The Best Time to Buy Concert Tickets in NZ

Understanding the Concert Ticket Market in New Zealand

The New Zealand concert ticket market has its own unique rhythms and patterns. Understanding these can help you secure the best tickets at the most reasonable prices.

Pre-Sale Opportunities

Pre-sales are often your best chance to secure tickets to popular shows. Here are the main types of pre-sales in New Zealand:

• Fan Club Pre-sales: Usually the first opportunity to buy tickets
• Credit Card Pre-sales: Exclusive access for specific card holders
• Venue Pre-sales: For subscribers to venue mailing lists
• Radio Station Pre-sales: Often promoted through major radio partners

Optimal Timing for Different Types of Events

Different types of events have different optimal buying windows:

Major International Acts

For international superstars performing at venues like Mt Smart Stadium or Spark Arena, tickets often go on sale 3-6 months before the event. Pre-sales typically begin a week before general sales. Sign up for pre-sales whenever possible, as popular shows can sell out before reaching general sale.

Music Festivals

New Zealand's major festivals like Rhythm & Vines and Bay Dreams usually release tickets in phases:

• Early Bird: 6-8 months before the event (best prices)
• First Release: 4-6 months before
• Second Release: 2-4 months before
• Final Release: 1-2 months before (if not sold out)

Strategic Buying Tips

Here are some proven strategies for securing tickets:

1. Join artist fan clubs for pre-sale access (often worth the membership fee for major acts)
2. Sign up for venue newsletters to receive pre-sale codes
3. Follow promoters like Live Nation NZ and Frontier Touring on social media
4. Set up price alerts on CheapTix for specific events
5. Consider mid-week shows which often have better availability

Last-Minute Opportunities

While planning ahead is usually best, there are times when waiting can work in your favor:

• Release of production holds (extra tickets released close to show date)
• Last-minute resales from people who can't attend
• Special promotions for shows that aren't selling as expected

Using CheapTix to Your Advantage

Our platform offers several features to help you get the best deals:

• Price alert notifications for specific shows
• Pre-sale access for registered users
• Real-time availability updates
• Verified resale marketplace

Conclusion

The key to getting the best concert tickets in New Zealand is preparation and timing. Sign up for pre-sales, stay informed about upcoming shows, and use tools like CheapTix to track prices and availability. Remember that while last-minute deals are possible, the surest way to get tickets to must-see shows is to be ready when they first go on sale.