New Zealand International Comedy Festival

NZ International Comedy Festival

View on map
MusicMultiple cities
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration24 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsNow in its fourth decade, the festival has
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

New Zealand International Comedy Festival in Multiple cities

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival runs across Auckland and Wellington theatres for roughly three weeks each April and May, mixing local and international stand-up. Founded in 1993 by the New Zealand Comedy Trust, it now stages more than 200 shows by upwards of 150 performers, opening with the televised Comedy Gala and closing with the Last Laughs awards.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival began in 1993 as a modest two-day event, at a time when New Zealand stand-up had little in the way of an organised national platform.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Now in its fourth decade, the festival has grown from a two-day event into a three-week programme drawing well over 75,000 attendances, while staying limited to Auckland and Wellington rather than touring the whole country

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Class Comedians programme trains secondary school students in stand-up and has produced graduates including Rose Matafeo, while the RAW competition gives rookie comedians a national platform with finals at The Classic in Auckland

03

The city starts moving

The festival closes each year with Last Laughs, an awards night presenting the Fred Award and the Billy T Award, New Zealand comedy's most recognised honours for headline and emerging talent

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

No specific cultural tradition underpins the festival beyond New Zealand's broader stand-up comedy scene

Water and renewal

Living ritual

though its Class Comedians schools programme and RAW newcomer competition function as an informal apprenticeship pathway into the country's comedy industry

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Base the route around Multiple cities, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.

What to wear

Smart-casual is typical for evening theatre shows; a jacket is useful since the festival runs into early winter and Auckland and Wellington evenings can turn cool.

Safety

New Zealand International Comedy Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For New Zealand International Comedy Festival, stay near the part of Multiple cities you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map36.85 S, 174.76 EOpen in Google Maps

Multiple cities, Auckland/Wellington, New Zealand

Nearest airportCHC — Christchurch
TransportBase the route around Multiple cities, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Stay areaFor New Zealand International Comedy Festival, stay near the part of Multiple cities you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Multiple cities via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Multiple cities, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual is typical for evening theatre shows; a jacket is useful since the festival runs into early winter and Auckland and Wellington evenings can turn cool.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is New Zealand International Comedy Festival?

New Zealand International Comedy Festival is listed for Past edition: 1–24 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does New Zealand International Comedy Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Multiple cities, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

24 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Multiple cities, Auckland/Wellington, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcomedyfestival.co.nz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Rock in Rio

4–13 September 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo pending

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Past edition: 25 June–4 July 2026

Montreal, Canada
Photo pending

Tomorrowland Brasil

Past edition: 10–12 October 2025

Itu, Brazil
Photo pending

Glastonbury Festival

23–27 June 2027

Pilton, United Kingdom

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →