The ZURU Nightglow

Hamilton’s biggest night out is The ZURU Nightglow, and we can’t wait to share 2026’s details with you – so please stay tuned!

Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Location: The University of Waikato

 

Ticket and ballot FAQs (2026 information to be added once announced)

Event day FAQs

How do I get tickets for the ZURU Nightglow?

Tickets are free! We’re currently finalising our ticketing process and will share all the details soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Can I purchase tickets from other websites or sellers?

No. Tickets are free and only available via our ticketing partner. Tickets sold elsewhere are invalid and may result in denied entry.

Can I purchase tickets from other websites or sellers?

No. Tickets are free and only available via our ticketing partner. Tickets sold elsewhere are invalid and may result in denied entry.

What happens if I cannot attend after receiving my confirmation?

If you cannot attend, please return your ticket so that others can have the opportunity to attend.

Can I enter without a ticket?

No. Due to capacity limits, only those with valid tickets will be permitted entry.

Can I catch the free shuttle if I didn't book?

Yes. Catch the bus from key Hamilton locations to the University of Waikato for the ZURU Nightglow.
FREE buses over five routes will run between 5pm and 7pm from the Park and Ride sites, stopping at special event bus stops along the way and returning after the ZURU Nightglow.

The ZURU Nightglow Park N Ride is brought to you by Kinetic is available to those who have valid ZURU Nightglow tickets.

Stops include:

  1. Grosvenor Park (Rototuna)
    • Hukanui Road
  2. Rotokauri Hub
    • River Road
    • Clarkin Road
  3. Melville High School
    • Ohaupo Road
    • Palmerston Street
    • Transport Centre, Anglesea Street
    • Victoria Street
  4. Frankton Primary School
  5. Hamilton Gardens
    • Naylor Street
    • Grey Street

Download the flyer here.  Full stops and maps. [2mb]

These are the entry terms and conditions to attending the ZURU Nightglow.

Directions of Event Staff: You must follow the reasonable directions of Event staff as required and comply with the law at all times during the Event.

Conditions of Entry
To ensure that all attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we ask patrons to respect the event facilities and help contribute to a fantastic event for all our patrons. To achieve this, we require all attendees to meet the following conditions of entry. Please note, conditions are subject to change without notice.

For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all patrons, Balloons Over Waikato Management reserve the right to remove or refuse entry to any patrons whom:

  • Are deemed to be intoxicated and / or disorderly.
  • Refuses to have a bag/ person search conducted.
  • Are carrying items which are deemed to have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance.
  • Have been issued a trespass notice that still applied.
  • Participates in dangerous activities or antisocial activities.
  • Behave in a disorderly or offensive manner, or a manner contrary to public order.
  • Attempt to bring a prohibited item into the venue.
  • Breach any part of the terms of the Venue Regulations and Conditions of Entry.
  • Commit any act deemed a crime in New Zealand Law.
  • Display anti-social or threatening behaviour to other event attendees or staff.
  • Have gang patches or gang paraphernalia on display.
  • Attempt to misrepresent themselves as a member of staff or security or attempt to enter restricted areas.
  • Are under the influence of or have on their person illicit drugs or illegal substances.
  • Participate in dangerous activities such as aggressive or antisocial behaviour.

All patrons entering the venue do so at their own risk:

  • For safety reasons, footwear is to be worn at all times.
  • There shall be no unsolicited selling of merchandise, advertising, or promotional giveaways.
  • This is an all-ages event with two un-restricted areas serving alcohol. The VIP Area located in The Barn and the Pilot and Crew catering area located in Hall B. Any access to these areas will be with proper accreditation only and alcohol consumption will be served and monitored by a licenced duty manager.
  • All other areas are not licensed and will NOT have alcohol.
  • Failure to comply with a direction from Event Staff, Security or the NZ Police may render the patron liable to arrest and prosecution for the offence of trespass under Section 4 of the Trespass Act 1980, as amended, which is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months in terms of section 11 (a) of the Trespass Act 1980, as amended.

No Animals: animals are not permitted at the Event Site. Service animals are permitted.

