Dua Lipa is bringing two shows to New Zealand in April. Photo / Getty Images
Dua Lipa is bringing two shows to New Zealand in April. Photo / Getty Images
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.
It’s been a busy summer filled with sunshine and sweet tunes. And although the warmer weather is beginning to die down, the New Zealand gig scene is still heating up.
From intimate concerts to arena shows and a string of big-name festivals like Synthony Festival on March 28 still to come, there’s no shortage of live music in line throughout the cooler months.
Whether you’re looking out for high-profile performances from artists such as Dua Lipa, Gracie Abrams and Slipknot, trying to find the latest festivals, or checking for what family-friendly outings are on the cards (spoiler: Bluey is on the way), the harvest season ahead has something for every Kiwi to look forward to.
Don’t forget to follow your favourite events on social media to stay up-to-date on any changes, and visit nzherald.co.nz/entertainment for all the latest news, reviews, and concert updates. And with winter jam-packed with even more gigs, keep an eye out for our winter gig guide later this year.
Groove Armada are one of the UK's top electronic music duos. Photo / @groovearmada
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.
Cross St is home to one of K Rd's lively community events. Photo / Cross St Music Festival
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.
Six60 is in the midst of their revamped Grassroots Tour City Edition. Photo / Joel McDowell
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.
Canadian band Peach Pit creates indie-rock music packed with enchanting guitar melodies. Photo / 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.
Slipknot announced a surprise New Zealand show in December last year. Photo / @danvirchow
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.
Fontaines D.C. are performing at Spark Arena on March 12, with support from Wunderhorse. Photo / @poonehghana
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.
Longtime bandmates Jon Toogood, Tom Larkin, Phil Knight and Karl Kippenberger are calling time on 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).
Homegrown will be held on Wellington's waterfront for the final time this year. Photo / Joel McDowell
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.
Twominds Festival has evolved from humble university beginnings to an unmissable three-day event. Photo / 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.
Womad Aotearoa offers people the chance to taste the world through music, dance, art and, of course, food. Photo / Amanda Senior
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.
Jacob Tomsky, Greg Gonzalez, and Randall Miller are the current members of Cigarettes After Sex. Photo / Getty Images
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.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
KEHLANI
R&B singer Kehlani first played in New Zealand in 2017. Photo / @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.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
SYNTHONY FESTIVAL
Sir Dave Dobbyn performed at Synthony in the Domain in 2023. Photo / Jared Donkin, Radlab
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.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CODY JOHNSON
Cody Johnson will mark his first headlining performance in New Zealand on March 29. Photo / @jttex
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.
Concert is open to all ages. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
CUBADUPA
CubaDupa features a myriad of stages, stalls and creative zones. Photo / Amandala Photography
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.
Baseline Festival will be held at Logan Park on March 29. Photo / @baselinefestival
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.
All but one of the original Sex Pistols band members have teamed up with Frank Carter for a world tour that includes stops in Auckland and Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images
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.
Hot Dub Time Machine is one of Australia's most versatile DJs, blending hits from the past and present into his sets. Photo / @hotdubtimemachine
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.
Supergroove is reuniting for a 2025 New Zealand tour in April.
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.
K-rock group DAY6 will play in New Zealand for the first time ever this April. Photo / @day6kilogram
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.
Bluey will make stops in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Photo / PhotoCo
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.
Chaka Khan has won 10 Grammy Awards over her five-decade-long career. Photo / Nick Nelson
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, experience Khan’s acclaimed, genre-bending style and talent firsthand.
Touch Bass has a new home this year at The Trusts Arena in Henderson. Photo / Touch Bass NZ
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.
Gracie Abrams marks her first New Zealand arena performance on April 29. Photo / @gracieabrams
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.
Porirua Rocks had its debut at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2024. Photo / Discover Porirua
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.
Marlon Williams is set to embark on a nationwide tour. Photo / Fiona Goodall Photography
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.
Legendary rockers ZZ Top are returning to New Zealand in May 2025. Photo / Blain Clausen
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 two concerts as part of The Elevation Tour, with support from George Thorgood & The Destroyers.
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland, and TSB Arena, Wellington.
Chelsea Wolfe contrasts her enchanting voice with hauntingly beautiful instrumentals. Photo / Nicolas Sandino Moreno
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.
