From the misty shores of Middle-earth to the furthest reaches of the galaxy, a vibrant cultural nexus is preparing to ignite on the New Zealand calendar. The colossal pop culture phenomenon known as Armageddon Expo is once again gearing up to transform the Auckland Showgrounds into a multi-day spectacle where the boundaries between fantasy and reality delightfully blur.
The air is already thick with anticipation as details emerge for the next monumental gathering, a tradition that marks its 30th year of ‘geekdom glory’ with an unforgettable line-up.
With celebrated actors from genre-defining franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who scheduled to appear in person, the 2025 Auckland Spring event promises to be a high watermark of star power.
What Is Armageddon Expo?
New Zealand’s largest pop-culture convention, Armageddon Expo, brings together fans of comics, anime, gaming, film, and television for a weekend of immersive entertainment. With thousands of attendees across multiple cities, it’s the ultimate celebration of fandom in Aotearoa.
A large crowd enjoy the games on show at the Armageddon Pulp Culture Expo. (Source: Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
2025 Dates and Venues Across New Zealand
The 2025 edition has been touring the country throughout the year, leading up to its biggest stop — Auckland Spring Armageddon, set for October 24–27, 2025 at the Auckland Showgrounds. This four-day Labour Weekend event will close out the Expo’s 2025 calendar in spectacular fashion…
- Friday, October 24: 6 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday, October 25: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday, October 26: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Monday, October 27: 10 AM – 5 PM
The 2025 Auckland Lineup: A Star-Powered Finale
This year’s edition promises one of the most ambitious and star-packed lineups in the event’s three-decade history, blending international icons with homegrown talent to deliver a finale worthy of its reputation as the country’s premier pop-culture celebration.
Headlining the roster is The Lord of the Rings duo Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis, whose reunion in New Zealand carries special weight for local fans. Wood, forever associated with his portrayal of Frodo Baggins, will be appearing over the weekend for autograph and photo sessions, while Serkis is set to host an in-depth panel about the evolution of performance technology in film.
Adding to the cinematic energy is John Boyega, known for his turn as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Boyega’s first appearance at a New Zealand convention has drawn major attention from sci-fi fans eager to hear his reflections on joining one of cinema’s most legendary franchises.
Fans at Marvel Studios Thor: Ragnarok booth at Armageddon in 2017. (Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images for Disney)
He’ll share the stage with Evangeline Lilly, whose career has spanned from Lost to The Hobbit and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing both Kiwi and Hollywood credibility to the guest lineup. Completing this top-tier ensemble is Alan Tudyk, the beloved actor from Firefly, Andor and Rogue One.
But the Expo doesn’t stop with its film and television stars. Fans of animation and gaming will also find a strong presence from legendary voice actors, including Jim Cummings, the unmistakable voice behind Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, and Veronica Taylor, who gave life to Ash Ketchum in the original Pokémon series.
Their inclusion highlights Armageddon’s commitment to appealing across generations, bridging nostalgia and modern fandom. The lineup also features video-game icons such as Nolan North, best known for voicing Nathan Drake in Uncharted, alongside New Zealand’s own Michelle Ang, acclaimed for her work in Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Organizers describe this year’s cast as “the dream team of pop culture”, a statement that doesn’t feel like hyperbole. In its 30-year history, Armageddon has rarely gathered such a concentration of global talent, and advance ticket sales reflect that enthusiasm.
Tickets, Passes and Entry Details
Tickets are on sale now via iTicket, with single-day passes starting around NZ $32 for adults and reduced rates for children. The Expo operates largely cash-free, and advance purchase is highly recommended as photo and autograph sessions sell out quickly.
Inside the Armageddon Experience
Beyond its celebrity guests, Armageddon thrives on community. Expect cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, fan-run panels, live performances, and immersive exhibits that turn each venue into a creative playground. It’s more than a convention, it’s a shared celebration of imagination.
Tips for Attending This Weekend
Plan to arrive early, especially on Saturday and Sunday, when attendance peaks. Check cosplay prop rules before arriving, and consider public transport due to limited parking at the Showgrounds. Bring comfortable shoes, your camera, and plenty of enthusiasm. Armageddon 2025 promises to be a fitting finale to New Zealand’s pop-culture year.
