Access and Inclusion

Our Access and Inclusion programme features events that are accessible for Deaf, hard of hearing, Blind, and low vision audiences.

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Download a LARGE PRINT Word document festival programme here.

Specially curated events were selected in consultation with Deaf Aotearoa, Blind and Low Vision NZ (formerly Blind Foundation), Blind Citizens NZ, and other members of the community.

Follow the links below to browse events in the Access and Inclusion programme and find more information, videos in NZSL, online audio descriptions, and more.

View events suitable for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
View events suitable for Blind or low vision audiences.

If you have special seating requirements such as wheelchair access, hearing loop access, or a companion seat, please contact Ticketmaster on 0800 120 071, or for Te Ata events, Ticketek on 0800 686 677. You can also contact us via ticketing@festival.co.nz

If you would like to book for the Access and Inclusion programme, please use the online booking forms below. You can book for all events in the one form.

Use this link to book if you are Blind or have low vision
Use this link to book if you are D/deaf or hard of hearing

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Accessibility Manager Emma Deakin, on 021 029 21959 or access@festival.co.nz

For more details on accessibility at specific venues, click here. All venues have limited wheelchair seating. Designated wheelchair spaces (where available) are sold at the lowest non-restricted view price in the house for that performance. If you require assistance to attend, you can book an essential companion ticket for free. Companion tickets are limited and subject to availability.

Get Festival information in an alternative format. Download a LARGE PRINT Word document festival programme here or contact our Accessibility Manager, Emma Deakin, on 021 029 21959 or access@festival.co.nz.

Information about accessible parking and public transport in Wellington is available on our Getting Around in the Festival page.

There are hearing loops available at the Michael Fowler Centre, Soundings Theatre and Circa Theatre. The Opera House and Shed 6 have Infrared Assistive Listening Systems. Visit the Venues page for more information. Please inform ticketing staff when booking if you wish to sit in a certain area of the venue.

Shows listed with this symbol will be interpreted into New Zealand Sign Language or offer other specific access for audiences who are D/deaf. If interpreted into NZSL, one or two professional performance interpreters will translate the show live. Specific seating will be allocated to audiences who are D/deaf to ensure a clear view of the show and interpretation.

Shows listed with this symbol will be audio described. Audio description is auditory narration, through a small headset, for people who are Blind or with low vision. The audio provides a description of visual elements of the show, such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes.

Shows listed with this symbol provide a free pre-show Touch Tour for people who are Blind or with low vision. This is an opportunity for those audience members to explore pieces of set, props, show costumes, and occasionally meet the artists.

All tickets in the Access and Inclusion programme are $20 for people who are Deaf, Blind or with low vision.

If you require assistance to attend an event, you could be entitled to a free companion seat. Contact access@festival.co.nz to find out more about our companion tickets.

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing