May Events – What’s on?  

Looking for events and activates to fill up your cup this May? We’ve got you covered with our handy event guide for what’s on in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, all with great parking options close by to make your journey that much easier! 

 
For Aucklanders: 

→ What: Aotearoa Art Fair   

Where: Aotea Centre – 50 Mayoral Drive  

When: Thursday 1st May – Sunday 4th May 2025      

The Aotearoa Art Fair, New Zealand’s premier contemporary art event, presented in partnership with ANZ Private and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, returns to Auckland, drawing thousands of visitors from near and far. 

Celebrating the diversity of contemporary art, the Fair showcases a wide range of works from both emerging and established artists, with galleries from New Zealand and Australia presenting everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and prints. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• 89 Greys Ave Car Park – 0.24km 
• Saint Matthews Car Park - 134 Hobson St – 0.19km 
• 205 Queen Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• Kitchener Street Car Park - 6 -12 Kitchener St – 0.38km 
• Elliott Street Car Park – 0.34km 
• Durham Lane Car Park – 0.46km 

→ What: Taylor’s Story  
 
Where: Bruce Mason, Takapuna   
 
When: 1st May 2025       
 
Get ready to be swept away in a tribute to one of the biggest artists in the world. ‘Taylor’s Story’ allows audiences to experience the magic of Taylor Swift’s incredible career. The show narrates the evolution of Taylor’s iconic songs across the eras of her performing life. From the country roots of ‘Love Story’ to the electrifying pop anthems like ‘Shake It Off’. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• The Hurstmere Road Car Park - 144-148 Hurstmere Road – 0.04km  

• Car Park By the Sea – 85 Hurstmere Road – 0.34km 

• Takapuna Police Car Park - 1-3 The Terrace & 21-23 Anzac Street – 0.35km   

• 35 Como Street Car Park - 0.63km  

→ What: Best Food’s Comedy Gala  

Where: Aotea Centre – 50 Mayoral Drive  

When: Friday 2nd May 2025     

New Zealand’s favourite comedy festival is back! The Best Foods Comedy Gala kicks off on the 2nd May. The gala hosted by Hayley Sproull will bring local and international comedians to the opera house to showcase their humour. For a full line up of comedy events, tickets and more information, click here.   

Best Parking Options: 

• 89 Greys Ave Car Park – 0.24km 
• Saint Matthews Car Park - 134 Hobson St – 0.19km 
• 205 Queen Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• Kitchener Street Car Park - 6 -12 Kitchener St – 0.38km 
• Elliott Street Car Park – 0.34km 
• Durham Lane Car Park – 0.46km

 

→ What: Mana Moana   
 
Where: Spark Arena 
 
When: Friday 2nd May 2025    
 
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and Signature Choir with Live Nation present Mana Moana, returning for another incredible musical experience at Auckland’s Spark Arena for one night only Friday May 2, 2025. Mana Moana is a celebration of two worlds of music, with the 80 strong Signature Choir joining the NZSO in a fusion of symphony and songs of the Pacific. After 2023’s sensational performance at Spark Arena, this energetic, unique, and emotional celebration returns, bringing traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to Auckland for this special community event. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:

• Railway Outdoor Upper - 26 Te Taou Crescent – 0.13km  

• Railway Outdoor Lower - 26 Te Taou Crescent – 0.13km 

• The Ronayne Street Car Park - 2 Ronayne Street – 0.26km 

• Anzac Ave Car Park - 73 Anzac Ave – 0.40km 

• 2- 8 Anzac Ave Car Park – 0.45km  

→ What: Takapuna Filipino Festival     

Where: Waiwharariki Anzac Square, 38 Hurstmere Road  

When: Sat 3 May 2025             

The Takapuna Filipino Festival is coming to Waiwharariki Anzac Square. The day will celebrate the vibrant and colourful culture of the Philippines from 11am to 4pm with Takapuna Filipino Fiesta. The event is free and family friendly with a Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) theme. For more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• Takapuna Strand Car Park – 1-7 The Strand – 0.19km 
• 11 Northcroft Street Car Park – 0.20km 
• Car Park by the Sea Car Park – 85 Hurstmere Road – 0.21km
• 35 Como Street Car Park - 0.27km 
• Blomfield Spa Car Park – 0.36km 
  
