On Thursday 4 April 2024, participants will make their way to Viaduct Events Centre for the Opening day of the Rainbow Games 2024.
Registered participants can sign in, socialise and pick up their goodie bag and player accreditation right in the centre of Auckland's beautiful waterfront.
As part of the player package, the player accreditation will serve as the access pass to get into the dazzling Opening Ceremony, where doors open from 6pm. Find out more below.
Schedule
From 12 noon:
- Registration, accreditation and goodie bag pick up opens at 12 midday.
- Your player accreditation will be your ticket into the Opening Ceremony. You will be required to register, pick up your goodie bag and accreditation before entering the Opening Ceremony. You will require a form of ID to redeem your goodie bag and accreditation.
- Free time to explore Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, with several activities and delicious restaurants across Wynyard Quarter and the Viaduct area.
- We advise that you do not leave it to the last minute to pick up your goodie bag and accreditation as queues are likely and the Opening Ceremony starts at 7pm sharp
- Note: If you don’t attend this registration session or Opening Ceremony, you will be able to pick up your goodie bag and player accreditation when you arrive for your sport competition.
From 6pm
- Doors open for entry into the Rainbow Games Opening Ceremony (a cash bar will be available inside).
7pm
- The Rainbow Games Opening Ceremony begins at 7pm sharp, opening with a Pōwhiri. Please note if you arrive after 7pm, you may be required to wait at the back of the room while the Pōwhiri takes place.
Venue
Viaduct Events Centre. View map of the venue here.
Please note: We have received many comments from participants who have confused this venue with The Cloud. Please ensure you are familiar with the exact location of Viaduct Events Centre before arriving.
Getting There
Parking
The nearest car park building is Downtown Carpark located at 31 Customs Street West. This is a 10 minute walk across the Wynyard Crossing, There is also limited car parking available at the Wynyard Quarter car park.
Planned maintenance is now underway on the Wynyard Crossing Bridge, which for the time being, remains closed.
The Viaduct Events Centre is still easy to get to via scooter, foot, car or bus.
If travelling from downtown Auckland, pedestrians are encouraged to take the alternative route around Viaduct Harbour, or to take advantage of the frequent City Link bus that runs every 7 minutes between Wynyard Quarter and the city, seven days a week. The 20 and 75 bus routes also drop people directly in Wynyard Quarter, with the northern express bus services and a variety of others stopping on Fanshawe Street.
More information can be found in the map below or on Auckland Transport's website.
Opening Ceremony programme:
Produced by the renowned DJ and rainbow-entertainment maestro, Jordan Eskra, the ceremony promises an eclectic showcase of Aotearoa's finest queer, Māori, and Pasifika artists. Confirmed acts for the evening include the iconic Anika Moa, sensational RuPaul's Drag Race star Anita Wigl'it, glamorous Drag King Hugo Grrrl and the award-winning singer-songwriter PAIGE, all skilfully hosted by the fabulous Luke Bird. Attendees can expect a mesmerizing Kapa Haka and more artists celebrating of diversity, ensuring an unforgettable kick-off to the Rainbow Games 2024. Read more here. Click the image below to purchase (note: participants do not need to buy a ticket - this is included in their player package)
Food and Drink
- Food and drink options are available inside the ViaductEvents Centre.
- There are also several restaurants and bars available in theneighbouring Wynyard Quarter area.
Any other questions
- Please email kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz
