Diwali 2025: A Celebration of Lights, Culture and Road Trips
Diwali in New Zealand has become more than just a cultural celebration — it’s a nationwide moment of colour, music, food and connection. From Auckland’s bustling city squares to Queenstown’s alpine community halls, Kiwis across the country come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights in their own unique ways.
If you're in the mood for dancing, fireworks, or simply eating your way through some of the best Indian street food around, Diwali is the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new. With events popping up across multiple weekends and regions this year, it’s also the ideal time to hit the road and experience it all first-hand.
Auckland: The Heart of Diwali Festivities
Auckland knows how to do Diwali properly. Starting from late September and building through October, suburbs across the city host their own vibrant celebrations — from Flat Bush to Northcote to Manukau. You’ll find stage performances, music, food stalls, henna artists, market vendors and huge community turnouts. It all builds toward the central BNZ Diwali Festival in Aotea Square, set to light up the city centre on the 11th and 12th of October.
There’s something uniquely special about seeing Queen Street lit up, smells of samosas and chai in the air, and families from every background sharing the experience. If you’re travelling into Auckland from out of town, booking a car gives you the freedom to explore these events at your own pace — and maybe detour for a late-night dosa somewhere off the beaten track.
Queenstown: Diwali in the Mountains
Queenstown might be better known for skiing and scenery, but its Diwali celebration has grown year after year — and 2025 will be no different. Hosted at the Events Centre on 11 October, it brings together the local Indian community, curious travellers, and Queenstown locals in one big evening of dance, lights and food. The backdrop? Snow-capped peaks and crisp alpine air. Not a bad setting for a lantern-lit celebration.
If you’re planning to visit Queenstown in October, this is the perfect night-time event to pair with your daytime adventures. Spend the day exploring Arrowtown or Glenorchy, then head into town for Diwali festivities after dark.
Make a Road Trip of It
What makes Diwali in New Zealand so special is that it's not confined to one city or date. In 2025, celebrations will stretch from late September through to early November, with events happening in places like Pokeno, Tauranga, Christchurch, Selwyn and Hobsonville. For those willing to travel, it’s a great opportunity to see different styles of celebration — from large-scale public festivals to smaller, community-led gatherings full of local flavour.
Whether you’re chasing fireworks, traditional dance, or just the best gulab jamun in the country, having a car gives you the flexibility to experience more than one festival, support local communities, and enjoy some classic New Zealand scenery along the way.
Book Ahead — October Is a Busy Month
October is one of our most popular times for travel, and with Diwali falling right in the middle of the school holidays and spring events calendar, rental bookings fill fast. Whether you're travelling solo or bringing the whole whānau, we’ve got hybrid hatchbacks and roomy SUVs ready to go — with flexible pick-up from Auckland or Queenstown and full insurance included.
Ready to hit the road and celebrate Diwali your way?
Book your rental with Evolve Rentals today