New Zealand is a very popular and boutique destination for gay and lesbian travelers and has a diverse range of holiday options to suit most budgets. There are many pink appeal destinations and activities across the country, from the more populated North Island (Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington) to the quieter South Island (Christchurch, Queenstown).
Over the years, New Zealand's gay and lesbian tourism industry has grown from a network of gay and lesbian owned homestays throughout New Zealand, to an expansive network of accommodation ranging from homestays and farmstays to exclusive luxury lodges and boutique hotels.
In 1998 New Zealand was the first international gay and lesbian destination to have a nationwide network of gay, lesbian owned and 'Approved Gay Lesbian Friendly' tourism businesses. In October 2004, the 'Approved Gay/Lesbian Friendly' criteria was re-branded as Rainbow Tourism Accreditation (RTA).
Many gay and lesbian events are staged throughout New Zealand with the most popular being the Hero Festival and Big Gay Out in Auckland (February), Gay Ski Week in Queenstown (August/September) and ongoing events in Wellington.
There are about 107,000 gay and lesbian people between 16-64 years living in New Zealand with Auckland having the largest group with about 42,000, followed by Wellington (15,000), Christchurch (8,000), Hamilton (8,000), Dunedin (2,000) and rest of New Zealand (32,000).
New Zealand's gay and lesbian tourism industry has about 80 gay and lesbian owned tourism related businesses ranging from accommodation, transport, bars, venues and events to restaurants and shops across the country.
While there are many accredited gay and lesbian approved or friendly businesses, New Zealand has a diverse range of world class accommodation, attractions, tours and transport options that will make a holiday a truly memorable experience.
Gay marriage (same-sex marriage)
Some of the appeal about visiting New Zealand maybe that New Zealand became the 13th and only country in the Asia Pacific region to legalise gay marriage on 17th April 2013 - much to the delight on the many New Zealand supporters. Same-sex civil unions have been legal in New Zealand since 2005 however the lawmakers approved the bill and amended the 1955 marriage act, despite opposition from lobby groups. The bill was passed with a wide majority, with 77 votes in favour and 44 against.
The act is in force from August 2013 and will allow same-sex marriages to begin. Under the Marriage Act, priests are not obliged to officiate at any marriage that would contravene Catholic beliefs and different church faiths have difference opinions on the subject. Should a church not be available, many people also use a celebrant and get married at various locations including beaches, venues and other picturesque spots around new Zealand.
Besides New Zealanders who will get married, many Australians and other international couples are welcome to travel to the country to marry their partner.
Hero Festival
The Hero Festival is New Zealand's biggest annual gay and lesbian pride celebration. Similar to Sydney's Mardi Gras, the Hero Festival is a two week celebration of dance, theatre, film, cabaret and sport. It culminates in an extravagant street parade and all-night dance party. The party attracts international music acts and DJs and combines contemporary gay, lesbian, Maori and Pacific island cultures, giving it a truly unique 'kiwi' essence and feeling.
The Hero Festival occurs every February.
Gay Clubs and Bars in New Zealand
Gay clubs and bars offer a friendly welcome and meeting place for gay friends and the wider gay community. With fabulous music and entertainment for all of the gay community to enjoy, gay clubs and bars in New Zealand offer a rainbow-sized welcome to gay men, lesbians and pink-flavoured friends.
Popular gay venues and meeting places include clubs, bars, cafes, saunas and restaurants in major centres throughout New Zealand. A meal out in a gay club or bar can be as quiet or literally as 'showy' as you want, with drag queens, gay cabaret and gay revue on the menu, as well as buffed-up buffets and gourmet dining.
Although relatively small compared to the international gay scene, the gay community in New Zealand enjoy particularly vibrant nightlifes in major centres such as Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton. Auckland has been described as the 15th gayest city in the world (Gay Times) and is home to the most, and some of the best gay bars, clubs, festivals, saunas and venues. A number of gay clubs and bars in New Zealand do not have websites, but are easy enough to find in the listings of local papers.
1. Gay Bars and Clubs in Wellington
There are plenty of gay friendly bars in the Courtenay Place and Cuba Street districts of central Wellington.
- Club Ivy
- S & M's Cocktail Bar and Lounge
2. Gay Bars and Clubs in Auckland
The main concentration of gay and lesbian venues in Auckland are to be found along Karangahape Road, along Ponsonby Road and in the CBD.
- Family Bar
- URGE Bar
- Caluzzi Cabaret & Restaurant
- Finale Cabaret Restaurant
- Kamo Bar & Restaurant
3. Gay Bars and Clubs in Hamilton
- Shine Nightclub
Men only accommodation In New Zealand.
