The time is finally here. ZZ Top have landed in New Zealand ready for their Elevation Tour with special guest George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
The first of three concerts kicks off tonight in Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena (May 15).
The rockers will then head up to the North Island to play at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday (May 17) and on Sunday (May 18), Wellington’s TSB Arena will close out this leg of the tour.
One Perth concert-goer described George Thorogood as “awesome” and “belonging on stage” and ZZ Top as “Gods”. So if that’s anything to go off, it’s sure to be an epic night of rock ‘n’ roll.
There’s still time to get yourself some last-minute tickets HERE.
And for those off to one of the three shows, here’s everything you need to know:
Start Times
Christchurch Doors open: 6:00 pm
Auckland Doors open: 6:00 pm
Wellington Doors open: 7:00 pm
Set List
While the official set list for their NZ shows has not been confirmed, fans can expect a mix of ZZ Top classics.
Based on the band's most recent Sydney gig, their set will likely include:
1. Got Me Under Pressure
2. I Thank You (Sam & Dave cover)
3. Waitin' for the Bus
4. Jesus Just Left Chicago
5. Gimme All Your Lovin'
6. Pearl Necklace
7. I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
8. I Gotsta Get Paid
9. My Head's in Mississippi
10. Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis cover)
11. Just Got Paid
12. Sharp Dressed Man
13. Legs
14. Brown Sugar
15. Tube Snake Boogie
16. La Grange
Event Entry
For each of the shows, make sure to download your ticket(s) ahead of time to speed up your entry into the show. Add them to your phone’s ticket wallet or have them ready to view in the Ticketmaster app/web browser ahead of time.
Note: You won’t be able to screenshot your ticket for entry, they can only be accessed as described above.
For arena layout maps, click HERE for the Wolfbrook Arena, HERE for Spark Arena, and HERE for the TSB Arena.
Getting there
As with all shows, it’s best to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue. Traffic can be heavy and parking may be limited.
Wolfbrook Arena Parking & Public Transport
The arena has a limited number of on-site parking spaces, which fill up quickly on event days. These are generally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key if you want to secure a spot.
Bus Stops are located close to the stadium on Lincoln Road and Whiteleigh Avenue. For more info on bus routes and times, see the Metro Bus website.
Designated areas for ride-sharing services, taxis, and personal drop-offs are located near the arena entrances.
Tip: Plan your journey ahead of time and consider potential delays due to concert traffic.
Accessibility Parking
Mobility Parking is available directly opposite the front entry of the Arena in the main car park. Only vehicles with the appropriate Mobility Pass will be allowed entry.
Wolfbrook Arena provides wheelchair accessibility throughout the venue. There are accessible toilets located in all bathrooms.
Spark Arena Parking & Public Transport
Using public transport is strongly encouraged by the venue as they are only a short walking distance from Auckland's Britomart.Station.
Don’t forget to use AT’s Journey Planner to make sure you're cruising to and from the stadium without any hassle.
The nearest parking locations to the stadium are as follows:
Arena Carpark (Dockside Lane, off Tapora Street, about 5 min walk)
Britomart Car Park (Corner of Quay Street and Britomart Place, about 8 min walk)
Railway Car Park (Te Taou Crescent, off Beach Road, about 5 min walk)
Tangihua Street Car Park (Tangihua Street, about 6 min walk)
Click HERE for a handy map to get familiar with the pick-up/drop-off locations.
Accessibility Parking
On-site parking is available for concert-goers with a valid mobility permit. Just a heads up, mobility parking is limited, so it’s reserved strictly for those with a permit.
TSB Arena Parking & Public Transport
If you are planning on driving to the venue, it is recommended that you give yourself plenty of time to find a car park prior to the show. There is convenient street parking nearby, as well as several parking areas close to the venue.
For those being dropped off, there is a drop-off zone close to the arena entrance, accessible from Jervois Quay. Metlink bus stops are in the area. For more information, check out Wellington’s transport info HERE.
Accessibility Parking
Wilson car park at Queens Wharf, located under TSB Arena, has mobility parking spaces available.
Things to Note
Permitted items:
Bags 30cm x 30cm and under
Collapsible small umbrellas
Phones
Small, non-professional cameras
Any certified disability assist dogs and/or mobility equipment
Prohibited:
Food and drink
Alcohol
Bottles (cans, glass, plastic)
iPads/tablets, and laptops
Firearms, fireworks, flares, laser lights and glowsticks
Smoking or Vaping
Weapons of any kind
Illegal substances
Banners, posters, flags or signs
Professional cameras (anything with a lens of 35mm or over) and other video or audio recording equipment Selfie sticks
Encore After-party
For you Saturday night concert-goers who want to relive the incredible experience (or if you're just a massive ZZ Top fan), get your cab driver to turn on the Sound!
Tune in from 11pm that night (May 17) to listen to our ZZ Top LIVE Sound Encore.
Enjoy the concert and happy listening!