• The Hurstmere Road Car Park – 144-148 Hurstmere Road – 0.42km 

 

→ What: Atomic! 2.0 Hailing the Pioneering Women of Rock   

Where: Auckland Town Hall   

When: Friday 9th May 2025           

Head to The Town Hall for a Kiwi tribute to the pioneering women of rock. Join Kiwi rock royalty Boh Runga, Julia Deans, Dianne Swann, Gussie Larkin and Jazmine Mary. They’ll take you on a hit-list journey rooted in the glories of the past, with a nod to those who continue to push the boundaries. Hear tributes to Debbie Harry, Annie Lennox, Patti Smith, Alanis Morissette, Chrissie Hynde, Courtney Love, Joan Jett, and plenty more. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• 89 Greys Ave Car Park – 0.22km 
• 450 Queen Street Car Park – 0.25km 
• 56 Wakefield Street Car Park – 0.26km 
• Saint Matthews Car Park – 134 Hobson Street – 0.31km 
• 201 Hobson Street Car Park – 0.37km 

 

→ What: Queen Rocks   
 
Where: Bruce Mason, Takapuna   
 
When: 10th May 2025       
 
Join Queen Rocks for a musical extravaganza like no other, bringing their tour to The Bruce Mason Centre, they’ll be marking the 50th anniversary of Bohemian Rhapsody performing the A Night at the Opera album in full, featuring classic songs like You’re My Best Friend, Love of My Life and of course Bohemian Rhapsody! For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options:

• The Hurstmere Road Car Park - 144-148 Hurstmere Road – 0.04km  

• Car Park By the Sea – 85 Hurstmere Road – 0.34km 

• Takapuna Police Car Park - 1-3 The Terrace & 21-23 Anzac Street – 0.35km   

• 35 Como Street Car Park - 0.63km 

→ What: Auckland Writer’s Festival  

Where: Aotea Centre – 50 Mayoral Drive  

When: Tuesday 13th May – Sun 18th May      

The Writer’s Festival returns in May with local and international authors heading to The Aotea Centre to showcase their latest work. The event includes a range of free and paid events. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• 89 Greys Ave Car Park – 0.24km 
• Saint Matthews Car Park - 134 Hobson St – 0.19km 
• 205 Queen Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• Kitchener Street Car Park - 6 -12 Kitchener St – 0.38km 
• Elliott Street Car Park – 0.34km 
• Durham Lane Car Park – 0.46km

 

→ What: Myles Smith   

Where: Powerstation 33 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace 

When: Thurs 15th May (8pm – 11pm)  

After selling out shows across the US, UK, and Europe in 2024, singer-songwriter and DIY phenom Myles Smith is heading to our shores as part of his Australia + New Zealand Tour. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• Reservoir 4 – 35 Khyber Pass Car Park - 0.21km 
• 32 Normanby Road Car Park – 0.28km 
• Citta – Hohipere Street, Newton - 0.30km 
• 90 – 96 Khyber Pass Road Car Park – 0.33km 
• Madison Retail Car Park – Hohipere Street, Newton – 0.33km 

→ What: ZZ Top     
 
Where: Spark Arena 
 
When: Saturday 17th May      
 
ZZ TOP have been in the business for over half a century, hailing from Texas, they are bringing their beards, spinning guitars and fan favourite songs to Wellington.  For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• Railway Outdoor Upper - 26 Te Taou Crescent – 0.13km  

• Railway Outdoor Lower - 26 Te Taou Crescent – 0.13km 

• The Ronayne Street Car Park - 2 Ronayne Street – 0.26km 

• Anzac Ave Car Park - 73 Anzac Ave – 0.40km 

• 2- 8 Anzac Ave Car Park – 0.45km 

  
  

