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Auckland is set for a significant uplift in visitors next week as two major events — the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education 2025 and Metallica’s M72 World Tour — bring tens of thousands of people into the city.
WIPCE 2025 runs from November 16-20 at the Aotea Centre and will welcome nearly 3800 delegates, generating an estimated 16,600 visitor nights. Many attendees are expected to remain in the region after the conference concludes.
Metallica will perform to a sold-out crowd at Eden Park on November 19, with fans accounting for close to 40,000 visitor nights.
Together, the events are driving hotel occupancy across the city to peak at full capacity on November 19.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director of destination Annie Dundas says the combination of cultural leadership and rock music highlights the city’s strength as a diverse events destination.
“From metal militia to educators, everyone contributes to the vibrancy of our region and the strength of our visitor economy. The energy they bring before, during and after these events is felt in our streets, hotels and hospitality venues,” Annie says.
Auckland Council Events, through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, supported both events. In the last financial year, major and business events backed by the organisation delivered an $89 million boost to regional GDP.
Local hospitality operators are encouraged to prepare for a strong trading period as visitors are expected to explore the city before and after the events.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our hospitality sector,” Annie says. “We’re calling on Auckland’s restaurants, cafés and bars to match the energy and make every visitor feel part of what makes this city special.”
Auckland’s wider events calendar also includes:
- Pop to Present, Auckland Art Gallery, 8 November–15 March
- Manuka Phuel: Chasing the Fox, 12 December, Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club
- Lenny Kravitz, 15 November, Spark Arena
- Doja Cat, 18 November, Spark Arena
- TOOL, 22–23 November, Spark Arena
- Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square, 28 November–21 December
- The Others Way Festival, 29 November, Karangahape Road
- RÜFÜS DU SOL, 29 November, Outer Fields at Western Springs
- Lewis Capaldi, 2 December, Spark Arena
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, 13 December, Auckland Domain
- Oprah In Conversation, 14 December, The Civic
More events are listed at Discover Auckland.