No Passouts: Pass outs will not be issued for the event, any exemption to this will be at the discretion of the Security Supervisor or Balloons Over Waikato Event Management.

Evictions
Only the Venue Event Manager, Head of Security or Police have the authority to approve the eviction of a person from the venue. For more serious offences NZ Police may be notified. Where a patron is evicted, they will not be able to re-enter the venue. Evictions will occur through the nearest exit to facilitate swift egress.

Event Management take no responsibility for any damage to, loss or theft of a patron’s personal property while at the event.

We reserve the right to revise our terms and conditions, or any part of it, as required.

What can I bring?

Permitted Items

  • Empty plastic or metal water bottle (max. 750ml)
  • Home made (non-commercial) snacks, food or picnic items, and any Domino’s commercial food products.
  • Prams and Strollers
  • Small personal cameras and camera phones are allowed.
  • Small hand sanitizer and baby wipes
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Sunblock and sunglasses
  • Blanket, picnic blanket or cushion and small shade structures up to 1.2m high
  • Sealed cigarettes and lighters (not for use in the venue)
  • E-Cig and vape pens (single use only – not for use in the venue)
  • Ear plugs
  • Bum bags
  • Gum
  • Hats
  • Certified Service dogs

Event Management take no responsibility for any damage to, loss or theft of a patron’s personal property while at the event.

We reserve the right to revise our terms and conditions, or any part of it, as required.

Things to leave at home

Prohibited Items include but are not limited:

  • Alcohol – any alcohol found at the Event Site will be confiscated and will not be returned and the offending patron(s) ejected from Event Site for the remainder of the Event.
  • Commercial takeaway food, other than products from our friends at Domino’s. Domino’s products are allowed into the venue.
  • Glass (including jars, bottles, containers, mirrors and perfumes).
  • Weapons or explosives of any kind (including potential missiles).
  • Illegal substances.
  • Animals (excluding service dogs such as guide dogs and police or emergency service dogs).
  • Nitrous oxide bulbs and canisters.
  • Flares, fireworks, sparklers explosives, or any fire twirling equipment.
  • Flammable liquids.
  • Musical Instruments – bongos, guitars, flutes, horns and any other type of musical instrument or noise maker.
  • Advanced personal vapourizers (or modified APVs) or liquid refills for E-Cigs.
  • Air horns, Sound systems, portable speakers or boom boxes.
  • Portable laser equipment and pens.
  • Sharpies, markers, paint cans or paint pens.
  • Drones, kites, sky lanterns or other remote control devices.
  • Camping chairs, couches, tables and beach umbrellas
  • Umbrellas, parasols, pop up tents, sun shades, marquees or any structures over 1.2m high.
  • Anything studded (ie belts, wristbands etc).
  • Toy guns, water guns, pocketknives, slingshots or any other toy resembling a weapon.
  • Monopods, tripods or attachment sticks (selfie-sticks).
  • Torches, lasers and pen lights.
  • Skateboards, scooters, wagons, carts, rollerblades, roller skates, bicycles, quad-bikes, segways, hoverboards, self-balancing scooters or any personal motorised vehicles.
  • Unauthorised solicitation materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, or other promotional items.
  • Any other item deemed by Event staff (in their discretion) to be dangerous or offensive or potentially dangerous by Event organisers.

We reserve the right to revise our terms and conditions, or any part of it, as required.

Can I bring my dog?

This is one where you need to leave your pets at home. No animals are permitted on the event site.

Service animals are permitted.

Can I bring my own food?

You can bring home made (non-commercial) snacks, food or picnic items, and any Domino’s commercial food products.

Can I leave the Nightglow then come back?

Pass outs will not be issued for the event.

How late can I arrive?

Last entry will be at 8pm because that is when the Glow starts.

Don’t forget your Lodge Lost Kids Bracelet for the ZURU Nightglow, which you can collect at Innes Common during event mornings or when you arrive at the University of Waikato for the ZURU Nightglow.

Thanks to Lodge, pick up a bracelet, write your phone number on it, put it on your child’s wrist at the ZURU Nightglow, then if you and your child lose each other, you are easily contacted by our Lodge Lost Kids team.