For Christchurch Events:  

→ What: Ben Elton – Authentic Stupidity Stand Up Comedy Show  

Where: Christchurch Town Hall  

When: Friday 2 May 2025       

Following the huge success of Ben Elton’s critically acclaimed sold-out New Zealand tour in 2021, which marked his return to live comedy after a fifteen-year hiatus, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road with his new show – Authentic Stupidity. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• 55 Chester Street West car Park – 0.14km
• 71 Kilmore Street Car Park – 0.14km 
• 335 Durham Street Car Park – 0.18km 
• 59-61 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• 76 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.34km 

→ What: Baby Expo      

Where: Wolfbrook Arena    

When: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May 2025      

The baby expo is the go-to show for all things from bump, birth and beyond. Here parents can discover new products and services for your journey into parenthood as well as enjoy specials and exclusive expo deals. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• The CDHB Park n Ride Car Park – 1.24km  

→ What: The Play that Goes Wrong  

Where: James Hay Theatre, Town Hall  

When: Tuesday 6th May – Sunday 11 May 2025     

The Play that Goes Wrong is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python farce and Sherlock Holmes mystery. It follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s performance of a classic murder-mystery play. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong — to hilarious effect. There’s an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over the set and their lines. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• 71 Kilmore Street Car Park – 0.15km 
• 55 Chester Street West Car Park – 0.15km 
• 335 Durham Street Car Park – 0.20km 
• 59-61 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.34km 
• 48 Peterborough Street Car Park – 0.36km 

→ What: Crusaders V Chiefs      

Where: Apollo Projects Stadium   

When: Saturday 10th May 2025          
 
The Crusaders take on the Chiefs in May at The Apollo Projects Stadium. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• The CDHB Park n Ride Car Park – 0.93km 

→ What: Taylor Swift Tribute Show      

Where: Christchurch Town Hall  

When: Sunday 11th May 2025      

Get ready to be swept away in a tribute to one of the biggest artists in the world. ‘Taylor’s Story’ allows audiences to experience the magic of Taylor Swift’s incredible career. The show narrates the evolution of Taylor’s iconic songs across the eras of her performing life. From the country roots of ‘Love Story’ to the electrifying pop anthems like ‘Shake It Off’. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• 55 Chester Street West car Park – 0.14km
• 71 Kilmore Street Car Park – 0.14km 
• 335 Durham Street Car Park – 0.18km 
• 59-61 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• 76 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.34km

→ What: Black Ferns V Canada        

Where: Apollo Projects Stadium    

When: Saturday 17 May 2025 – 3:35PM          

Kicking off at 3.35pm, it’s an afternoon of footy and family entertainment like no other. Home games are where the heart is, and this is your chance to support the Black Ferns in Aotearoa, before they travel to England, to defend their title in August 2025. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• The CDHB Park n Ride Car Park – 0.93km 

→ What: Crusaders V Highlanders         

Where: Apollo Projects Stadium      

When: Friday 23rd May 2025       

It’s the battle of the south as The Crusaders take on the Chiefs at The Apollo Projects Stadium. If you’re heading along, we have great parking options close by. For more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• The CDHB Park n Ride Car Park – 0.93km 

→ What: Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show        

Where: Wolfbrook Arena    

When: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 May 2025         

Head to Wolfbrook Arean to see the latest caravan motorhome exhibitors, who will showcase not just vehicles, but also an array of accessories to enhance your campervan journey.  For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• The CDHB Park n Ride Car Park – 1.24km 

 

