Halloween in New Zealand has grown into a mix of spooky charm, community spirit, and pure fun. In 2025, cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown are hosting themed events, haunted attractions, and late-night parties.
While some towns embrace traditional trick-or-treating, others go all-out with festivals and immersive experiences. This year’s calendar already has several confirmed highlights, with more still to be announced closer to October.
Halloween in New Zealand 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 25 October 2025 |
| Time | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Location | Howick Historical Village, 75 Bells Road, Pakuranga |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Expected Crowd | Several thousand |
| Main Attractions | Haunted houses, live performers, themed food stalls |
| Official Site | Link to be added when live |
Auckland – The Heart of Halloween Festivities
Auckland leads the charge when it comes to Halloween energy in New Zealand.
The Festival of Frights transforms the historic village into a lantern-lit playground for both kids and adults.
Costume contests, eerie soundscapes, and interactive haunted rooms keep guests moving from one scare to the next. If you’re planning to attend, I’d suggest arriving early to explore before the crowds thicken.
Other Auckland Halloween Highlights
Halloween at the Village takes place on 31 October from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the same venue. It’s a family-friendly event that mixes safe trick-or-treating with street-style performances.
On 1 November, the Sudaka Halloween Latin Festival brings music, dance, and food from across Latin America to Wynyard Pavilion. This one runs late into the night and is best for adults looking for a lively after-Halloween party.
Parades in Auckland | Status for 2025
As of now, no official Halloween parade route or street procession has been confirmed for Auckland in 2025. City council event calendars are still being updated, so there’s a chance details will drop closer to October.
If a parade is announced, I’ll make sure the route map, start times, and best viewing spots are added. For now, the focus remains on festivals, shows, and themed nightlife.
Wellington | Capital City’s Halloween Buzz
Wellington’s Halloween scene blends nightlife, creativity, and community.
In 2025, the city centre is lighting up with costume parties, drag shows, and themed bar crawls.
Unlike some cities, Wellington doesn’t have a confirmed Halloween parade route this year. Instead, the action is spread across multiple venues, each with its own twist on spooky fun.
Wellington Halloween Highlights 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Taking Back Saturday: Halloween Party |
| Date | Friday, 31 October 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 pm onward |
| Location | San Fran, 171 Cuba Street |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Crowd Type | Adults, party-goers |
| Main Attractions | Live DJs, themed cocktails, costume contests |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | The Willies: Halloween Drag Show |
| Date | 31 October & 1 November 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 pm |
| Location | 26 Allen Street |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Crowd Type | Adults, LGBTQ+ friendly |
| Main Attractions | Drag performances, music, theatrical effects |
Why Wellington Works for Halloween
I’ve always thought Wellington’s charm comes from its compact, walkable CBD.
It’s easy to hop from one event to another without worrying about long travel times.
The nightlife venues really get into the Halloween spirit, decking out interiors with cobwebs, fog machines, and moody lighting. It’s the kind of city where your costume can win you free drinks if you put in the effort.
Tips for Enjoying Wellington’s Halloween
- Book tickets early – smaller venues sell out fast.
- Layer up – late October nights here can be windy and chilly.
- Start early – arrive before sunset to enjoy street performers and pre-party atmospheres.
Christchurch | Family-Friendly Meets Fright Night
Christchurch offers a more family-focused Halloween, with community halls and cultural clubs hosting themed gatherings. In 2025, the standout event is the Kids’ Halloween Party (Oíche Shamhna) at Christchurch Irish Society Hall.
It runs on 31 October from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, making it perfect for younger children.
Expect costume parades, face painting, and safe trick-or-treat stations indoors.
Christchurch Kids’ Halloween Party 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 31 October 2025 |
| Time | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm |
| Location | Christchurch Irish Society, 29 Domain Terrace |
| Entry Fee | Likely free or gold coin donation |
| Crowd Type | Families, children |
| Main Attractions | Games, costume contests, candy giveaways |
Queenstown | New Zealand’s Biggest Halloween Festival 2025
Queenstown isn’t just about stunning landscapes in October. This year, it’s hosting NZ’s Biggest Halloween Festival 2025 (No Trace), promising an adrenaline-filled mix of music, costumes, and performances.