1. Bougainvillea House
Restored 19th century villa, close to central city and Ponsonby Road with good regular transport available.
Quiet location, supermarket nearby, internet in house† and no pets.
Breakfast is included. Fresh espresso coffee/tea, juice, fruit, toast, etc. Options can be arranged to suit the visitor's wishes.
Dinner available evenings for a nominal fee. Bernard is a former restaurateur.
A pleasant comfortable home in a good city area. French, German and Japanese spoken. I am familiar with different cultures.
2. Uphill Garden
Homestay on Waiheke Island for gay males, 7 days a week.
Perfect to stay on a weekend away on Waiheke Island, whether taking your latest squeeze away from prying city eyes, or just to chill on Auckland's own South Pacific island.
Double bedroom with TV and wifi. Balcony views.
Private setting within easy reach of restaurants, cafes, vineyards and beaches.
We can arrange pick up from the island ferry terminal, taxi service or car/scooter/bike rental.
3. Guysers Gaystay
Guysers Gaystay for men is a gay owned and hosted B&B situated in the heart of Rotorua City, North Island, New Zealand. Guysers Gaystay is located just a short walk to the restaurants, shops, bars, the Rotorua lake front and many tourist attractions.
Offering 2 well-appointed stylish rooms with dedicated bathrooms and comfortable beds, rooms also include tea and coffee making facilities, a TV and a mini-bar with a selection of drinks and snacks available.
We have free Wi-Fi and offer free transfers to the airport or CBD. We can also assist you with area information and tour bookings and in many cases get you discounts into certain tourist attractions.
4. Wellington City Gaystay
Your hosts: Jeff, Dean and Calvin the ginger cat
A quiet, modern, inner-city townhouse on three levels. Separate ground floor guest queen bedroom with ensuite bathroom and private courtyard.
A shared kitchen and lounge with balcony and modern facilities is on the second level while your host’s quarters are on the third level. Wireless internet access and laptop. Laundry facilities. Car parking.
Location
We are adjacent to Courtney Place and Town Greenbelt. Five to ten minutes walk to Te Papa, Oriental Bay beach, restaurants, theatres and all Wellington attractions.
Easy access to airport ($4.50 bus, $23 taxi), railway station ($1 bus, $10 taxi), inter-island ferries (free bus to/from railway station or $15 taxi).
Directions: From the Embassy Theatre end of Courtney Place walk 5 minutes to the end of Majoribanks St, turn right into Lawson Place.
More about Wellington City Gaystay
We welcome gay men and woman to use our home as a base to enjoy the many activities the Wellington region has to offer.
We are located on the edge of the peaceful Town Belt, the green corridor circling Wellington. There are short walks (including to filming locations for the Lord of the Rings) and day-hikes literally on our doorstep.
We are a short stroll from the vibrant café culture of the capital city. Courtney Place, with its restaurants, nightlife, theatres and galleries is only a few minutes walk away.
All of ‘Gay Wellington’ is within walking distance (or a short taxi ride), and your hosts have their ‘finger on the pulse!’ and can help you choose places to go. We can also help you plan your travel to other parts of New Zealand.
5. Rotorua Central B&B
Rotorua Central B&B. The secluded, peaceful home of Kevin and JJ, with a geothermally heated pool and natural mineral spa set in a cottage garden… an oasis just a few minutes walk from town.
Central B&B is a home and separate cottage situated within easy walking distance of town. Geothermal steam heats the houses and the Swimming Pool which is warm enough for year-round use, and the Spa Pool is filled with very hot geothermal mineral water. Swim and sun and shower in our private Clothing Optional courtyard, or relax on the lawn near the canary cage.
We have off-street, under-cover parking, free Wi-Fi, and free transfers to Rotorua Airport or Bus Station.
Rotorua has so much to offer!
We can advise you and organise your itinerary calling upon our many years of local knowledge and love for our home town.
Getting to Central B&B
We can meet you at the bus or airport by arrangement.
Central B&B is located at 4A Carnot Street, just off Fenton Street, a main thoroughfare in Rotorua City.
New Zealand hotels provide a range of accommodation options that cover all budgets. You can book a cheap hotel offering budget accommodation or a luxury hotel offering top-of-the-range accommodation - as well as hotels offering everything in between. International hotel chains operate in the main centres while smaller boutique hotels are scattered across the country.New Zealand hotels typically offer guests accommodation in a variety of rooms, suites and apartment styles, along with hotel facilities such as a bar, restaurant, internet and even swimming pools and gyms. Hotels generally suit every type of traveller from individuals, couples or families through to people staying for business for conferences.
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