Your Guide to Making the Most of AWF26
Our audience repeatedly told us how warm, welcoming and buzzy last year’s Festival was and we’re hard at work to ensure that this is your experience this year too! From parking to coffee spots, to queuing to book signings, we’ve gathered our top tips to help you get the most out of AWF26.
And just remember, if you need any help on site, grab a friendly volunteer or head to the info desk located on Level 2, outside the stalls entrance to the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre.
1: Sort Your Tickets
Haven’t booked? No problem. You can turn up on the day and buy tickets at the box office or just head along to take in some free events and enjoy the Festival buzz. There are still loads of tickets available, particularly in the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, which seats 2,200, so don’t believe the rumours that everything is sold out. Buy a ticket bundle and see where the day takes you.
2: And Have Them Ready to Go
This year, we will be scanning all tickets on entry to the venue. Please ensure you have your tickets, either printed or on your device, ready before entering. Don’t forget you can download the brand-new AWF app to make managing your tickets easier. It’s available for iOS and Android.
3: Pack Your Programme
To deliver the Festival as sustainably as possible, we won’t have as many hard copies of the programme available at the venue this year, so bring yours from home. The day’s schedule is displayed at the info desk on Level 2 and there’ll also be some printed versions for you to pick up. The Ticketmaster Box Office in the main foyer will have schedules available too and don’t forget that our programme is online for you to download and peruse at your leisure.
Download AWF26 Online Programme
4: If You’re Driving
The Civic Carpark is located under the Aotea Centre with entry from Greys Ave, but it’s often at full capacity over the Festival weekend. Some pre-pay parking spaces are available and can be purchased when booking tickets. For more details, visit Auckland Live. Alternative parking options are situated on Greys Ave, Albert Street and Victoria Street.
Visitor Parking And Transport Information
5: Other Transport Options
For information on bus, ferry and train services in Auckland City, visit the Auckland Transport website. A weekend bike valet service, supported by Barfoot & Thompson, is provided by Bike Auckland. For Uber pick-up or drop-off, Myers Street or the Basement Carpark are convenient entry points.
6: Free Events
Did you know over 25% of our programme is free? Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. As queues often start to form 45 minutes before the event, it pays to be early. Don’t forget your youngest bookworms: PUKAPUKA ADVENTURES delivers fun for the whole whānau across the Festival weekend.
7: Books
We’ll have them, you can buy them. The Women’s Bookshop will have four pop-up stores dotted around the venue for all your reading needs. Book signings will take place immediately following most events, unless otherwise advised. Authors are generally happy to dedicate a book to someone but due to time constraints can’t write long messages.
8: Stay Fed and Watered
Purchase coffee, drinks, and snacks throughout the venue and Aotea Square, with a special AWF menu available from The Stalls Bar. The coffee carts will open earlier this year, and the Square will feature The Long Table – a new space where you can meet friends, enjoy a meal from the food trucks and maybe even sneak in a few pages of your latest book buy. Water refill stations are available around the venue and Level 5 has snack tables for little ones to enjoy a packed lunch. We’re breastfeeding friendly too.
9: More Space to Chill
We heard your feedback – the Festival can get busy and sometimes a little too buzzy. So this year we’ve made sure there are more spaces to take a breather. Chill in the Intrepid Lounge (and enter to win a $10,000 travel voucher) or hang out in one of Aotea Square’s Book Nooks. These quieter dwell spaces will help you recharge before another round of big ideas and stimulating conversations.
10: Accessible Access
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.
11: Upgrade Your Experience
If you’re looking to elevate your Festival experience, it’s not too late to become an AWF Patron. Enjoy access to the exclusive Patrons’ Lounge, an ideal space to unwind with a complimentary drink and nibbles between events, reserved front-row seating and discounted ticket prices. More information can be found on our website or by emailing info@writersfestival.co.nz.
12: Share the Love
Got a friend you’ve always meant to bring into the AWF whānau? Now’s your chance! Most of our sessions are general admission so you can still sit together even if you booked a while back. And make sure the younger readers in your life know about Plot Twist (but anyone of any age is welcome!). Tag us in your favourite Festival moments on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
13: Grab Your Limited-Edition AWF26 Tote
If you’re buying lots of books you need to be able to lug them around in style. This year’s AWF tote will be available for purchase at the Festival book stall, but numbers are limited so make sure you snap one up.
14: Tell Us What You Think
We’d love to hear your feedback on your Festival experience. Festival volunteers with iPads will be on site to register you for our annual post-Festival survey (conducted by Horizon Research). Complete the survey and be in to win one of 10 x $100 book vouchers, thanks to Booksellers New Zealand. Every comment counts!