Festival Accessibility
Here, you'll find all the info you'll need to access our Festival - from getting to and accessing our venues, booking tickets, accessible ticket pricing, and content warnings.
If there's something you'd like to know but is not included here, please reach out to us: email access@nelsonartsfestival.nz
Accessibility Programme
We are on a mission to provide greater accessibility as we work towards a Festival that provides access for our community. We are learning and growing our knowledge in this space.
This year, we are thrilled to continue our accessibility programme, delivering New Zealand Sign Language and Audio Described shows within our programme.
If you have thoughts or suggestions, please reach out to us: access@nelsonartsfestival.nz
Accessibility at the Festival
This includes accessibility information for all of our venues.
Some venues have specific seats allocated for wheelchair users — please get in touch when booking if you have any questions: access@nelsonartsfestival.nz
We provide companion seats in all of our festival venues. Please let us know if you require a companion seat added to your ticket for no extra charge.
You can book a complimentary companion ticket through the NCMA or Theatre Royal box office in person, via call/text on 027 241 4599, or by contacting access@nelsonartsfestival.nz
Once we launch our 2025 programme, you will find a list of Audio Described events here.
Arts Access Aotearoa defines audio description as 'a narrated commentary for blind and vision impaired patrons that provides descriptions of the visual elements. In a theatrical performance, audio description narrates what’s happening on stage in between the dialogue or songs: for example, new scenes, settings, costume, body language, facial expression, movements across the stage and sight gags.'
Their narration is transmitted to wireless receivers and headsets worn by the audience members.
Once we launch our 2025 programme, you will find a list of Audio Described events here.
Large Print Programme
Accessible Ticketing Options
When you book a ticket for Nelson Arts Festival events this year, you’ll find a range of ticket options to suit different situations.
We’re stoked to have the continued support of our festival ticketing partner, NBS, as we continue to develop our accessible ticketing options.
Our accessible ticket options include:
Discounts vary across shows from 12-15% off the standard price. Please select the discount at checkout, and it will be automatically applied.
Please note card holder rates are not eligible for:
All The Things I Wish I Could Be
Nourish with Chelsea Winter
Who What Where Now
Pukapuka Talks Gala
Pukapuka Talks Workshops
Anna Coddington (Live at Neurdorf Vineyards).
This discount will automatically apply at the checkout, when you select four or more tickets to the following Whānau shows:
All The Things I Wish I Could Be
Who What Where Now
Tickets must be purchased in one transaction to be eligable for the discount.
Book six or more tickets to one show to receive a discounted price. A discount of 12% will automatically apply at the checkout when you select six or more tickets for one show.
Tickets must be purchased in one transaction to be eligible for the discount.
Please note this discount is not eligible for:
Anna Coddington (Live at Neurdorf Vineyards)
The Pukapuka Talks programme (except for the Pukapuka Talks Gala, which is eligible for a group discount)
For Pukapuka Talks discounts, please see Pukapuka Talks multi-show pass.
Buy 3 tickets to our Pukapuka Talks events and save $20 with the Pukapuka Talks Mulit-Pass. Further tickets will receive an additional 25% discount.
Apply the code "PUKAPUKA" at checkout to receive this discount.
All tickets must be purchased in one transaction to receive the discount.
This discount is not eligible for:
Nourish with Chelsea Winter
Pukapuka Talks Workshops
Pukapuka Talks Gala
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? Email us at info@nelsonartsfestival.nz
How to book
Book Online
In Person | By Phone
Theatre Royal
78 Rutherford Street | 12pm - 4pm weekdays
Phone: 03 548 3840 (Select 1)
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA)
48 Nile St | 10am - 4pm weekdays
Phone: 03 548 9477
Got questions?
boxoffice@theatreroyalnelson.co.nz or info@nelsonartsfestival.nz
How to Pay
Ticket Prices & Service Fees
All ticket prices are inclusive of GST but do not include the per ticket service fee. If using a credit card, this will also incur a fee. The following are our per ticket service and credit card fees:
- $2.00 per ticket for internet purchases
- $2.50 per ticket for counter purchases
- Credit card fees 1%
Door Sales
Booking Information
Please adhere to health and safety information at our venues, and comply with any safety instructions from staff and volunteers.
If an event is postponed or cancelled, we will offer exchanges or refunds to our ticket holders.
All our events start on time – except for unforeseen circumstances. Please note that for safety reasons, some events may have a lock-out, which means that late-comers cannot be admitted.
Latecomers
We reserve the right to admit latecomers only at a suitable point in a performance. If there is no suitable point, latecomers may not be permitted to enter. Latecomers are not entitled to a refund or transfer.
Apart from Theatre Royal and NCMA, all venues are general admission. First in, first served!
To ensure a safe space for our artists, the use of mobile phones or other similar devices is not permitted during shows. The use of cameras or other recording devices is strictly prohibited.
Content Warnings
Please note that some events have aspects that some audience members may find disturbing or uncomfortable. This ranges from audio or visual effects like strobe lighting, or content such as references to sexual assault or drug use.
We have provided an alert symbol with every event listing that has a content or trigger warning, and the specific triggers are included in each individual event listing.
Once we launch our 2025 programme, you will find a link to events here.
Disclaimer
Safe & Respectful Space
Venues
Central Whakatū & around town
Theatre Royal - 78 Rutherford St
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū - 208 Bridge St
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) - 48 Nile St
Deville Music Hub - 22 New St
The Boathouse - 326 Wakefield Quay
Cultural Conversations - 123 Bridge St
Refinery ArtSpace - 114 Hardy St
Elma Turner Library - 27 Halifax St
Nelson Provincial Museum - Cnr Trafalgar and Hardy St
Nelson Airport Terminal - Trent Dr
Kirby Lane - 105 Bridge St
Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre - Main Rd, Stoke
The Summer House - 42 Sunnybank Rise, Todds Valley
Further afield: Te Tai-o-Aorere
Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Library - 32 Wallace St, Motueka
Village Theatre - 32 Commercial Street, Tākaka