The 64th Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival runs from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 March 2027 in Tauranga. Run by the Tauranga Jazz Society, it brings a week of jazz, soul, blues and big band concerts to Baycourt and venues around the city, plus the National Youth Jazz Competition and the Jazz Village. The 2027 programme launches on 17 December 2026.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Monday 22 to Sunday 28 March 2027
- Where
- Baycourt Community and Arts Centre and venues across Tauranga
- Programme
- Launches 17 December 2026
- Tickets
- Ticketek (0800 BUY TIX) or the Baycourt box office, 38 Durham Street
- Concessions
- SuperGold, student and Community Services cards; Jazz Society member rates
- Stay
- Hotel Armitage is the festival's accommodation partner
What it is
The National Jazz Festival is one of New Zealand’s longest-running music festivals, run by the Tauranga Jazz Society. The Port of Tauranga 64th National Jazz Festival takes place from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 March 2027. It usually runs over Easter; in 2027 it finishes on Easter Sunday.
What to expect
The 2027 programme launches on 17 December 2026, but recent festivals show what to expect:
- World-class jazz and soul concerts at Baycourt
- The National Youth Jazz Competition, showcasing the best young players from New Zealand secondary schools
- The Jazz Village, a hub of outdoor music
- Themed nights such as a cocktail swing party and a New Orleans French Quarter evening
- A day of jazz in Katikati and a jazz cruise on the harbour
- Smaller club gigs. In 2026 these included the Lockie Bennett Trio playing bebop, Jan Preston’s Boogie Duo and TNT, a mix of te reo Māori and big band jazz, at the Jam Factory in the Historic Village
Concert prices vary. In 2026 a Jam Factory gig cost $30 general admission, with cheaper concession, member and student tickets.
Who it suits
Jazz fans, families (several events are all-ages) and anyone visiting the Bay of Plenty in late March. Wander between free outdoor music and a ticketed concert or two.
Tickets
Buy tickets through Ticketek on 0800 BUY TIX (289 849), weekdays 9 am to 5.30 pm, or at the Baycourt box office at 38 Durham Street (weekdays 10 am to 4 pm, and an hour before every show). i-SITE visitor centres also help. Concession prices are available for SuperGold, student and Community Services card holders, and Tauranga Jazz Society members get a discounted rate. Booking fees apply, and the society can change artists without notice.
Getting there
Tauranga is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Auckland and 1 hour from Rotorua (estimates). Baycourt is in the central city, within walking distance of the waterfront.
Where to stay
Hotel Armitage, in the city centre, is the festival’s accommodation partner. Mount Maunganui is a popular base across the harbour. Easter is busy, so book early.
What to bring
Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, and comfortable shoes for moving between venues.
Make a trip of it
Climb Mauao, swim at Mount Maunganui beach, then head to Rotorua with our 10-day North Island road trip.
FAQ
When is the National Jazz Festival 2027?
Who is playing?
Are there free events?
Where do I buy tickets?
Is it the same as the Tauranga Jazz Festival?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
