Robbie Williams Announces New Zealand Tour Dates: Christchurch & Auckland 2023

Global popstar Robbie Williams has announced a two-city Fresh Zealand tour this November, marking his return to the country and his first performance in Christchurch in 25 years. The BRITPOP World Tour will stop at Auckland’s Eden Park on November 24th and Christchurch’s One New Zealand Stadium on November 28th.

The announcement comes as Williams promotes his latest album, BRITPOP, released in January. The album is a deliberate nod to the 1990s Britpop era and features collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Gaz Coombes of Supergrass, and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

A Return to Form and a New Album

Williams expressed his enthusiasm for returning to New Zealand, stating, “Australia and New Zealand have always had a particularly special place in my heart… I’m beyond excited to be coming back this November for the BRITPOP World Tour. Can’t wait to observe you all there!”

BRITPOP represents a stylistic shift for Williams, incorporating more guitar-driven arrangements and upbeat anthems. He described the album as the project he wanted to pursue after leaving Capture That in 1995, during the height of Britpop’s popularity. “I’ve worked with some of my heroes on this album; it’s raw, We find more guitars and it’s an album that’s even more upbeat and anthemic than usual,” Williams said.

Government Support and Economic Impact

The New Zealand government is supporting the tour through its $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlighted the economic benefits of hosting large-scale events like Williams’ concert. “It’s fantastic to welcome a showstopper act like Robbie, giving fans the chance to see him entertaining us,” Upston said. She emphasized that concerts generate significant economic activity and create a positive atmosphere within cities.

Officials estimate that for every dollar spent on live performance, $3.20 is returned in benefits to the wider community, justifying the government’s investment in attracting major events.

A Storied Career

Robbie Williams’ career spans decades and boasts impressive achievements. He holds six positions within the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history and has sold over 90 million albums worldwide. He also holds the record for the most UK Number 1 albums with 16 and has received 18 BRIT Awards – more than any other artist.

Beyond music, Williams has recently ventured into filmmaking. In 2023, Netflix released a four-part documentary series about his life, simply titled Robbie Williams. In 2024, his biographical film, Better Man, received Oscar nomination and was released globally to critical acclaim.

One New Zealand Stadium: A New Venue for a Global Star

The Christchurch concert will be held at the newly constructed One New Zealand Stadium, making Williams one of the first international acts to perform at the venue. The stadium, located at 218 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City, offers various transportation options, including car, pedestrian access via Kilmore Street or Victoria Square, bus routes 29, 95 and B, and bike racks on Kilmore Street. More information about the venue and getting there can be found on the One New Zealand Stadium website.

Ticket Information and Presales

Ticket information has been released, with artist and Frontier member presales beginning at 12pm on Monday, March 23rd (for 48 hours). General on-sale begins at 1pm on Thursday, March 26th. Ticket prices vary depending on seating location, ranging from $119.90 for E Reserve Seating to $699.90 for the BRITPOP Premium Hospitality Package. Tickets will be available through AXS.com. There is a strict limit of six tickets per customer.

Looking Ahead

The BRITPOP World Tour promises to be a significant event for New Zealand music fans. With a career spanning decades and a new album inspired by a pivotal era in British music, Robbie Williams is set to deliver a memorable performance in both Auckland and Christchurch. The tour is expected to draw large crowds and provide a boost to the local economy, solidifying New Zealand’s position as a destination for major international events.

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