Killswitch Engage, Cat Power, Karan Aujla & Origin Announce NZ Tours

The local gig calendar has received a significant boost this week with a string of major tour announcements spanning metal, indie, and hip-hop. Metalcore stalwarts Killswitch Engage are confirmed to hit Auckland’s The Powerstation on 30 October, while Cat Power will bring her distinctive sound to the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna on 26 November and The Opera House in Wellington the following evening.

For those chasing heavier sounds, technical death metal outfit ORIGIN have scheduled a date at Valhalla in Wellington on 16 June. Meanwhile, the arena-filling energy of Karan Aujla hits Spark Arena on 25 August, with Ikky also set to appear at that show.

The coming months also feature a healthy spread of local and international talent:

• Friends play Somm Cellar Door on 16 June.
• Lisa Crawley brings her indie pop to Big Fan in Auckland on 18 June.
• Black Label hits Il Brutto on 19 June.
• John Splithoff performs at The Tuning Fork on 21 June.
• Hoodoo Gurus are locked in for the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch on 19 November.
• BABYMONSTER will take over Spark Arena on 8 December.

The Wellington scene continues to thrive, with Bleed this Earth at Valhalla on 18 June and a special appearance by Te Wehi at Baycourt Addison Theatre on 19 June. Further out, a major concert featuring Drax Project and Bret McKenzie at the Wellington Town Hall is set for 20 February 2027.

It is worth noting that alongside these major tours, there are plenty of smaller local performances and tribute acts filling out the week. Stayin' Alive will be at the UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Centre on 21 June, and fans of jazz can catch Sunday Jazz at The Rogue and Vagabond that same evening. Other upcoming shows include Silk and Soul in Rotorua, plus a variety of club nights and intimate performances like those from Amanda Bovo and The Franktastic Four. Whether you are after global stadium acts or local talent, the next few months in New Zealand are set to be busy.