What’s on: Winter 2025 highlights
A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.
La bohème by Puccini
29 May – 6 July, various locations across the country
Step into the heart of Paris with New Zealand Opera’s 2025 season of La bohème – a breathtaking, deeply emotional telling of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, which explores fresh depths of love, art, and humanity while staying true to the bohemian spirit of this enduring classic. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. nzopera.com
End of Summer Time
17 June – 5 July, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
The hilarious work of playwright Sir Roger Hall is back with End of Summer Time, as much an ode to Auckland as it is a coming-of-age story of senior life reinvention. When retired cow cocky Dickie Hart and his wife Glenda make the move to the big smoke, Dickie is convinced it’s the beginning of the end. Guaranteed to deliver the laughs, heart, and biting social satire. atc.co.nz
Doc Edge Festival
25 June – 24 August, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
As an Oscar-Qualifying Festival, Doc Edge is a global platform for bold and impactful storytelling. The festival features a diverse line-up of films and an immersive exhibition. Celebrating 20 years of documentary excellence for story and film lovers, this is not to be missed. docedge.nz
Festival of Christmas
27 June – 26 July, Greytown
Be part of a month-long celebration of Christmas with the much-loved Wairarapa Festival of Christmas – an unforgettable month of midwinter magic in Greytown. This year’s theme is Christmas Carnival which promises some new attractions, alongside the return of much-loved favourites – including some forecasted snow! greytownvillage.com
Marlborough Book Festival
18–20 July, Marlborough
Indulge in a weekend of wonderful writers and curious audiences at Marlborough’s midwinter book festival. Hear from Ockham New Zealand Book Award shortlisted authors Damien Wilkins and Richard Shaw along with Monty Soutar, Stacy Gregg, Olivia Spooner and others. The festival programme features individual author interviews, workshops and the ever-popular Opening Night Gala. marlboroughbookfest.co.nz
