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The 2027 theme: page and screen
The 2027 theme, Stories of Steam – from Page and Screen, draws on books and films; dressing to it is optional.
Festivals & traditions
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Steampunk HQ in Ōamaru in 2013, with its reworked steam locomotive out front; a file photo. · Report image rightsŌamaru · New ZealandFestivals & traditions
2027.06.03 — 2027.06.07 · Coming soon
Gears, goggles and a trip back to the age of steam.
Steampunk NZ Festival 2027
The Steampunk NZ Festival grew out of a 2009 steampunk exhibition at the Forrester Gallery in Ōamaru; a fashion show and gala ball were added in 2010, and the organisers now call it the largest and longest-running steampunk event in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2027 festival runs from Thursday 3 to Monday 7 June over King’s Birthday weekend, themed Stories of Steam – from Page and Screen; dressing to the theme is optional and every steampunk is welcome. The Trinket Swap is confirmed; competitions, the fashion show theme and the main programme come later, and tickets go on sale on the website in April 2027.
GOWOAH / Ōamaru
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Venues across Ōamaru2027.06.03 — 2027.06.07Festivals & traditionsAdmission cost unconfirmed
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
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Past years: teapot racing
Racers steer their teapots through an obstacle course while the crowd cheers, with a grand trophy for the champion.
Festivals & traditions03
Fashion show and Trinket Swap
A fashion show has been part of the festival since 2010, with the 2027 theme to come; the Trinket Swap is confirmed.
Festivals & traditionsProgramme, background & sources
Checked · 2026-10-16
A LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
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2015 · Oren Rozen · Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · 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…
- Steampunk and costume fans
- Anyone in the South Island in June
Before you decide
The programme is not out yet and tickets go on sale in April.
The organisers suggest booking accommodation now.
June is winter in New Zealand; dress warmly.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
This edition’s venues are not out yet.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
Dates & times
2027.06.03 — 2027.06.07Thursday 3 to Monday 7 June 2027 (New Zealand time); programme to come.
Pacific/AucklandMore programme details
- The 2027 theme: page and screen
- Past years: teapot racing
- Fashion show and Trinket Swap
Venue & travel
Venues across ŌamaruŌamaru is on the South Island’s east coast, north of Dunedin; venues come with the programme.
Entry & companions
Tickets go on sale on the website in April 2027; events and prices are still to come.
Tickets & access
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.
Christine Wagner · CC BY 2.0 Image source
Steampunk NZ Inc
Steampunk HQ in Ōamaru in 2013, with its reworked steam locomotive out front; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-16
Suggest a correction ↗Festivals & traditionsA painted-face lantern at the 2009 Auckland Lantern Festival, then held in the city centre; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
02month2027.02.18 — 2027.02.21Local dates
BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2027
Auckland’s lantern festival: four evenings in Manukau for the Year of the Goat, 500-plus handmade lanterns, free tickets and weekend fireworks.
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Photo source · CC0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
03month2027.03.04 — 2027.03.21Local dates
Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2027
Auckland Arts Festival runs for 18 days in March, opening its programme with The Choir of Man, a pub show with a real bar on stage.
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Festivals & traditionsThe night glow at Balloons Over Waikato in 2010, balloons lit up together after dark; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0 DE · Cropped preview· Report image rights
03month2027.03.13 — 2027.03.19Local dates
Balloons Over Waikato 2027
One of New Zealand’s largest free events: a week of dawn balloon launches by Hamilton Lake, opening with a night glow.
New Zealand · Hamilton
Free (Night Glow needs a ticket)Why Go
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