About Us

Where does the Festival take place?

Aotea Centre, Auckland Live
Auckland CBD

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 the Herald Theatre. Our free programme for families, Pukapuka Adventures and our informal, drop-in events in Kōrero Corner are located on Level 5. Keep an eye out for a whole range of events taking place in Aotea Square with fun for the whole family. More information about these locations can be found on individual event listings.

For AWF25, mark your diaries for Friday 9 May - a whole week earlier - when STREETSIDE: BRITOMART celebrates Tāmaki Makaurau's writers, storytellers, musicians and creatives taking over the Britomart precinct for a whole evening of free riotous fun.

The Civic Carpark is located under the Aotea Centre with entry from Greys Ave. Please be aware that this car park 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 feature events and workshops are of longer duration. End times for each event will be detailed on their online event listing and in the digital and print programme.

Can I buy books at the Festival?

Thanks to The Women's Bookshop, there are three Festival Bookshops at the Aotea Centre (on the lower and middle levels plus a small pop-up on Level 5 during the Festival weekend). 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.

aklwritersfest Follow us on Instagram ›