Event Dates
From: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
To: Sunday, February 9, 2025
The Bear New Zealand Week features a week of bear parties, excursions, circuit nights, sauna events and more.
Who needs to hibernate in January? Set your bear sails for New Zealand and enjoy one of the furriest, friendliest bear events in the Southern hemisphere.
- Visiting Auckland? Stay in the Downtown district, close to all the city’s top attractions. The QT Auckland features spacious rooms with high end amenities and is rated “Fabulous” by guests.
The Bear Week
- Next Edition: Wednesday February 5th – Sunday February 9th, 2025.
- Bear New Zealand Week events typically kick off in late January to Early February.
- Higlights include a Comedy night, The Wet Fur Party at Centurion Sauna on Beresford Square and the farewell brunch.
- The Hotel Fitzroy, rated “Fabulous”, close to the beach and features large rooms and a delicious breakfast menu.
Mr New Zealand Bear
- Friday – Events kick up a gear over the weekend with signature parties including the election of Mr New Zealand Bear.
- The contest is open to all current New Zealand residents and the winner will compete at Mr. Australasia Bear during Southern HiBearnation.
- Stay close to the city’s bustling gay life along Ponsonby Road.
Tri-Nations annual party
- Saturday, 2025 Venue to be confirmed – On Saturday its the Tri-Nations annual party, an event that has established itself as one of the biggest gay dance events of the year in New Zealand, at Phoenix Cabaret, Auckland Central.
- Phoenix Cabaret is Auckland’s largest Drag Queen stage show and dinner theatre experience! Indulge in a night of great food, hilarious entertainment and wicked memories to last a lifetime.
- Located at the heart of Gay Auckland on Karangahape Road.
- Check out the top hotels close to the parties and the gay bars and cubs.
Sunday Funday
- Sunday’s events include the bear brunch, the Wet Fur Sauna Party, Axe Throwing and the Leather & Gear Night.
Island Trip – Monday
- 9:00 AM – Rangitoto Island trip setting off from 360 Discovery Tours Hut. A day trip to the scenic volcanic island with a return ferry at 2:20 PM.
- 9:00 PM – Underbear Party at G.A.Y, Auckland Central. A party to dance the night away.
Eat it and Beat It – Tuesday
- 1:00 PM – Eat it & Beat it at Harbour View Reserve, Point Chevalier. The closing beach event with food and fun to end the Bear New Zealand Week.
Gay Auckland
- In Auckland, New Zealand, the most well-known gay district is located around Karangahape Road, often known as “K Road.”
- This area is renowned for its nightlife and is home to various LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and shops.
- Additionally, Ponsonby is another area that is considered LGBTQ-friendly, with a range of bars, cafes, and restaurants catering to the LGBTQ community.
Popular Gay (and gay popular) Venues in Auckland
- The Eagle Bar – Premier gay bar in Auckland with a great atmosphere for LGBTQ community members to hang out on weekends. Specializes in cocktails and beers with a decently priced menu. Features a free jukebox for late-night vibes.
- Family Bar and Club – Prominent gay bar in Auckland city with 4 different bars and areas for partying all night. Popular for karaoke nights and drag shows, attracting large groups during weekends. Opening Time: 10 pm to 4 am. .
- SPQR Café and Bar – Warm ambience bar in Ponsonby known for cocktails, wine, and pizzas. Offers quick service, friendly staff, and great music for a fun-filled night. Opening Time: Lunch 12-3 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm-Late | Closed on Mondays.
- Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret – Friendly and inclusive bar with drag queens hosting hilarious stage shows and serving delicious food and drinks. Electric atmosphere with a fun-filled experience.
- Bamboo Tiger – Cosy bar with fun vibes, offering great food, drinks, and live music and outdoor seating. Check out their cocktail menu.
- G.A.Y. Auckland – Welcoming gay bar with drag shows and great music attracting large numbers of gay men. Offers a fun atmosphere to let loose and enjoy the night. Opening Time: Friday and Saturday – 10 pm to 4 am.
Recommended Hotels in Auckland
The following hotels are all close to Auckland’s most popular attractions and a short ride to the city’s gay bars and the bear events:
VR Queen Street Hotel, The Langham Auckland, M Social, Ramada Auckland.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Langham Auckland is where we stay
in New Zealand close to the gay centre.
For further information and advice on
Bear New Zealand Week, Website
The gay bars and clubs are located on Karangahape road and have some good hotel and apartments close by that will not break the bank.
83 Symonds StreetGrafton, Auckland 1010,New Zealand
Designed with your
in mind, 411 modern guestrooms and suites convey a sense of understated sophistication with a blend of woods, handcrafted furniture and quality textiles. Thoughtful extras and stylish interiors reveal an to , reflecting the best in modern design. All rooms feature high-speed internet and WiFi to keep you connected 24/7.Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, 396-406, Queen Street, Aotea Arts Quarter, Auckland Central, Auckland, Waitematā, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk.
219 Federal St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
All modern apartments are air conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is also a kitchen or kitchenette, fitted with a dishwasher, microwave and toaster. A refrigerator and kettle are also featured. Every unit is fitted with a private bathroom with free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are also included.
200 Quay St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Located on the iconic Quay street, M Social offers accommodation in the heart of Auckland. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
All 190 rooms overlook the vibrant Princes Wharf and include satellite TV and air conditioning. There is a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom in every room.
36 Sale Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
The apartment features 4 bedrooms, a Living room flat-screen TV with satellite channels, fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine, 1 bathroom with a bath and shower. FREE WiFi
39 Scanlan Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
NY air-conditioned Loft offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower, a living room with a flat-screen TV & satellite channels & a terrace, fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Free WiFi & parking
1010 Auckland, New Zealand
Luxury in the City air conditioned apartment has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a shower, a living room a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine. Free parking and WiFi.
442 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Modern and vibrant living with sunny deck on K'rd, the apartment featuring 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a washing machine, 1 bathroom with a Shower. Access to a patio. Free WiFi
461 Karangahape Road, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Legendary Caluzzi Cabaret is an unforgettable dining experience. Award winning Drag Queen waitress’ will have you laughing from the moment you step through the door and will provide you with excellent and personal service. With a delicious and carefully selected menu, fabulous shows, hilarious comedy and dazzling costumes (not to mention the impressive stilettos!), you can’t go past Caluzzi for Auckland’s ultimate dinner entertainment experience.
Sub Level 1, 25 Dundonald Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Gay cruising Bar
New Zealand's biggest, most popular sex-on-site venue for gay & bi men.
335 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Bamboo Tiger has finally found its home. This Asian gay freindly fusion Jazz & Cocktail lounge is not to be missed
150 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Gay Friendly – Long-running bistro & bar featuring Italian dishes
259 Karangahape Road Auckland, New Zealand 1010
friendly gay local. Come early for cocktails and conversations or late night for dancing and debauchery. Always a good time!
262 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hot theme nights, sexy staff and warm atmosphere + regular Shows
270 Karangahape Road, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Auckland that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
A guide to the best of the city with gay guide, Gay Astray!