickets: Ticketek
Rhythm and Vines 2026 will be last to be held in Gisborne. Photo / Rhythm and Vines
New Year’s Festivals (R18)
Rhythm and Vines
When: December 28-31, Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
The final dance at its long-time Gisborne location, this New Year’s rite of passage is leaving its spiritual home with a bang. DJ’s John Summit and Netsky are expected to put on epic electronic showcases, while Kiwi acts Sir Dave Dobbyn, Te Wehi and Hori Shaw will bring the feel-good vibes while the East Coast sun sets.
Tickets: rhythmandvines.co.nz
Northern Bass
When: December 30-31, Kaiwaka, Auckland
After 15 years, this iconic electronic festival is still going strong, bringing acts like Andy C and Tonn Piper, JME, and Culture Shock to dance-mad audiences.
Tickets: northernbass.co.nz
Pop singer Benee will headline Rhythm and Alps. Photo / Dave Simpson
Rhythm and Alps
When: December 30-31, Cardrona Valley, Central Otago
Nestled in the picturesque Cardrona hills, South Island festival R&A touts an epic line-up including rapper Swae Lee, Kiwi singer Benee and Drum and Bass icons Shy FX.
Tickets: rhythmandalps.co.nz
Famous Last Words
When: December 31, Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
Delta Heavy, Peking Duk and Bensley headline this one-day Tauranga festival, which is now in its fifth year.
Tickets: trademarklive.co.nz
The Foo Fighters look to tear down Kiwi stadiums again. Photo / Cameron Pitney
January
Foo Fighters
When: January 19, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
January 22, Western Springs Bowl, Auckland
Their live show once registered on New Zealand’s Richter scale because of how loud it was. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters are a force to be reckoned with and return to NZ for two outdoor shows.
Tickets: frontiertouring.com
Soundsplash
When: January 22-24, Wainui Reserve, Raglan
While the line-up for this popular summer festival is yet to be announced, it promises family-friendly camping options and plenty of fun down by the beach.
Tickets: soundsplash.co.nz
Greenstone Summer Concert Tour
When: January 30, Three Parks Outdoor Arena, Wānaka
January 31, Taupo Amphitheatre, Taupo
Kiss from a Rose hitmaker Seal will make his first New Zealand appearance when he headlines this star-studded summer tour alongside UK pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor and electronic band Bastille.
Tickets: greenstoneentertainment.co.nz
LAB and Stan Walker
When: January 31, Trusts Arena, Auckland
This massive outdoor gig brings together some of the best sounds of a Kiwi summer. Nesian Mystik will also perform their first Auckland gig in 15 years.
Tickets: loop.co.nz
Empire of The Sun will bring their unmatched vibe to Spark Arena.
February
Empire of the Sun
When: February 19, Spark Arena, Auckland
After wowing crowds at Electric Avenue in Christchurch a few years ago, the Australian duo return with their trippy production and timeless songs like Walking on a Dream and Alive.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Laneway
When: February 21, Western Springs, Auckland
Fashion and fun combine for this iconic Auckland Festival, which will this year feature Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams and rock band Fontaines DC as the headline acts. (R18)
Tickets: lanewayfestival.co.nz
Kings of Leon
When: February 24, Auckland Domain, Auckland
Missed out on Electric Avenue tickets? Before they hit the Christchurch festival, Kings of Leon are headlining Auckland’s Live at the Domain concert alongside Aussie surf rockers Ocean Alley. Expect a chilled-out concert filled with bangers long into the setting sun. (R18)
Tickets: endeavour.live
Electric Avenue
When: February 26-27, Hagley Park, Christchurch
New Zealand’s biggest music festival is set to deliver its most bombastic line-up yet, featuring DJ legend Calvin Harris and rock band Kings of Leon alongside international and homegrown talent. Tickets are already sold out, and the event is expected to pump millions into the local economy. (R18)
Tickets: Sold Out. Resale will be available closer to the time at electricavenue.co.nz
Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr performs at the Taupō Summer Concert on January 27, 2024. Photo / Dan Hutchinson
Simple Minds
When: February 25, Spark Arena, Auckland
February 27, TSB Arena, Wellington
March 1, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
New Zealand said Don’t You Forget About Me, and Simple Minds didn’t. The popular 80s new wave band will tour the country this summer with their extensive catalogue of hits.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Weezer will play in New Zealand in 2027. Photo / Supplied
March
Weezer
When: March 7, Spark Arena, Auckland
Say it is so! The iconic noughties geek-rockers will put on one show only in Auckland, bound to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Third Eye Blind and Fountains of Wayne are also on the bill.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Bryan Adams
When: March 10, Spark Arena, Auckland (Roll With The Punches show)
March 12, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch (Roll With The Punches show)
March 13, Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin (Bare Bones acoustic show)
March 15, Wellington Town Hall, Wellington (Bare Bones acoustic show)
It’s the best of both worlds for fans of Canadian singer Bryan Adams, who will perform two different styles of shows when he returns to New Zealand. Roll With The Punches promises a full-throttle rock gig with new material and old, supported by Torn singer Natalie Imbruglia, while Bare Bones will see the singer soften up with special acoustic songs.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Bruno Mars and fellow Silk Sonic member Anderson .Paak (right) will perform together on Mars’ The Romantic Tour in Auckland next year. Photo / Daniel Ramos
Bruno Mars
When: March 13, 14, and 16, Eden Park, Auckland
The pop juggernaut is on track to sell out all three shows of his Eden Park residency, equalling the record set by Coldplay in 2024. Bringing his Romantic Tour to our shores with friend and bandmate Anderson. Paak, Mars will have the crowd swooning with ballads like When I Was Your Man and Risk It All.
Tickets: Limited remain via Ticketmaster
WOMAD
When: March 12-14, Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth
After it was cancelled last year, one of our most beloved music and arts festivals is back. Aotearoa Music Award winner Geneva AM and national treasure Troy Kingi are among the names in this year’s impressive line-up.
Tickets: womad.co.nz
Ronan Keating
When: March 16, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
March 18, Spark Arena, Auckland
The Irish swooner recently told the Herald he loves our wine and golf, so it’s no secret he’s stoked to be returning to New Zealand for two massive shows. The singer teased he would perform all the hits like Life Is A Rollercoaster and When You Say Nothing At All, as well as some of his earlier material with Boyzone.
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Synthony
When: March 20, Auckland Domain, Auckland
The full force of a symphony orchestra, DJs and vocalists combine to create one of New Zealand’s most popular and unique summer festivals. Paul Oakenfold (UK) and Poolside (US) will also do their own sets for this summer scorcher.
Tickets: synthony.com