Steampunk Events in New Zealand

Upcoming Steampunk Themed Events in New Zealand

With a community full of creative individuals, the New Zealand Steampunk scene has put together a great lineup of Steampunk events in New Zealand! Whether you are looking for something near you or an excuse to travel and meet new friends, this list of events will have something for everyone to enjoy!

Steampunk the Thames

Website: https://steampunkthethames.co.nz/

Where: Thames, NZ- Various locations depending on events

When: 7-10th November 2024

Cost: From free to $70 depending on the event

Extra info: While most events are fun for the whole family, some are more fun for the adults in the group. Most events will require you to wear a costume and be booked in advance. There are also a mix of free and paid events planned, check the website for more details.

Put on your finery and brace yourselves for a weekend of charming fun with the annual Steampunk the Thames event! From picnics for the family to the Mad Hatter’s High Tea Party and the costume-necessary quiz night, there is something planned for everyone to enjoy!

Start the festivities with the meet and greet at the local lawn bowls club before diving into the parades, balls, and other amazing events on the schedule. For young and old Steampunkers alike, there is a full bounty of fun run by passionate volunteers and organisers to embrace and celebrate in New Zealand and beyond!

STEAMPUNK CRUISE

Website: https://www.waimarie.co.nz/event-cruises/steampunk-cruise

Where: Riverboat Centre Wharf Whanganui

When: Steampunk Cruise 2025 dates are coming soon!

Cost:

• Adult: $53.00 Adult
• Local (Must live in Whanganui): $48.00
• Child (5-15 years, under 5 free): $19.00
• Infants (Ages 4 under): Free
• Seniors (Ages 65+): $44.00
• Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children (Ages 5-15): $123.00

Extra Info: 2 Hour Duration- Boarding is at 10.30am. All guests to report to ticket office to receive your boarding pass before 10.30am - Departs from the Riverboat Centre Wharf at 11am.

Dress in your finest Steampunk outfit and enjoy two hours aboard the Paddle Steamer Waimarie! Feel immersed in the Steampunk atmosphere while you take in the wonderful views, listen to the onboard commentary, and have a soothing background sound of the paddles moving through the water.

With a licensed bar on board and snacks available for purchase, this is a great adventure to take with friends and family! At no extra cost you can also enjoy a visit to the Riverboat Museum before or after your time on the cruise, which is always a good time!

STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL NEW ZEALAND 2024

Website: https://www.steampunk.org.nz

Where: Ormaru

When: 29th May- 2nd June 2025

Cost: Tickets for individual events listed below; tickets available 4th April

Filled with fun activities, great group activities, and occasions you can't miss; this Steampunk Festival is the event of the New Zealand season! Plan your weekend away and aim to attend as many events planned as possible to truly immerse yourself in the Steampunk festivities! Dress to impress at every turn and you'll be among some fellow enthusiastic cosplayers! 

• OP SHOP TOUR

Where: TBA 

When: 29th May

Cost: Free

Take the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the town and the fellow Steampunkers and enjoy taking a look around the Op Shops of Ormaru! Find some hidden gems while you make new friends! 

• EARLY BIRD MEET AND GREET

Where:Whitestone City, 12 Harbour St

When: Thursday 29th May 5pm-7pm

Cost: Cash Bar- EFTPOS available

The perfect excuse to get social, the Early Bird Meet and Greet will give you the chance to introduce yourself to the community while having fun! Experience Steampunk hospitality and enjoy a few drinks with your new mates! 

• STEAMPUNK NZ FESTIVAL 2024 GRAND GATE OPENING CEREMONY

Where:Harbour St.

When: 30th May 5:30pm

Cost:Free Entry

Take part in the official Steampunk NZ Festival opening and celebrate with lanterns and lights! Everyone is welcome to the opening of the festival and can embrace the atmosphere of the weekend to come!

• STEAMPUNK NIGHT GARDEN

Where:Harbour St.

When: 30th May from 5:30pm

Cost: Free Entry

Enjoy the view as the Botanical Mechanical Night Garden takes over Harbour Street and take part in the experience of music, street food, and cool entertainment! Wear some lights and bring a lantern, and feel embraced by the Steampunk community!

• 'BLOOMIN’ LUVERLY' VARIETY SHOW - STRICTLY R18+

Where:Scottish Hall- 10 Tyne St

When: 30th May Doors open 8:30pm - Show starts 9pm-11pm

Cost: Cash Bar- EFTPOS available

Who doesn't love the chance to show off your amazing Steampunk costume while watching some Vaudeville style adult entertainment? With a cash bar available and an 18+ restriction, this one is for the adults to enjoy!