→ What: Piaf The Show           

Where: Christchurch Town Hall   

When: Saturday 24 May 2025           

After captivating audiences in more than 50 countries and selling over a million tickets worldwide, now it’s New Zealand’s chance to experience the mesmerising journey of the iconic French chanteuse, Edith Piaf, in PIAF! THE SHOW. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• 55 Chester Street West car Park – 0.14km
• 71 Kilmore Street Car Park – 0.14km 
• 335 Durham Street Car Park – 0.18km 
• 59-61 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.32km 
• 76 Armagh Street Car Park – 0.34km

 

 

Wellington Events: 

Find out what’s happening in Wellington this May ↴ 


→ What: Phoenix FC v Perth Glory   

Where: Sky Stadium 

When: Friday 2 May 2025  

Wellington Phoenix takes on The Perth Glory at Sky Stadium on the 2nd May. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• CentrePort Zone C Car Park - 98 Waterloo Quay - 0.51km
• Pipitea Marae Car Park - 47 Thorndon Quay - 0.58km
• Thorndon Central Car Park- 81 Thorndon Quay – 0.41km
• Station Car Park - 83 Waterloo Quay - 0.64km 
• The Railway Car Park - 63 Waterloo Quay - 0.75km

→ What: Hurricanes v Chiefs      

Where: Sky Stadium  

When: Saturday 3 May 2025    

In round 12 The Hurricanes are taking on Chiefs at Sky Stadium, if you’re heading to support either team, we have lots of parking options close by. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options: 

• CentrePort Zone C Car Park - 98 Waterloo Quay - 0.51km
• Pipitea Marae Car Park - 47 Thorndon Quay - 0.58km
• Thorndon Central Car Park - 81 Thorndon Quay – 0.41km
• Station Car Park - 83 Waterloo Quay - 0.64km 
• The Railway Car Park - 63 Waterloo Quay - 0.75km

→ What: Best Foods Comedy Gala        

Where: The Opera House  

When: Saturday 3 May 2025    

New Zealand’s favourite comedy festival is back! The Best Foods Comedy Gala kicks off on the 3rd of May. The Gala hosted by Hayley Sproull will bring local and international comedians to the opera house to showcase their humour. For a full line up of comedy events, tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.17km
• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.17km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.22km

→ What: Taylor’s Story – Tribute to Taylor Swift         

Where: The Opera House  

When: Wednesday 7 May 2025  

Get ready to be swept away in a tribute to one of the biggest artists in the world. ‘Taylor’s Story’ allows audiences to experience the magic of Taylor Swift’s incredible career. The show narrates the evolution of Taylor’s iconic songs across the eras of her performing life. From the country roots of ‘Love Story’ to the electrifying pop anthems like ‘Shake It Off’. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.17km
• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.17km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.22km

→ What: ATOMIC! 2.0 - Hailing the Pioneering Women of Rock         

Where: The Opera House  

When: Thursday 8 May 2025    

Head to The Opera House for a Kiwi tribute to the pioneering women of rock. Join Kiwi rock royalty Boh Runga, Julia Deans, Dianne Swann, Gussie Larkin and Jazmine Mary. They’ll take you on a hit-list journey rooted in the glories of the past, with a nod to those who continue to push the boundaries. Hear tributes to Debbie Harry, Annie Lennox, Patti Smith, Alanis Morissette, Chrissie Hynde, Courtney Love, Joan Jett, and plenty more. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.17km
• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.17km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.22km

→ What: Better Home & Living Show     

Where: Sky Stadium  

When: Friday 9 May – Sunday 11 May 2025  

Discover fresh, practical ideas that enhance both your living spaces, your lifestyle and your wellbeing at the Wellington Better Home and Living Show! Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to make eco inspired changes the Wellington Better Home and Living Show has everything you need to create healthy, efficient homes without sacrificing style. The Show will be packed with fresh and innovative solutions for the home, garden and lifestyle, clever design concepts and exclusive show specials! For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• CentrePort Zone C Car Park - 98 Waterloo Quay - 0.51km
• Pipitea Marae Car Park - 47 Thorndon Quay - 0.58km
• Thorndon Central Car Park - 81 Thorndon Quay – 0.41km
• Station Car Park - 83 Waterloo Quay - 0.64km 
• The Railway Car Park - 63 Waterloo Quay - 0.75km

