Westlife Returns to New Zealand After Two Decades for 25th Anniversary Tour

Key facts

• Westlife is embarking on their 25th Anniversary World Tour.
• The band will perform in New Zealand for the first time in 20 years.
• Concerts are scheduled for Auckland's Spark Arena on July 28 and Christchurch's Wolfbrooke Arena on July 30.
• General ticket sales begin May 15; presales for Mastercard and Live Nation members start May 14.
• Westlife has sold over 55 million records worldwide.
• Mark Feehily will not perform with the band due to health reasons.
• The band's upcoming September residency at 3Arena will be their 82nd show there.

A Long-Awaited Return to New Zealand

Westlife, the globally renowned Irish pop group, is set to grace New Zealand shores once more, marking their first tour in the country in two decades. The highly anticipated return forms a significant part of their monumental "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour," a celebration of their quarter-century journey at the pinnacle of global pop music. The band, known for enduring hits such as "Flying Without Wings" and "Uptown Girls," expressed their profound excitement to reconnect with fans in this region. "We can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we last toured in Australia and New Zealand, so it only felt right that we should come back and celebrate our 25th anniversary together," the group stated. They reminisced about the memorable and special nature of their previous visits, attributing the unique experience to the passionate and vocal fanbase. "Australia and New Zealand – we cannot wait to see you!" they declared, promising an unforgettable experience. The tour will bring the quartet to Auckland's Spark Arena on July 28, followed by a performance at Christchurch's Wolfbrooke Arena on July 30. This return underscores the band's enduring legacy and their commitment to engaging with their international audience, even after a significant hiatus from the New Zealand stage.

A Milestone Tour and a New Collection

The "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour" commemorates not only the band's 25 years but also coincides with the release of their forthcoming album, "25 – The Ultimate Collection." This compilation serves as a testament to their record-breaking career and their sustained presence in the pop music landscape. Formed in 1998 by Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily, Westlife rapidly ascended to become one of the most successful boybands of the 2000s. Their commercial success is substantial, with over 55 million records sold worldwide, solidifying their status as Britain and Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century. Since reuniting in 2019, the band has engaged in extensive touring, performing over 200 shows across 30 countries. This anniversary tour also ushers in a change within the band's lineup. Mark Feehily announced in 2024 that he would not be participating in ongoing performances due to health reasons. Consequently, the New Zealand leg will feature Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, and Kian Egan. Despite this adjustment, the commitment to delivering a high-caliber show remains, with the band promising their most "exciting and ambitious" performance to date, featuring all their beloved hits.

Ticketing and Fan Access Details

Fans eager to secure their spot at these landmark concerts will have several opportunities to purchase tickets. General public sales are slated to commence on May 15. However, those holding Mastercard or subscribed to Live Nation membership will gain earlier access through a presale event beginning on May 14. Ticketmaster is managing the sale process, and patrons are advised that tickets are expected to be in high demand. To ensure fairness, a queue system will be implemented once sales begin, assigning random places to ensure no advantage is gained by entering the waiting room early. Attendees are cautioned against refreshing their browsers once in the queue, as this action will reset their position to the end of the line. Strict purchasing limits are in place to prevent scalping and ensure broader access. Customers are limited to six (6) VIP tickets and ten (10) Standard tickets per person. Ticketmaster reserves the right to cancel orders that exceed these limits, including those associated with the same customer details. All tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are now digital, accessible via the Ticketmaster app or mobile web browser, and can be easily shared.

Venue Information and Accessibility

The band's connection with their venues is highlighted by their extensive history at Dublin's 3Arena. Westlife's upcoming September residency there will mark their 82nd performance, an unprecedented figure that surpasses any other artist in the venue's history. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, the band's hands have been cast for display at the 3Arena. For patrons requiring accessible seating, specific arrangements are in place. These tickets can be purchased by contacting the Customer Service team via the dedicated Accessible Bookings line at 09 970 9711. This number is exclusively for patrons with accessibility requirements. Requests can also be made through Ticketmaster's Help portal, provided relevant presale codes are included during presale periods. venues are independently responsible for their accessible seating policies, and the availability and types of accessible tickets will vary by location. Fans are encouraged to ensure their Ticketmaster account details, including passwords and payment information, are up to date to facilitate a smooth purchasing experience.

The bottom line

• Westlife is returning to New Zealand for the first time in 20 years as part of their 25th Anniversary World Tour.
• The tour includes dates in Auckland on July 28 and Christchurch on July 30.
• Mark Feehily will not be touring with the band due to health reasons.
• Tickets go on sale May 15, with presales beginning May 14.
• The band has sold over 55 million records globally and is a top-selling album group in the UK and Ireland for the 21st century.
• The anniversary tour coincides with the release of their compilation album, "25 – The Ultimate Collection."