Diljit Dosanjh will bring a taste of Bollywood to Spark Arena. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
DILJIT DOSANJH<\/p>\n
While we see plenty of acts from the United States and United Kingdom grace our shores, it\u2019s refreshing to see a rise in artists from other corners of the globe performing at some of our best venues. Diljit is one of India\u2019s biggest stars on stage and screen, having made his mark in Bollywood cinema as well as with his own Punjabi music content. From his humble roots singing Kirtan (traditional devotional singing) to becoming the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella in 2023, his charisma and explosive energy appeal to fans and novices of the genre.<\/p>\n
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n
When: November 13, 2025<\/p>\n
Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n SIR CLIFF RICHARD<\/p>\n In the prime of his career, Sir Cliff was touted by the tabloids as the British equivalent of Elvis Presley. While he might not be able to swing his hips like he used to, that hasn\u2019t stopped the 85-year-old from continually touring the world with his catalogue of hits like Devil Woman and We Don\u2019t Talk Anymore. It will be interesting to see whether the theatre-style format will bring a different feeling to the proceedings, with the singer\u2019s previous NZ shows held at arenas and Mission Estate Winery in Napier. <\/p>\n Where and when:<\/p>\n Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland – November 14 and November 15, 2025Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington – November 17, 2025Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch – November 19, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n LENNY KRAVITZ<\/p>\n Fans who have been waiting a lifetime to see this soul rocker and fashion icon will be thinking the same thing: \u201cLenny Kravitz is finally gonna come my way!\u201d The Fly Away singer makes his first-ever New Zealand appearance at Auckland\u2019s Spark Arena next month. Expect plenty of hip thrusting, smooth guitar licks, and hair all over the place when Kravitz, now 61 and not at all showing it, takes the stage. We can only expect American Woman and It Ain\u2019t over Til It\u2019s Over to bring back plenty of flashbacks of leather, love, and bad decisions.<\/p>\n Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n When: November 15, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n DOJA CAT<\/p>\n The announcement for this show only came in August – a welcome surprise to anyone following Doja Cat\u2019s (Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini) meteoric rise since her initial TikTok song stardom. Known for her \u201cweird but fun\u201d vibe, funky fashion, and of course her musical ability, the rapper-singer extraordinaire was named one of TIME magazine\u2019s most influential people of 2023 and continues to make her mark on pop culture. At her New Zealand outing, fans can expect pyrotechnics, fire, and a myriad of hits from Say So to Paint the Town Red.<\/p>\n Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n When: November 18, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n METALLICA<\/p>\n Fifteen years after they metaphorically blew the roof off Vector Arena, and seven years after cancelling their highly anticipated Mt Smart shows, the band who are among the founding fathers of thrash metal are finally returning to Aotearoa for one massive Eden Park show. Selling out in record time, this leg of Metallica\u2019s M72 world tour promises \u201cunique stadium production\u201d that will provide \u201ca complete 360-degree view of the show\u201d. Kiwi metalheads will likely get to hear hits like Enter Sandman and Master of Puppets in all their glory, with James Hetfield and his motley crew at full voice after taking a well-needed break from touring all those years ago.<\/p>\n Where: Eden Park, Auckland<\/p>\n When: November 19, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Sold Out – People can join the waitlist here<\/a><\/p>\n TOOL<\/p>\n Metal fans rejoice, November will definitely see you get your fix, as Tool tears down Spark Arena for two shows just a week after Metallica bids us farewell. The alternative metal icons are no strangers to Kiwi shores, having performed at the same venue right before the Covid pandemic hit in 2020. Maynard James Keenan and his crew aren\u2019t only set to bring the noise, they will also bring a mind-numbing visual spectacle of epic proportions, powering through hits like Schism and Stinkfist.<\/p>\n Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n When: November 22 and 23, 2025 (First show sold out)<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n LEWIS CAPALDI<\/p>\n The Scottish king of croon\u2019s return to music after a two-year musical hiatus was welcome news to many fans – particularly Kiwi crowds who haven\u2019t seen Capaldi since 2020. A blisteringly honest Glastonbury set earlier this year teased new music, classic hits, and a return to his wisecracking ways. New Zealand audiences can expect to hear the latest chart-topper Survive, as well as favourites like Before You Go and Pointless. Performing two arena shows (as opposed to previous Town Hall outings) is a testament to his meteoric rise and wide appeal, and hopefully, the audience will be in full voice to sing along and create some very special moments.