The event takes place at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre on 1 November, running from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Expect live bands, themed dance floors, and plenty of jaw-dropping costumes.
Queenstown Halloween Festival 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 1 November 2025 |
| Time | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| Location | AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Crowd Type | Adults, music lovers, thrill-seekers |
| Main Attractions | Live music, DJ sets, themed bars, bungy-jump photo ops |
Why Queenstown’s Festival Stands Out
The setting itself is unmatched imagine dancing in costume beside the Kawarau River, with mountains in the backdrop. It’s also the most high-energy Halloween event in the country, blending nightlife with Queenstown’s adventure vibe.
If you’re into full-on party mode, this is the one to book. Accommodation can fill up quickly around Halloween, so plan your stay well ahead of time.
Other Notable Halloween Events Across New Zealand
While Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown headline the calendar, smaller towns are adding their own flavor. Here’s a snapshot of other 2025 Halloween activities:
| City/Town | Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunedin | Community Hall Halloween Dance | 31 Oct 2025 | Evening | Dunedin Town Hall |
| Hamilton | Haunted Maze & Trick-or-Treat | 30–31 Oct 2025 | 6:00 pm onward | Claudelands Event Centre |
| Tauranga | Spooktacular Family Night | 31 Oct 2025 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Tauranga Historic Village |
National Parade & Route Updates – TBC
As of now, no official nationwide Halloween parade schedule has been confirmed for 2025. Some councils may release last-minute announcements, especially in Auckland and Wellington.
Once parades are locked in, details like street closures, start points, and best viewing spots can be added. For now, it’s smart to follow each city’s council website for the latest updates.
Travel & Accommodation Tips for Halloween in New Zealand
If you’re planning to travel for Halloween events in New Zealand, booking early is key.
Cities like Queenstown and Auckland see a spike in visitors around late October, so hotels and Airbnb options sell out quickly.
For Auckland, stay near the CBD or Pakuranga to be close to major events like the Festival of Frights. In Queenstown, look for lakefront accommodations to enjoy scenic views before and after the festival.
Public transport is generally reliable, but some Halloween events run late into the night. Consider booking a rideshare or arranging a group taxi for safety and convenience.
Costume & Theme Inspiration
Each city has its own Halloween vibe, so your outfit can match the setting.
Auckland events lean towards theatrical and family-friendly costumes think witches, fairies, and pirates.
Wellington nightlife welcomes bold, edgy looks drag queens, neon zombies, or retro horror icons. Queenstown’s festival is your chance to go big: glowing face paint, elaborate masks, or steampunk-inspired outfits.
If you’re aiming for a costume contest win, research the event’s past winners and choose something unexpected.
Safety & Event Rules
New Zealand events are generally well-organized with security checks at larger venues. Bag searches are common, and some venues ban props that resemble real weapons.
For family events, most organizers clearly mark safe trick-or-treat zones and have volunteer marshals on-site. It’s also wise to keep an eye on local weather forecasts late October can bring sudden showers.
Photography & Sharing Tips
Halloween in New Zealand is a goldmine for creative photography. If you’re attending a parade or festival, arrive early to secure a good vantage point.
For night events, bring a camera or phone that handles low light well.
Most festivals have official hashtags using them can get your photos featured on event pages.
Conclusion
Halloween in New Zealand has never been more exciting. From Auckland’s historic village scares to Queenstown’s mountain-side music fest, there’s something for every mood and age group.
While official parades are still unconfirmed, the range of events from family-friendly afternoons to late-night dance floors makes October a month worth marking in your calendar. I’ll be keeping tabs on new announcements so this guide can stay your go-to Halloween plan for 2025.
FAQs
Yes, it’s increasingly popular, with both family events and adult nightlife options.
No confirmed routes yet for 2025, but updates may come closer to the date.
Yes, many larger events are ticketed, especially in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown.
Not all check age restrictions, especially for nightlife and bar-based parties.
Auckland for variety, Queenstown for the biggest party, and Christchurch for family fun.