New Zealand is a beautiful and diverse country that celebrates its LGBTQ+ community with a variety of cultural events. From Auckland to Wellington to Christchurch to Dunedin, you can find a plethora of events that are welcoming and inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.
What is Gay-Friendly?
Gay-friendly is a term used to describe places, services, and events that are welcoming and accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is a term used to show that the space is open, safe, and supportive of all people regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
History of LGBT Rights in New Zealand
New Zealand has a long and proud history of LGBTQ+ rights. In 1986, New Zealand decriminalized homosexuality. In 1993, New Zealand offered transgender people legal protection from discrimination. In 2013, same-sex marriage was legalized in New Zealand. All of these laws and more have helped to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ people in New Zealand.
Events
Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is a great place to experience gay-friendly cultural events. One of the most popular events is Big Gay Out, which is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that features live music, drag performances, and other entertainment. There is also Rainbow Youth’s Queer Youth Cinema, which is a monthly screening of LGBTQ+ films. Finally, the Auckland Pride Festival is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, parties, and more.
Wellington
Wellington also offers a variety of gay-friendly events. Out in the Park is a popular event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with music, art, and performances. The Festival of Queens is a drag performance that showcases the best drag queens of Wellington. And the Queer Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates queer art and culture in a variety of forms.
Christchurch
Christchurch is another great destination for gay-friendly events. The Festival of Transitional Architecture is an event that celebrates the city’s architectural diversity. The Rainbow Film Festival is an annual event that showcases LGBTQ+ films from around the world. And the Multi-cultural Festival is a celebration of the city’s diverse cultures and identities.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a beautiful city that is home to a variety of LGBTQ+ events. The Rainbow Youth Film Festival is a celebration of queer film and culture. The Otago Pride Parade is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with music, art, and performances. And the Queer Arts Showcase is a celebration of queer art in all its forms.
Accommodation
Auckland
Auckland offers a variety of accommodation for all budgets. For luxury hotels, you can stay at the Grand Millennium Auckland or the Hilton Auckland. For mid-range hotels, you can try the Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland or the SkyCity Grand Hotel. And for budget hotels, you can stay at the City Lodge Hotel or the Heritage Auckland.
Wellington
Wellington also has a variety of accommodation for all budgets. For luxury hotels, you can stay at the InterContinental Wellington or the QT Wellington. For mid-range hotels, you can try the Amora Hotel Wellington or the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. And for budget hotels, you can stay at the Wellington Central City Hotel or the Ibis Wellington.
Christchurch
Christchurch also offers a variety of accommodation for all budgets. For luxury hotels, you can stay at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch or the Grand Chancellor Christchurch. For mid-range hotels, you can try the Sudima Christchurch City or the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. And for budget hotels, you can stay at the Commodore Airport Hotel or the City Centre Motel.
Dunedin
Dunedin offers a variety of accommodation for all budgets. For luxury hotels, you can stay at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or the Hutton Hotel. For mid-range hotels, you can try the Quest Dunedin or the Dunedin Palms Motel. And for budget hotels, you can stay at the Dunedin City Lodge or the City Lodge Motel.
Transportation
Auckland
Auckland offers a variety of transportation options. The city is served by two international airports, Auckland Airport and Hamilton International Airport. Public transportation is operated by Auckland Transport, which offers buses, trains, and ferries. Taxis are also available in the city.
Wellington
Wellington also offers a variety of transportation options. The city is served by two international airports, Wellington International Airport and Palmerston North International Airport. Public transportation is operated by Metlink, which offers buses, trains, and ferries. Taxis are also available in the city.
Christchurch
Christchurch also offers a variety of transportation options. The city is served by two international airports, Christchurch International Airport and Dunedin International Airport. Public transportation is operated by Metro Christchurch, which offers buses, trains, and ferries. Taxis are also available in the city.
Dunedin
Dunedin offers a variety of transportation options. The city is served by two international airports, Dunedin International Airport and Queenstown International Airport. Public transportation is operated by Otago Regional Council, which offers buses, trains, and ferries. Taxis are also available in the city.
LGBTQ Resources
Auckland
Auckland offers a variety of LGBTQ+ resources. Gay bars such as Eagle Bar, Family Bar, and Caluzzi Bar are popular spots for the LGBTQ+ community. There are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, such as Mexicali Fresh, The White Lady, and Federal Delicatessen. And there are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly shops, such as World Rainbow Gifts and The Glam Shop.
Wellington
Wellington also offers a variety of LGBTQ+ resources. Gay bars such as K Bar, The Establishment, and Havana Bar are popular spots for the LGBTQ+ community. There are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, such as The Larder, Monsoon Poon, and Sweet Mother’s Kitchen. And there are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly shops, such as World Rainbow Gifts and The Glam Shop.
Christchurch
Christchurch also offers a variety of LGBTQ+ resources. Gay bars such as The Club, The Stables, and The Foundry are popular spots for the LGBTQ+ community. There are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, such as The Foundry, Fat Eddie’s, and The Cuban. And there are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly shops, such as World Rainbow Gifts and The Glam Shop.
Dunedin
Dunedin offers a variety of LGBTQ+ resources. Gay bars such as The Club, Purple Bar, and The Foundry are popular spots for the LGBTQ+ community. There are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, such as The Foundry, Fat Eddie’s, and The Cuban. And there are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly shops, such as World Rainbow Gifts and The Glam Shop.
Conclusion
Summary
New Zealand is a beautiful and diverse country that celebrates its LGBTQ+ community with a variety of cultural events. From Auckland to Wellington to Christchurch to Dunedin, you can find a plethora of events that are welcoming and inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations. Accommodation and transportation options are available for all budgets, and there are also a number of LGBTQ+ resources such as gay bars, restaurants, and shops.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand is a great place for LGBTQ+ travelers to experience a variety of cultural events and explore the country in a safe and welcoming environment. With its rich history of LGBTQ+ rights and its plethora of gay-friendly events, New Zealand is a fantastic destination for all genders and sexual orientations.
References:
Harrison, J. (2014). LGBT rights in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_New_Zealand
Rainbow Wellington. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.rainbowwellington.org.nz/
Rainbow Youth. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.ry.org.nz/
Visit Auckland. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.aucklandnz.com/
Visit Christchurch. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.christchurchnz.com/
Visit Dunedin. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.dunedinnz.com/
Visit Wellington. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.wellingtonnz.com/