Experiences and events

We promote, deliver and invest in events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland​.

We enrich the economy and life in Auckland through unforgettable experiences

We lead Auckland Council group’s coordinated approach to events programming and promotion, driving Auckland’s vibrancy by promoting, delivering and investing in events that energise our economy, celebrate our culture, and bring our communities together. 

Each year, we welcome global music superstars, major sporting events, world-class theatre, exhibitions and international conferences, and deliver incredible festivals that bring our region to life.

In 2024-25 alone, we:

  • Contributed $89.3 million to Auckland’s GDP from major and business events we supported.
  • Issued 200,000 free tickets for BNZ Auckland  Lantern Festival.
  • 617 film permits processed by Screen Auckland for filming in public places.
  • Hosted 11,000 competitors from 42 countries for World Choir Games 2024.
  • Held ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix: Auckland (SailGP) event on Auckland’s waterfront.
Experiences and events

We bid for and invest in major and business events

As the region’s cultural and destination agency and lead for the Auckland Council Events portfolio, we are committed to making our region one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit. Through strategic bidding and investment, we help bring global and iconic events to Tāmaki Makaurau - boosting Auckland’s vibrancy, reputation and economy.

  • ASB Classic - Auckland’s premier international tennis tournament.
  • Synthony in the Domain - an epic fusion of orchestra, dance music and light.
  • Concerts by global sensations such as Coldplay,  Luke Combs and Pearl Jam.
  • Amway China Distributor Incentive 2024 - one of the largest corporate incentive programmes ever hosted in New Zealand.
  • And more exciting events still to come!
Experiences and events

We own and deliver a suite of much-loved festivals

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited proudly creates and delivers some of Auckland’s most beloved cultural festivals on behalf of Auckland Council, celebrating our city’s diversity, creativity and vibrant spirit. Signature events include the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, Moana Auckland, and Pasifika Festival.

By the numbers:

  • 202,000 attendees across the 2024 cultural festivals: BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, and Pasifika Festival.
  • On average, 92% of residents who attended a Tātaki Auckland Unlimited-delivered cultural event agreed it made Tāmaki Makaurau a better place to live.
  • 97,000 attendees across the invested events in Moana Auckland, New Zealand's Ocean Festival 2024.
  • 94% audience satisfaction across the 2024 Moana Auckland invested events.

Learn more

Experiences and events

We programme and deliver world-class live arts and performances

As the region's leader in live arts and entertainment, our Auckland Live divison plays a vital role in making Auckland a more vibrant, creative and connected city. Auckland Live secures award-winning shows, musicals and concerts for our city, and collaborates with national and international arts companies and festivals to provide visitors and Aucklanders with superb experiences in world-class venues. 

Recent highlights include:

  • We The Young - a brand-new festival of arts, imagination, and adventures, for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.
  • Art of Banksy -  an exhibition featuring 150 pieces of original and authenticated Banksy artwork.
  • Royal New Zealand Ballet - bringing world-class dance to Auckland audiences.
Experiences and events

We curate and promote natural, cultural and art experiences

As operators of some of Auckland’s leading cultural institutions - including Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Zoo, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa - Tātaki Auckland Unlimited delivers exhibitions and experiences that inspire, educate and connect audiences from Aotearoa and around the world.

Recent highlights include:

  • Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - celebrating the plural artistic voices of the United States at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
  • Ngā Huhua: Abundance, an immersive exhibition celebrating the lifeforce of Te Moana-nui-a-Toi, at New Zealand Maritime Museum.
  • Wild Heroes - A documentary series showcasing Auckland Zoo’s conservation work to audiences across Aotearoa.
Experiences and events

A unified events brand for Auckland


The Auckland Council Events brand ensures events and activations supported by any part of the Auckland Council- group are clearly attributed, easily recognised and delivered with coordinated programming and promotion.

The TAU-managed events section on Discover Auckland makes it easier than ever for locals and visitors to see what’s happening around the region with enhanced filters, curation and event storytelling.  
 
To explore what’s on, or how to list your event, visit Discover Auckland Events.  

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