WellingtonEvents
Eight aerialists pose, some do handstands, on a dark stage.

The limits of the human body are on full display as acrobats flip, fly and whirl around the stage.

Multi-award-winning contemporary circus company Gravity & Other Myths make their Wellington debut with Ten Thousand Hours. It’s an adrenaline-fueled celebration of sweat, strength and skill that promises to “shock, awe, and delight” (Glam Adelaide). 

This -friendly spectacular explores physical skill; how it’s obtained, perfected, and how it can transform lives. Accompanied by live percussion, each gravity-defying leap, hold, and fall tells a story of discipline and discovery. The show offers a rare glimpse into the countless hours and dedication needed to achieve the extraordinary. The show had sell-out performances at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Ten Thousand Hours is a performance unlike any other in the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts programme.

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Festival attendees gather outside of St James Theatre with the Aotearoa New Zealand Arts Festival displayed on the marquee.

Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts

24 February – 15 March 2026

A group of dancers throw another dancer in the air. They are all dressed in brown, with a black background.

GLORIA — A Triple Bill

12 – 14 March 2026St James Theatre

A person wearing a floral dress stands on a windy beach.

Waiora Te Ūkaipō — The Homeland

27 February – 1 March 2026The Opera House

Dr Karen Grylls.

Voices New Zealand presents: Ara Hura — A Visionary Journey

15 March 2026Michael Fowler Centre

Rob Ruha.

TEIWA — Rob Ruha with the NZSO

7 March 2026Michael Fowler Centre

Image of Maoriland signage on top of a building. Large blue letters against textured orange and brown roof cladding.

Māoriland Film Festival

24 – 28 March 2026Ōtaki, Kāpiti Coast

Andi Crown

World of WearableArt Show

17 September – 4 October 2026TSB Arena

People gather for a panel discussion at the Wellington Animation Film Festival.

Wellington Animation Film Festival

19 – 22 March 2026Roxy Cinema

Tanea Heke

Ask a professional: Tanea Heke’s picks for the festival

Tanea Heke has been a driving force in Aotearoa’s creative sector for decades. Her career spans acting, producing, arts management, and education. She shares her picks for the upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

Eight aerialists pose, some do handstands, on a dark stage.

More festival fare — grab a second helping

A deeper dive into the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts programme reveals more performance treasures.