For the first time, the pipes and drums of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to land in Auckland come February.
The announcement that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will travel to Auckland in February 2026 has been well received by hospitality and accommodation businesses, according to Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ).
Eden Park will host a full-scale production of the Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show on 19 and 21 February 2026, the first time Auckland has hosted the globally acclaimed group, and marking the event’s return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage said securing large-scale events like this are vital for hospitality and accommodation businesses.
“Securing an event like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not just a coup for Auckland’s cultural calendar, but will also have a tangible impact on hospitality,” Armitage added.
“As soon as the lights go up at Eden Park next February, the lights go on right across our sector, every ticket sold is a seat filled in a restaurant, a room booked in a hotel, and another chance for us to showcase the manaakitanga that makes New Zealand hospitality unforgettable.”
Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner said it was delighted to host The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park for the first time.
“As a globally recognised, multi-purpose venue, Eden Park is proud to welcome events of this scale and prestige. This iconic production embodies our vision of delivering the World’s Greatest Show, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau, connecting communities and celebrating culture on a world stage.”
Armitage added that in order to ensure Auckland and New Zealand keep bringing events of this calibre to local shores, there is an important need for a clear, nationwide events-funding mechanism so councils and organisers have the certainty to bid for and host future world-class events.
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