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Pride Festivals and Events in New Zealand: Your 2025 Guide to Celebrations Across Aotearoa

  • Writer: Indie
    Indie
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

New Zealand is home to some of the most

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vibrant and diverse Pride celebrations in the world, bringing communities together to honour identity, love, and unity. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the creative corners of Wellington, and smaller regional gatherings that radiate aroha, there’s a Pride event for everyone.

Here’s your 2025 guide to the biggest and brightest Pride celebrations across the motu, so you can start planning your rainbow adventures now.



Auckland


Auckland is the beating heart of New Zealand’s Pride season, with a month-long celebration every February.


  • Auckland Pride Festival – Feb 1 – Mar 1, 2025Over 200 events across the city including art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and parties.

  • Auckland Pride Parade – Exact date TBC during Pride FestivalThe highlight of the season, the Pride Parade lights up Karangahape Road with floats, costumes, music, and dancing late into the evening.

  • Bear New Zealand Week – Feb 5 – 9, 2025A celebration for the bear community, with social events, meet-ups, and themed parties.

  • Samesame But Different LGBTQ+ Writers Festival – Feb 12 – 15, 2025A literary celebration spotlighting queer authors and storytelling.

  • Big Gay Out – Mid–Late Feb 2025One of NZ’s most iconic rainbow events, with live music, community stalls, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.



Wellington


Wellington’s Pride celebrations are known for being inclusive, creative, and community-focused.


  • Wellington Pride Festival – Mar 7 – 23, 2025A packed programme of performances, workshops, parties, and cultural events, finishing with the Pride Hīkoi through the waterfront.

  • Out in the Park – Within Festival PeriodA vibrant, family-friendly day at Waitangi Park with live music, food, and community stalls.



Christchurch & Canterbury


Ōtautahi offers a welcoming and growing rainbow calendar, with Pride spreading across the whole month.

  • Christchurch Pride Festival – Mar 1 – 30, 2025Drag shows, community picnics, workshops, and the Pride March through the city centre.



Queenstown


  • Winter Pride – Aug 15 – 24, 2025One of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest LGBTQ+ ski events. Enjoy mountain parties, themed nights, parades, and après-ski gatherings with a strong sense of community.



Smaller Regional Pride Events


Rainbow celebrations aren’t just for the big cities — there are fantastic Pride events happening in smaller towns and regions too.


  • Hamilton Pride – A growing festival with community picnics, drag brunches, and local entertainment.

  • Dunedin Pride – A mix of social gatherings, arts events, and an inclusive Pride march through the city.

  • Taupō Pride Picnic – A relaxed, family-friendly day celebrating love and diversity by the lake.

  • Napier/Hawke’s Bay Rainbow Events – From film nights to rainbow beach meet-ups.

  • Nelson Pride – Small but vibrant, with community dinners and outdoor activities.


These events may announce exact dates closer to the time, so keep an eye on local Pride social media pages and websites for updates.



How to Make the Most of Pride Events in NZ


  • Dress for the weather – NZ’s seasons can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend.

  • Show your colours – Wear your favourite Pride merch to stand out and show support.

  • Bring cash and card – Many stalls and food trucks are card-friendly, but smaller community fundraisers may prefer cash.

  • Respect and inclusivity – Pride is for everyone in the rainbow whānau. Respect personal boundaries and pronouns.



Ngā mihi nui,


Charlotte


Founder – Aroha Pride Co.


Be bold. Be you. Be proud.

 
 
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