About Us

Where does the Festival take place?

Aotea Centre, Auckland Live
Auckland CBD


The Civic Carpark is located under the Aotea Centre with entry from Greys Ave. Please be aware that this carpark is often at full capacity over the Festival weekend. A number of pre-pay parking spaces are available and can be purchased when booking tickets. For more details, visit Auckland Live. Alternative park buildings are situated on Greys Ave, Albert Street and Victoria Street.
The Festival takes place across a number of locations within the Aotea Centre: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Hunua Room, Waitakere Room, Waihorotiu Room, Limelight Room and Herald Theatre. More information about these locations can be found on individual event listings

Parking available at Aotea Centre and other nearby locations.

How do I get to the Festival?

For information on bus, ferry and train services in Auckland City, visit the Auckland Transport website or telephone them on (09) 366 6400. Parking is also available near all of the Festival locations (see above).

Will there be a help desk at the Festival?

Yes. The Festival Information Desk will be located on Level 2 of the Aotea Centre, outside the stalls entrance to the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. Lost property, information about the programme, venue and other general information will be available here.

Is seating allocated at the Festival?

To avoid delays between sessions, seating for all events is General Admission, so no allocated seating.

Patrons and Friends have reserved seats at each level.

How long do the events last?

The majority of events last one hour. Some special events and workshops are 90 minutes to 2 hours long, and family events are less than an hour. End times for each event will be detailed on their online event listing and in the program.

Can I buy books at the Festival?

Thanks to The Women's Bookshop, there are two pop-up Festival Bookshops at the Aotea Centre (on the lower, middle and upper levels) and at all other Festival venues. Audience members will be able to purchase books by authors appearing in the Festival at these bookstalls.

Can I get my books signed at the Festival?

Yes. Book signings will take place immediately following most events, unless otherwise advised.

What provisions will be in place at the Festival for those with disabilities?

Please visit the Auckland Live acessibility page for all venue details.

All of our locations are accessible by wheelchair. Please specify when purchasing tickets whether you have wheelchair requirements.

The Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre has an induction loop system for those with hearing impairments.

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