Where to celebrate Diwali around New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland’s premier Diwali Festival is back on in Aotea Square and this year promises to be the biggest yet. The festival is sponsored by BNZ and will bring contempory and traditional Indian performances across 3 stages! There will also be food and market stores with everything from clothing, crafts to jewellery. If you fancy getting moving yourself join the free yoga workshops, bike tours or take part in the chalk it up competition with local rangoli artists from 1pm on Sunday. Then stay until the evening on Sunday to watch a fabulous firework display to close the celebrations.
The event takes places from noon until 9pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November. For more information on the event click here.
Best parking: Elliot St, Greys Ave, Wakefield St, St Mathews, Kitchener St
Wellington
Wellington is the first of our big cities to kick off Diwali celebrations! Head to the TSB Arena and Shed 6 on the 29th October to celebrate Diwali and The Festival of Lights. The festival will bring Indian culture to the capital with performances, food and activities for the whole family. Including lantern making, food, fashion and jewellery stores.
Best parking: Queens Wharf, Victoria Street Parking Centre (VSPC) HSBC Tower, 109 Featherston St carpark.
Christchurch
Christchurch kicks of Diwali celebrations on the 4th November at The Riverside Market. This family friendly event kicks off from 4pm and will bring a taste of India with musical, dance and light performances, family crafts including henna decorating, a clay lamp competition a Sari drape workshop. There will also be food stalls and lots of fun activities to celebrate Diwali.
Best parking: The 142 Tuam Street carpark, The Terrace carpark, 118 Tuam Street, 200 St Aspah Street.
If the outdoors isn’t your thing, head to The Diwali Bollywood night on at The Cuban, 236 Saint Asaph Street. The night will be filled with dance, song and celebration to celebrate the festival of light. For more information and tickets, click here.
Best parking: 81 Manchester Street, 189 Tuam Street, 181 Madras Street, 200 St Asaph Street.
