Bear New Zealand Week 2026 returns to Auckland with a packed lineup of inclusive events for the ultimate celebration of queer community and connection.
From sweaty dancefloors and underwear parties to chilled brunches and board games, Bear New Zealand Week 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest, furriest, and most diverse celebration of Aotearoa’s bear community yet.
Running from Wednesday 4 February to Sunday 8 February 2026, the week is packed with events catering to every kind of bear and bear admirer — from the party-loving to the party-averse, the extroverts to the introverts, and everyone in between.
“It’s about creating space for people who don’t always feel like they fit into the mainstream gay scene,” says co-founder Paul Heard, who helped launch the first Bear NZ Week back in 2010. “Whether you’re an otter, wolf, twink, chaser or cub — it’s about community, connection, and feeling seen.”
This Year’s Highlights:
🧘♂️ Naked Yoga
Wednesday 4 Feb, 4pm @ Toi Tu — Start your week grounded with a calming, clothes-free yoga session. $10. (Sells out fast — don’t be late, doors lock at 4pm.)
🐻 Meet & Greet
Wednesday 4 Feb, 6pm @ Abstract Hotel — Kick things off with a courtyard catch-up. Free snacks, bar available. Free, registration encouraged.
🎤 Funny, Furry, Fierce!
Thursday 5 Feb, 7pm @ Classic Comedy Club — Laugh with some of the country’s funniest queer voices. Curated by Neil Thornton. $35.
🩲 UnderBear Party
Thursday 5 Feb, 9pm @ Phoenix Cabaret — The iconic underwear party is back. No shirt, no pants — no problem. From $40 earlybird.
🚶♂️ Urban Walk + Ponsonby Lunch
Friday 6 Feb, 10am + 12pm — Join Cameron for a city stroll, then head to Ponsonby Foodcourt for lunch. Free.
🍑 Ass Class with Dr George
Friday 6 Feb, 2pm @ Body Positive — Anal health meets pleasure in this no-nonsense (but fun!) workshop. $15, proceeds to Body Positive. Health testing also available onsite.
🎭 Haus of Bears Variety Showcase
Friday 6 Feb, 7pm @ Phoenix Cabaret — Drag, dance, music, cabaret — all celebrating LGBTQI+ talent in Tāmaki Makaurau. $20.
🏆 Mr Bear New Zealand Competition
Friday 6 Feb, 9pm @ Phoenix Cabaret — A free, feel-good night spotlighting the diversity of Aotearoa’s bear scene. Come cheer, vote, support.
🎲 Board Games @ Dice & Fork
Saturday 7 Feb, 12pm @ Victoria Park Market — “Neurospicy socialising” over board games. Perfect for low-key vibes. Free, registration required.
🌍 Tri-Nations Party
Saturday 7 Feb, 9pm–4am @ Phoenix Cabaret — DJs from across the globe, wild energy, one epic night. From $40.
🥞 Bear Brunch
Sunday 8 Feb, 12pm @ Long Room — The beloved monthly meetup goes next level. Free, registration essential.
🧥 Gear Social & Swap Meet
Sunday 8 Feb, 3–6pm @ Café 39 — Swap gear, chat with kink-friendly folks, find a look for the closing party. Free.
💦 Wet Fur @ Centurian
Sunday 8 Feb, 2pm — A steamy, soothing afternoon at Centurian’s new location. Discounted entry.
🖤 Leather & Gear Closing Party
Sunday 8 Feb, 6–10pm @ GAY on K’ Rd — Fetish wear encouraged. Coat check included. $20.
A Week for Everyone
What makes Bear NZ Week so unique isn’t just the events — it’s the kaupapa of inclusivity running through everything.
“We’ve got events for the loud and proud, and for those who’d rather meet people quietly over a board game or brunch,” says Paul. “Don’t worry if you feel nervous — everyone was new once.”
Events like “Ass Class” and “Naked Yoga” are about breaking taboos and feeling good in your body. Others, like “Gear Social” or “Tri-Nations”, are about stepping into new spaces safely — with support, not pressure.
And at the heart of it all is connection — with community, with culture, and with your own sense of belonging.
Host Hotel: Abstract
This year’s host hotel is again the Abstract Hotel (8 Upper Queen St). Book direct with the code BEARNZ26 for 10% off between 2–28 Feb. Heads-up: if the code glitches due to their IT upgrade, call them direct. This year they’ve added Dyson fans to all rooms after feedback about summer heat!
Whether you’re Auckland-based or flying in from across the motu, Bear New Zealand Week 2026 promises a welcoming, warm, and wildly diverse experience.
Ready to strip down, laugh hard, connect deep, or just quietly sip a drink with some mates? There’s a place for you here.
🖥️ Info & tickets: www.bearnewzealand.co.nz
📱 Follow on Instagram: @bearnewzealand