→ What: NZSO: Legend – Mozart & Beethoven       

Where: Michael Fowler Centre   

When: Friday 9 May 2025    

Head to the Michael Fowler Centre to the legends of Mozart and Beethoven conducted by Maestro Suzuki. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.12km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.29km
• VSPC (Victoria Street Parking Centre) Car Park - 15-21 Victoria Street – 0.33km

→ What: ZZ Top - The Elevation Tour  

Where: TSB Arena  

When: Sunday 18 May 2025     

ZZ TOP have been in the business for over half a century, hailing from Texas, they are bringing their beards, spinning guitars and fan favourite songs to Wellington.  For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• Queens Wharf Car Park – 1 Jervois Quay – 0.09km
• VSPC (Victoria Street Parking Centre) Car Park - 15-21 Victoria Street – 0.33km
• HSBC Tower Car Park – 24 Panama Street – 0.33km (Closes at 8pm) 
• Plimmer Tower Car Park - 2 Gilmer Terrace – 0.39km

→ What: Piaf The Show           

Where: The Opera House    

When: Thursday 22nd May 2025             

After captivating audiences in more than 50 countries and selling over a million tickets worldwide, now it’s New Zealand’s chance to experience the mesmerising journey of the iconic French chanteuse, Edith Piaf, in PIAF! THE SHOW. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Best Parking Options:  

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.17km
• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.17km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.22km

→ What: Alison Moyet     

Where: Michael Fowler Centre   

When: Saturday 24 May 2025    

Singer and songwriter Alison Moyet is celebrating 40 years in the business with a tour, heading to Wellington in May. The bluesy pop star hasn’t toured here in over 8 years and will bring audiences her famous hits as well as songs from her album Key. For tickets and more information click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.12km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.29km
• VSPC (Victoria Street Parking Centre) Car Park - 15-21 Victoria Street – 0.33km

 

→ What: The Firebird with My Brilliant Career           

Where: St James Theatre  

When: Wednesday 30th April – Saturday 3 May 2025       

New Zealand Ballet is bringing back The Firebird, a fairytale of a desert world where water is infinitely precious. The show features amazing costumes, choreography and impressive projections making it a stunning show for all. For tickets and more information click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.15km
• Lower Tory Street Car Park – 10 Tory Street – 0.18km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.27km
• Chaffers Street Car Park – 0.32km
• 29 Marion Street Car Park – 0.34km (closes midnight)

  

→ What: Heath Franklin  

Where: The Opera House 

When: Friday 16 May 2025 

Heath Franklin’s Chopper is back with his latest show The Last Hard Bastard on Earth! The Show takes audiences on a journey to 2030 Humanity is all but wiped out, and there is only one man who can save us from the Softcockalypse. For tickets and more information, click here.  

Best Parking Options:  

• 25A Taranaki Street Car Park – 0.17km
• 40 Bond Street Car Park – 0.17km
• Lombard Car Park – 28 Bond Street – 0.19km
• 34 Ghuznee Street Car Park – 0.22km

→ What: Wellington Better Home and Living Show 2025          

Where: Sky Stadium    

When: Friday 9 May – Sunday 11 May 2025       

The Better Home and Living Show is heading to Wellington to bring you fresh and practical ideas for both living spaces and gardens. The show is great for those starting off, or for those wanting to make changes in their homes from style, health and eco inspired changes. For tickets and more information click here.  

Best Parking Options: 

• CentrePort Zone C Car Park - 98 Waterloo Quay - 0.51km
• Pipitea Marae Car Park - 47 Thorndon Quay - 0.58km
• Thorndon Central Car Park - 81 Thorndon Quay – 0.41km
• Station Car Park - 83 Waterloo Quay - 0.64km 
• The Railway Car Park - 63 Waterloo Quay - 0.75km