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The Aotea Centre from Aotea Square in 2011, the festival’s main home; a file photo.
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Auckland · New ZealandArts & culture

2027.05.11 — 2027.05.16 · Coming soon

Meet the writers in Auckland.

Auckland Writers Festival 2027

Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki has a 27-year history, and 2026 broke every ticket record to become its biggest edition: the bookstalls sold a record 13,000 books, more than 40 international authors joined New Zealand’s own, and the top seller was Patrick Radden Keefe’s new London Falling. In 2027 it runs from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 May, mainly at the Aotea Centre in central Auckland, with more than a quarter of the programme free, a free family programme and the drop-in Kōrero Corner on Level 5, and events in Aotea Square. A week earlier, on Friday 7 May, STREETSIDE: BRITOMART fills the Britomart precinct with writers, storytellers and musicians for a free evening, and Plot Twist is at Q Theatre on 16 May.

Find your reason to go
The Aotea Centre from Aotea Square in 2011, the festival’s main home; a file photo. · Report image rights
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A REASON TO GO
Aotea Centre and other central Auckland venues2027.05.11 — 2027.05.16Arts & cultureTicket required
FIND YOUR REASON

What draws you to this experience?

01

More than a quarter free

More than 25% of events are free, first come first served, with a free family programme and drop-in Kōrero Corner on Level 5.

Arts & culture
02

2026: 40-plus international authors

Last year brought 40-plus international authors and a record 13,000 books sold, led by Patrick Radden Keefe’s new book.

Arts & culture
03

A night out at Britomart

A week before the festival, writers, storytellers and musicians take over the Britomart precinct for a free evening.

Arts & culture
Programme, background & sources

Checked · 2026-10-16

A LITTLE CLOSER

A closer look.

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2018 · US Embassy New Zealand · Photo source · CC BY 2.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights

MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Does this fit what you are looking for?

This could be for you if you are…

  • Readers and book lovers
  • Anyone in Auckland in May

Before you decide

The 2027 writers and programme are not out yet.

Popular ticketed events sell out, so book early.

Free events are first come, first served.

FIND YOUR PLACE

Explore the layout. Plan your route.

Events spread across the Aotea Centre’s rooms and nearby venues; no map for this edition yet.

Open official guide ↗

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FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN

Make a plan that works for you.

01

Dates & times

2027.05.11 — 2027.05.16

Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 May 2027 (Auckland time), with STREETSIDE: BRITOMART on the evening of Friday 7 May; the programme is still to come.

Pacific/Auckland
More programme details
  • More than a quarter free
  • 2026: 40-plus international authors
  • A night out at Britomart
02

Venue & travel

Aotea Centre and other central Auckland venues

The Aotea Centre is on Aotea Square in central Auckland, near the Wellesley Street bus interchange and Te Waihorotiu station; the Civic car park beneath it (entry from Greys Ave) is often full during the festival.

03

Entry & companions

The festival mixes ticketed and free events. Free events cannot be booked and are first come, first served; queues can start 45 minutes ahead. Tickets for 2027 should go on sale through Ticketmaster in mid March (date to be confirmed), with priority for Patrons and Friends, and Take 3, 5 and 10 bundles for several events.

04

Tickets & access

Some events free · prices to be announced

Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.

Sources & image credits

Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.

Auckland Live RFA · CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source

Auckland Writers Festival

The Aotea Centre from Aotea Square in 2011, the festival’s main home; a file photo.

Information checked on 2026-10-16

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There’s a live experience out there worth going for.

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