NPDC is warming up New Plymouth’s CBD with the return of the TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up from 19-22 June.

Now in its fourth season, the event has become a must do over Mataraki Weekend and brings a dazzling dose of colour, creativity, and community spirit to the heart of New Plymouth.

This year’s pop-up features 12 captivating light installations, including Elysian Arcs by artist collective Atelier Sisu and comes to us fresh from Vivid Sydney, one of the world’s leading light festivals.

This large-scale, inflatable installation is inspired by the Gods’ Paradise of Ancient Greek mythology and invites people inside the glowing, tubular forms that stretch into iridescent tunnels.

Visitors can look forward to a dynamic mix of installations—some making a return and others debuting for the first time—that will transform spaces across the CBD, from Huatoki Plaza and Puke Ariki Landing to Ariki Street and the Coastal Walkway.

"NPDC Events Lead Lisa Ekdahl says Elysian Arcs showcases New Plymouth’s ability to deliver bold, immersive experiences that are truly world-class."

“When Puanga rises, New Plymouth lights up – literally! The Winter TSB Festival of Lights isn’t just a night out, it’s a full-sensory adventure that turns our CBD into a playground of creativity, connection and celebration. It also gives local businesses a much-needed mid-year boost.”

She adds the event is also a chance to showcase local and emerging performers are across a wide range of genres.

The lights might steal the spotlight, but it’s the entertainment that keeps the vibe alive all night long," says Lisa.

"We hear just as many rave reviews about the performers as we do about the installations. Every night brings something different, with Friday night turning up the heat with mana enhancing performances from local talent Te Kura Tuarua o Ngāmotu kapa haka followed by Huia and Rei, previous Festival of Lights and WOMAD favourites.

Brylee Flutey, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki GM Destination, says the festival is an important driver of both cultural connection and economic uplift.

“The TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up adds welcomed vibrancy to the city centre, encouraging connection and celebration at a time where visitation is traditionally low.

“The benefits of this event are diverse and wide-reaching beyond the economic, offering locals and manuhiri a meaningful opportunity to engage with the Māori New Year, deepening an understanding of Puanga and the Matariki star cluster and their cultural significance, while also showcasing our region Like No Other.”

TSB CEO Kerry Boielle says the bank is excited to celebrate the Māori New Year by helping bring our community and visitors together at the winter pop-up.

“What a fantastic way to celebrate Puanga, with a beautiful array of lights and live entertainment to warm up our winter nights. Every year the light installations are more epic so I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year.

“It always makes me and the TSB whānau feel so proud to support events like this that help local whānau and their friends create amazing memories for free.”

TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up is free and is on 5pm to 10pm daily, 19-22 June. .

For event information and a full entertainment line-up, go to our website festivaloflights.nz or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Fast Facts

• In 2024, the Festival attracted over 15,000 attendees, with 17% visiting from outside the region, resulting in $1.2 million in local spending (BERL, 2024).
• While the festival is held over Mataraki weekend, Taranaki and Whanganui iwi recognise [the star] Puanga when celebrating Māori New Year, which happens in June or July. Other iwi refer to this celebration as Matariki due to landing on the public holiday weekend in Aotearoa.
• The lighting and entertainment line-up will feature both local and national artists. Line up to be announced on Monday 19 May on the website.

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