<\/p>\n Where and when:<\/p>\n Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch\u00a0\u2013 November 30, 2025Spark Arena, Auckland\u00a0\u2013 December 2, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Sold out – join the waitlist here<\/a><\/p>\n New Year\u2019s Festivals<\/p>\n RHYTHM AND VINES<\/p>\n The biggest New Year\u2019s Festival in New Zealand arguably also has the best line-up. US rap and TV megastar Kid Cudi is a huge get for organisers, considering how rarely he performs on this side of the world, and Turnstile is one of the freshest sounds in punk rock right now. There\u2019s also a stacked Kiwi line-up that includes crowd favourites L.A.B and Hori Shaw, and bass heads can sleep easy knowing that Wilkinson will play Afterglow (hopefully around the New Year\u2019s countdown). With the first sunrise of the new year, great local food options and plenty of space, R&V is the go-to location for those wanting to feel the vibes of Glasto\/Coachella without leaving the country.<\/p>\n Where: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne<\/p>\n When: December 28 (campers), 29, 30 and 31, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. Both on-site camping and Motel packages available. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n RHYTHM AND ALPS<\/p>\n Nestled in the picturesque Cardrona Valley and oozing with talent, R&A is everything you could want from a resort region festival. If you are coming from anywhere but the South Island, it will likely cost you a pretty penny to get there, but it\u2019s worth it to be able to witness the Synthony orchestra smash out club hits, and Rudimental provide the ultimate serotonin rush with Feel The Love. Like Rhythm and Vines, there\u2019s also no shortage of homegrown talent from the likes of The Black Seeds, Lady Shaka, and Corrella, to name a few. Also, a bus from Queenstown means not having to stay onsite should that not be your thing.<\/p>\n Where: Robrosa Station, Cardrona<\/p>\n When: December 29, 30, and 31, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n NORTHERN BASS<\/p>\n If you like electronic, bass, and grime music, this is the festival for you. Some of the UK and New Zealand\u2019s best selectors, rappers, and DJs will come together on rolling farmland near Mangawhai for two days to throw one hell of a New Year\u2019s party. From midday right up until the early hours of the morning, expect to hear the bold lyrics of Aitch, the throwback flow of Dizzee Rascal, and the liquid drum and bass of honorary Kiwi Alix Perez thrown in there for good measure. Just make sure you pack some gumboots, as the farmland can get muddy if it\u2019s raining.<\/p>\n Where: Worsfold Farm, Kaiwaka<\/p>\n When: December 30 and 31, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n ROLLING MEADOWS<\/p>\n Last year, Kiwis \u201creleased their inhibitions\u201d with Natasha Bedingfield. This year, Rolling Meadows in Christchurch will see them \u201cready to love\u201d early 2000s superstar JoJo, along with an eclectic mix of local and international acts. Aitch is making the most of his time in New Zealand with a stop down south, joining drum and bass heavyweight K Motionz for this festival. Previously hosted at The Bone Line winery, this year it has moved to a 62ha site on Lower Styx Rd, surrounded by Bottle Lake Forest, so nice and close for those commuting from the city or airport.<\/p>\n Where: Bottle Lake Forest, Christchurch<\/p>\n When: December 29,30, and 31, 2025<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n January<\/p>\n DAVID BYRNE<\/p>\n When he was last here in 2018, David Byrne started his show holding a model brain and singing to his audience, then going on to perform a visual and aural spectacle that blew people away. The Talking Heads frontman and artist brings his trademark absurdity (and hits) back to Spark Arena early next year, in line with his recent album release Who Is the Sky?, which explores finding joy in the mundane. Yes, you probably will get Road To Nowhere, but also look for deeper cuts from Byrne\u2019s extensive discography, and keep a close eye on how his incredible band operates.<\/p>\n Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n When: January 14, 2026<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n ED SHEERAN<\/p>\n He can\u2019t get enough of Kiwi crowds and has even expressed interest in living in Wellington, so it\u2019s no secret loop-pedal legend Ed Sheeran is coming back to tour his new album Play. The fittingly titled Loop Tour will see Sheeran grace stadiums with his signature 360-degree stage, belting out ballads like Galway Girl, Shape of You, and recent bilingual hit Azizam. Expect plenty of banter, cool visual elements and some big singalongs when this crowd-pleasing pop superstar makes his welcome return.<\/p>\n Where and when:<\/p>\n Go Media Stadium, Auckland- January 16 and 17, 2026Sky Stadium, Wellington\u00a0– January 21, 2026Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch\u00a0– January 24 and January 25, 2026 <\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n IGGY POP AND JOAN JETT<\/p>\n The Godfather of Punk and the Queen of Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll together for one epic summer showdown? Count me in. Iggy is a man who refuses to give up, and (always with his shirt off) continues to amaze with his stage presence. The Passenger will no doubt get the regional crowds swinging and Lust For Life is set to bring more of that explosive energy the singer is renowned for. Adding to this, people can get prepared to stomp and clap to the driving beat of I Love Rock n Roll with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.