Bear NZ Week 2027

Naked Yoga

4pm – 5pm at Toi Tu, 1 Ponsonby Road

Ticketed event: $15

Kick off Bear NZ Week ’27 with something a little different: a relaxing Naked Yoga class in the heart of Ponsonby.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned yogi-bear, this calm, intimate session is the perfect way to unwind and connect before the week’s festivities kick into gear.

Held at Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Rd — and just a short stroll down Karangahape Rd to the official Meet & Greet afterwards, so you can flow straight from mat to mingling.

This one sells out every year, so don’t sleep on it.

Doors open 3:45pm, locked at 4pm sharp
As an intimate, structured class, please arrive early to get settled before we begin.

Meet & GREET

Wednesday 4th February
6pm at Abstract Hotel, 8 Upper Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Free event

A civilised meet and greet to kick off Bear New Zealand Week 2026, in the Abstract Hotel’s spacious courtyard. Bar available, snacks provided.  

Funny, Furry, Fierce!

Thursday 5th February
7pm at the Classic Comedy Club, 321 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Ticketed event: $35

The Funny, Furry, Fierce comedy show is always a standout event at Bear New Zealand week, and this year should be no exception! Host Neil Thornton has put together a stellar lineup of comedians to get us laughing. 

underbear

Thursday 5th February
9pm at Phoenix Cabaret, 258 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 
Ticketed event: from $40 Earlybird

URGE Events presents the world famous Underbear party! The clothes are coming off, and the beats are turning up! Get ready to dance the night away at UnderBear Party, where the only dress code is your best undies. Cuddle room, coat check included. 

urban Walk

Friday 6th February
10am at 2 Beresford Square (outside Katanga-a-Hape Station)
Please arrive prior to 10am for introduction, departing shortly after.
Free event

There are two cafes located nearby to grab a coffee before hand.Explore Auckland from a different perspective, join us as Cameron leads us through some of our urban highlights. Starting at 10am, and finishing at the Ponsonby International Foodcourt for lunch. 

Ponsonby Lunch

Friday 6th February
12pm at Ponsonby International Foodcourt, 106 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011

After the Urban Walk hungry bears will meet at the popular Ponsonby International Food Court for lunch. Hosted by Luca, 12 noon, 106 Ponsonby Rd. 

ass class

Friday 6th February
2pm at Body Positive, 1/3 Poynton Terrace, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Ticketed event: $15 with all proceeds going to Body Positive

Dr George is a board-certified GP with a specialty interest in sexual health and helping people get the absolute most out of their sexual joy. When he’s not home working in Melbourne and Sydney, he loves to travel teaching sex and sexual health at kink, fetish and educational meetings. His “Ass Class” teaches folks how to get the maximum pleasure and fun from their anal exploration. There’s something for everyone in this class, even if you are a proud flyer of the Red you may pick up some new tips and tricks from the latest science in anal health pleasure.

https://www.painfreeanal.com/dr-george-forgan-smith/

Arrive early and take advantage of Body Positive’s sexual health clinic: they provide HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis rapid tests with instant results, with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in 90 minutes. (Test before the class, results after) 

haus of bears

Friday 6th February
7pm at Phoenix Cabaret, 258 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Ticketed event: $20

“Haus of Bears” is a concert and variety showcase that celebrates the creativity, talent, and diversity of LGBTQI+ communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. The project will bring together musicians, dancers, drag performers, choreographers, make-up artists, and technicians to create a professional, inclusive live event during Bear New Zealand Week 2026.

Performers & Artists – Sound and Support

Luke Bird – Mr Bear New Zealand 2025, multimedia personality and community figure.

DC Harding – Mr Bear Congeniality 2025, Los Angeles Music Award Winner (Best Male Pop Artist, 2014).

Ralph Corke – Actor, performance artist, and the one and only “Thunder Bear,” runner-up Mr Bear New Zealand.

Izzy Matela – Modern Asian Dance Fusion artist blending Asian, Filipino, and Bear culture into innovative performance.

Sound by Urge Events – LGBTQI+ owned and operated, leaders of gay dance parties in Auckland and across New Zealand.

Mitch Ganon – Choreographer, stage production manager, costume designer, and makeup artist. Designed the winning costume for Miss World New Zealand 2025 and makeup artist for DC Harding.

Mr Bear NZ 2026

Friday 6th February
9pm at Phoenix Cabaret, 258 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Free event

Who will take the title of Mr Bear New Zealand this year? Join us for an unforgettable night as New Zealand’s finest bears take the stage, competing for the coveted title.

If you would like to put your hand up to be a contestant you can find more information in this handy document, and because you’ll be totally convinced it’s something you want to do, you should get in touch here: https://www.bearnewzealand.co.nz/contact/

Expect fierce competition, charismatic personalities, and an incredible showcase of our community’s diversity and spirit. This is more than just a title—it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Bear community unique, strong, and connected. Come cheer on the contestants, and see who will be crowned Mr Bear New Zealand 2026!

Bears & board games

Saturday 7th February
12pm at Dice & Fork, Victoria Park Market, 210 Victoria Street West, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010
Free event, registration required

It’s neurospicy socialisation time! A fun afternoon playing board games at Dice and Fork board game bar and eatery. Come nerd out over some classic board games. 

Free event, but registration required as capacity is limited. Snacks and drinks available at the venue.

Tri-Nations party

Saturday 7th February
9pm – 4am at Phoenix Cabaret, 258 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Tickets selling fast, $60 final release available now! Door sales only if available.

Presented by Urge Events, Bear New Zealand, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, and Your Ex, this is the ultimate dance party of the Bear New Zealand Week!

Get ready for a night of hot, sexy, and safe fun with friends old and new—whether they’re from across New Zealand or around the world. Plus, join us in welcoming the newly crowned Mr. Bear New Zealand 2026 to the spotlight.

Tri-Nations gets its name from the three powerhouse DJs hailing from three different countries, each bringing their own raw, unrelenting sound to the decks. This is a night where heavy beats collide, pushing boundaries and keeping the energy dark, dirty, and unfiltered. It’s not just a party—it’s a battle of nations on the decks.

bear brunch

Sunday 8th February
12pm at Long Room, 114 Ponsonby Rd
Capacity is limited, registration essential.

Hilton and Keith’s monthly Bears Meetup over Brunch has been an introduction to Bear friendship for many of us over the years. Join them at the Long Room, 114 Ponsonby Rd, at 12 noon.
Capacity is limited, so registration is essential.

gear social & swap meet

Sunday 8th February
3-6pm at Cafe 39, 39 Ponsonby Rd

Event by Gear Up New Zealand. Their social events have become so popular they have added a relaxed monthly Sunday in the sun at Cafe 39 Ponsonby Rd. If you’re looking for something to wear later at the Leather and Gear Party, we have a swap meet where you can try before you buy. 3-6pm.

Wet Fur

Sunday 8th February
2pm at Centurian, 18 Beresford Square
Discounted entry: just $20 when you show your Bear NZ Week discount card. What discount card? The one you’ll get from any organiser at any other Bear NZ week event!

A relaxing and steamy afternoon at the legendary Centurian Sauna!

leather and gear party

Sunday 8th February
6-10pm at GAY, 262 Karangahape Rd, Auckland 1010
Ticketed event: $20, includes coat check.

Presented by Gear Up New Zealand, this is also our official Bear Week closing event. 6-10 pm at GAY, 262 Karangahape Rd. Tickets $20, includes coat check. An introduction to the fetish scene in Tamaki Makaurau. Come to chat, dance, have a drink, compare gear, meet the Pups.