• STEAMPUNK MARKET

Where:Oamaru Squash & Badminton Club, 14 Tyne St

When: 31th June 10am-3pm 2nd June - 10am-3pm

Cost: Free to attend

A collection of treasures to explore, this market has many different delightful items to enjoy!

• STEAMPUNK STREET PARADE

Where:Streets of Oamaru

When: 31th June 11am

Cost:Free

The theme for 2024 is Botanical Mechanical, so find a good spot on the streets of Oamaru and be ready to watch the parade of Steampunk machines, entertainment, and cosplayers delight and amaze! If you're interested in submitting a float, check the event website for registration details closer to the event date!

• STEAMPUNK FASHION SHOWCASE

Where:Scottish Hall, Tyne Street

When: 31th June- 3pm

Cost: Free to attend

A beautiful display of outfits and hats in the Steampunk Botanical Mechanical theme! Art meets fashion in a way you won't want to miss! 

• TEA DUELLING and PARASOL DUELLING

Where:TBA

When:TBA

Cost:TBA

Whether you want to participate or are simply an enthusiastic observer, the Tea Duelling and Parasol Duelling event is a fun way to spend some time during the weekend! Check closer to the event for more details! 

• LEAGUE OF VICTORIAN IMAGINEERS’ MESS DINNER AIRSHIP RACING

Where:Loan and Merc, 14 Harbour Street

When: 31th June- 7pm

Cost:TBA

A classic pair of events, this dinner and racing show allows for you to get out your Steampunk best and make it a night to remember. Cheer on those who are racing and enjoy some delightful food at this nighttime event!

• TEA POT RACING

Website: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/10570

Where:The Scottish Hall-Tyne St, Oamaru 9400

When: 1st June 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Cost: TBA

Extra Info: Ticket purchasing opens 5th April 2024

Fun and exciting, why not either enter yourself or simply arrive as a spectator to enjoy this unique event? Watch the excitement build as clever Steampunkers drive their motorised Steampunk themed teapots throughout the obstacle course featuring a waterfall, rope bridge, and more!

A show of skill, time pressure, and nerves; this event is a great chance to dress up and participate in a fun and interactive day out! To enter yourself and your teapot into the fun, contact the event planners for more info!

• CLOCKWORK GARDEN STEAMPUNK BALL and AWARDS NIGHT

Where: Oamaru Club, Severn Street

When: 1st June 7pm

Cost:TBA

The exciting grand finale to this brilliant festival is the Steampunk Ball and Awards Night; a chance to celebrate and dance with your Steampunk friends and enjoy a light supper.

• SteamPINK BREAKFAST

Where: Early Settlers Hall, Severn Street

When: 2nd June 10am

Cost:TBA

The annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraiser is the perfect way to end this weekend away; with quizzes, goodie bags, prizes, and more, this is an opportunity to wear pink and support a good cause! Get ready for your journey home and embrace this final hurrah!

ARMAGEDDON EXPO

Website: https://www.armageddonexpo.com/

Where:

• Tauranga - Baypark Arena
• Wellington - Sky Stadium
• Christchurch - Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
• Auckland Winter - Auckland Showgrounds
• Palmerston North - Fly Palmy Arena

When: 

• Auckland Spring (Auckland Showgrounds): 25/26/27/28th October 2024
• Christchurch (Tea Pae): 5/6th April 2025
• Wellington (Sky Stadium): 18/20th April 2025
• Auckland Winter (Auckland Showgrounds): 31st May - 2nd June 2025
• Palmerston North (Fly Palmy Arena): 2/3rd August

Cost: TBA

Extra info: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Fully wheelchair accessible. Food and drink available or can bring your own snacks. All ages welcome. 

With amazing guests and cool events running at each location, Armageddon Expo is New Zealand's greatest annual event for all things unique! The New Zealand expo known for all things geek, this is the place to dress up in your best Steampunk cosplay and be utterly yourself!

No matter which event you choose to attend, or even if you choose to attend more than one, there is a massive stream of cool guests and attractions to make your Steampunk heart happy! For more details, check out the Armageddon web page and get ready to have the time of your life!

If you are looking to expand your adventures beyond New Zealand, why not explore Steampunk Events in Australia!

WHERE CAN I FIND STEAMPUNK COSTUME OUTFITS?

Creating the perfect Steampunk costume is easy when you browse Otherworld Fashion's huge collection of men’s and women’s Steampunk clothing and accessories!

From Steampunk shirts, pants, dresses and jackets as well as plus size Steampunk clothing to Steampunk accessories like cool hats, fascinators, Steampunk shoes and Steampunk belts, Otherworld Fashion has something for everyone!