<\/p>\n Where and when:<\/p>\n Taup\u014d Amphitheatre, Taup\u014d – January 24, 2026 Sherriff Block Arena, Whitianga – January 26, 2026 Three Parks Outdoor Arena, W\u0101naka – January 31, 2026<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n FISHER<\/p>\n With a crowd of 24,000, this pro-surfer turned DJ pulled off the biggest ever headline electronic music show in New Zealand\u2019s history at Auckland\u2019s Victoria Park in 2025. His laidback, Aussie mentality has clearly struck a chord with Kiwis and his thumping house beats are up there with some of the best right now. The Grammy nominee\u2019s next concert here will be Bay Oval\u2019s first major music event, with the hitmaker set to make history for the second time around. House heads get ready to lose it; this one\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n Where: Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui <\/p>\n When: January 31, 2026<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n February <\/p>\n ST. JEROME\u2019S LANEWAY FESTIVAL<\/p>\n From this year\u2019s Brat Summer to 2026\u2019s Pink Pony Club, Western Springs has become summer\u2019s pinnacle of pop culture. But it\u2019s not just Laneway\u2019s headliner Chapel Roan who will bring the noise – there\u2019s an incredible mix of artists ranging from Tait Music Prize winner Mokotron to UK indie sensations Wet Leg. Those who have been before will know that, while packed, there\u2019s lots of space between the stages (one even nestled in Western Springs Park). But best bring some sunscreen and a hat because it gets stinking hot out there on the field,<\/p>\n Where: Western Springs, Auckland<\/p>\n When: February 5, 2026<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a>. R18 event – ID required.<\/p>\n LAINEY WILSON<\/p>\n Get ready to don your cowboy hats, boots and bell bottoms, because February is well and truly a month of country. And what better way to kick it off than one of the biggest names on the scene. Lainey Wilson\u2019s sweet, southern-tinged ballads are going to bring a slice of Nashville to Spark Arena, with hit Watermelon Moonshine, that was used in Yellowstone, sure to have us all slow dancing in our seats. Known for her outgoing personality, chances are she\u2019ll likely have plenty to say about her first time in Aotearoa as well.<\/p>\n Where and when: <\/p>\n Spark Arena, Auckland – February 6, 2026 Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch – February 8, 2026<\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n LORDE<\/p>\n \u201cHave I ever missed a New Zealand show?\u201d Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O\u2019Connor told journalists at this year\u2019s Aotearoa Music Awards. The answer now is clearly no, because she\u2019s bringing her Ultrasound World Tour back home for two arena dates only. From walking on a treadmill while singing, to opening herself up through both her music and commentary, judging by previous concerts, Lorde\u2019s Kiwi gigs are poised as a special homecoming full of meaning and vocal mastery. Setlists hint that songs from her No. 1 album Virgin will be played, as will classics like Royals and Tennis Court.<\/p>\n Where and when:<\/p>\n Spark Arena, Auckland – February 11, 2026Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch – February 13, 2026 <\/p>\n Tickets: Available here<\/a><\/p>\n JASON ALDEAN<\/p>\n Arguably one of the best voices ever to perform the genre, Jason Aldean has been touted by fans as being in the \u2018Holy Grail\u2019 of country artists alongside the likes of Luke Combs and Garth Brooks. Always ready to speak his mind, Aldean is sure to bring some strong opinions, and a barrage of hits spanning his decades-long career. Just like Lainey Wilson days before him, it will be the Dirt Road Anthem singer\u2019s first time in New Zealand.<\/p>\n Where: Spark Arena, Auckland<\/p>\n When: February 19, 2026<\/p>\nSir Cliff Richard has sold more than 250 million records over his career, with 14 number one hits. Photo \/ Michelle Kloboucnik<\/p>\n
Global style icon Lenny Kravitz will come our way in November.<\/p>\n
Doja Cat’s high-energy pop blend will bring the heat to Spark Arena. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica are set to blow Eden Park away in November. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
Tool last played in Auckland at Spark Arena in 2020. Photo \/ Michelle Bakker <\/p>\n
Scotsman Lewis Capaldi will bring his trademark humour to Kiwi shores. Photo \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Star of stage and screen Kid Cudi will make his Rhythm and Vines debut this year. Photo \/ Getty. Supplied<\/p>\n
Rhythm and Alps returns for its 15th year with a dazzling lineup. Photo \/ Michael Trillo<\/p>\n
Northern Bass is Northland’s electronic haven. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Savage performing on the main stage at Rolling Meadows in 2023. Photo \/ Rolling Meadows NZ<\/p>\n
David Byrne. Photo \/ Shervin Lainez<\/p>\n
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour sees the singer return to his “second home” of New Zealand. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Iggy Pop rocked the Big Day Out back in 2006 and he’s back this year for another go. Photo \/ Richard Robinson<\/p>\n
Grammy-nominated DJ FISHER will perform in Mount Manganui at Bay Oval, marking the first-ever music event for the venue. Photo \/ Aaron Moffitt<\/p>\n
Chappell Roan will headline Laneway 2026.<\/p>\n
Country star Lainey Wilson brings her Whirlwind World Tour down under in February. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
Lorde performing during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025. Photo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
Jason Aldean is often said to be in the Holy Trinity of country artists. Photo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n