BNZAuckland Diwali Festival

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival has grown to become New Zealand's premier Indian cultural festival. It's a free, family-friendly event held every year.

Date Te rā me te wā

11 - 12 October 2025
Price Utu hoko

Free Entry
Location Te wāhi

Aotea Square

Festival Information

Words by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Last updated 05 Jun 2025

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, known as 'The Festival of Lights', draws over 100,000 attendees.

Since its inception in 2002, the festival has been a vibrant showcase, featuring traditional and contemporary music, dance, and stalls offering Indian delicacies and crafts.

Join us celebrating Diwali in Auckland with:
3 Stages / Performance Zones
Food Stalls
Arts & Craft Retail Stalls
Free Yoga Workshops
Fireworks on Sunday Night
+ MORE

A free, family-friendly event by BNZ & Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

Location Te wāhi

Aotea Square

Plan your route

Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

Aotea Square is located in the Auckland city centre, a 15-minute walk from Britomart station and the Downtown Ferry Terminal. For all transport options, please check our Festival Information page.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Diwali is also the largest vegetarian festival in New Zealand with an array of food vendors offering mouth-watering Indian dishes including Pakora, Pav Bhaji, and Kulfi.

Social Pae pāpori

💃PERFORMANCES ACROSS THREE STAGES

Come along and enjoy two days of amazing dance and musical performances across a range of styles on three different stages, with captivating shows from midday to 9pm, showcasing incredible music and the vibrant culture of Auckland's diverse Indian communities.

🍴 Flavourful Food Stalls

Set your sights on an irresistible array of mouth-watering vegetarian food stalls that will bring Queen Street alive with the tantalising aromas of freshly prepared dishes, each stall offers a small taste of Indian cuisine.

🎨💍 Craft & Retail Zone

Don't miss the chance to take home a piece of Diwali from our retail zone on Lorne Street. Browse through an exciting array of handmade crafts, unique jewelry, traditional clothing, henna, and artisanal goods.

🧘 Free Yoga Workshops

Learn the history behind the ancient Indian practice, be guided through yoga flows, meditation and breath work. Renowned yoga expert, Reha Kumar, will be offering free practical and theory-based yoga workshops throughout the weekend in Aotea Centre. No yoga experience is necessary.

View Yoga Timetable

📚 Explore the Library

Take a break at Central City Library! Rest your feet, refill your bottle, and recharge your phone at lockable charging stations. Enjoy the curated book display, short documentaries, a special Diwali Storytime and Nokshi Katha embroidery workshop.

View Library Activities