Ed Sheeran NZ 2026: Loop Tour Dates, Tickets & Openers

When a global pop star kicks off a world tour in New Zealand, it’s a big deal. Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour 2026 is set to open in Auckland on 16 January 2026, and with five shows across the country now confirmed, Kiwi fans have plenty to look forward to.

Tour Name: Loop Tour · NZ Shows Confirmed: 5 (Auckland 2, Wellington 1, Christchurch 2) · First NZ Show: 16 Jan 2026 (Auckland) · NZ Shows End: 25 Jan 2026 (Christchurch) · Global Tour Ends: 12 Dec 2026 (Mexico City)

Is Ed Sheeran having a concert in 2026?

Confirmation of the Loop Tour

Yes – Ed Sheeran is actively touring in 2026 with his Loop Tour. The tour supports his forthcoming album ‘Play’, which the singer described as “the beginning of a fresh new chapter” (1News, NZ news outlet). The New Zealand leg was first announced on 22 July 2025, with three initial shows quickly expanding to five due to demand.

NZ leg of the tour

• The tour begins in Auckland on 16 January 2026 (Auckland Stadiums, official venue site)
• Additional dates in Wellington (21 Jan) and Christchurch (24–25 Jan) are confirmed (The Coast, NZ radio station)
• Christchurch marks Sheeran’s first concert in the city since 2015 (1News, NZ news outlet)

“The second Auckland show was added due to overwhelming demand from New Zealand fans.”

— Frontier Touring spokesperson, 1News, NZ news outlet

Bottom line: Kiwi fans have five confirmed shows across three cities, with Christchurch marking Sheeran’s return after 11 years away — a rare chance to see a global tour opener on home soil.

What date is Ed Sheeran in Auckland?

Auckland concert dates

Ed Sheeran will perform at Go Media Stadium in Penrose on two consecutive dates: Friday 16 January 2026 and Saturday 17 January 2026 (Auckland Stadiums, official venue site). Gates open at 4:00 PM and the show starts at 5:15 PM on both days (The Coast, NZ radio station).

Second Auckland show

Originally only one Auckland show was announced, but a second date was added after ticket demand surged. Both shows share the same lineup of support acts: Vance Joy, Mia Wray and BIIRD (1News, NZ news outlet).

The implication: if you missed Friday’s allocation, Saturday still offers the same full experience — a rare second chance at a near-identical show.

What time does Ed Sheeran start Wellington in 2026?

Wellington show start time

The Wellington concert will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at Sky Stadium (The Coast, NZ radio station). Gates open at 4:00 PM and the show begins at 5:15 PM, the same schedule as Auckland.

Venue for Wellington

Sky Stadium, located at 105 Waterloo Quay in Pipitea, is the capital’s largest outdoor concert venue. The same support acts – Vance Joy, Mia Wray and BIIRD – will open (1News, NZ news outlet).

“Wellington fans can expect the full Loop Tour production – just like Auckland and Christchurch.”

— 1News, NZ news outlet, reporting on the tour announcement

Bottom line: Whether you’re in Wellington or Auckland, plan to arrive by 4:00 PM to secure a good spot. The 5:15 PM start is consistent across all NZ shows.

How long is the Ed Sheeran 2026 tour?

Tour timeline

The Loop Tour is a global undertaking spanning nearly 11 months. It kicks off in Auckland on 16 January 2026 and concludes on 12 December 2026 in Mexico City (Wikipedia, tour overview). After the New Zealand leg, Sheeran will tour Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Number of shows worldwide

While the final count hasn’t been officially released, early reports indicate over 100 shows. As of January 2026, over 2.5 million tickets had already been sold across Australia and New Zealand (Auckland Stadiums, official venue site).

The pattern: Sheeran’s previous tours (Divide, No.6, +–=÷×) consistently exceeded 100 dates, so the Loop Tour likely matches or surpasses that scale. For those planning a getaway, check out Hot destinations in January for information on hot destinations in January.

Who is opening for Ed Sheeran in 2026?

NZ opening acts

For all New Zealand shows, the opening acts are Vance Joy, Mia Wray and BIIRD (The Coast, NZ radio station). Vance Joy, an Australian singer-songwriter known for “Riptide,” has toured with Sheeran before. Mia Wray and BIIRD are emerging Australian artists.

General opening acts for the tour

Opening acts vary by region. In previous tours, Sheeran has brought Khalid, Passenger, and Anne-Marie on stage. For NZ, the lineup of three supports is fixed and identical for all five shows.

How to Secure Your Tickets for the Loop Tour

1. Check official sources: Only tickets purchased through Frontier Touring, official promoter guarantee entry. Avoid resale platforms unless verified.
2. Set a reminder for on-sale dates: As of January 2026, tickets for Auckland and Christchurch shows are already on sale, but Wellington and any added shows may open later. Monitor the Frontier Touring website and social channels.
3. Choose your city and date: Consider travel logistics – Auckland and Christchurch offer multiple dates, Wellington just one. Christchurch shows on 24 and 25 January let you pick a weekend slot.
4. Plan for VIP packages: While not yet detailed, previous Sheeran tours offered premium seating, merchandise bundles and early entry. Keep an eye on Frontier Touring for announcements.
5. Arrive early: Gates open at 4:00 PM for all NZ shows. Early arrival helps with parking, security checks and getting a good view (especially for general admission areas).

The implication: planning ahead on ticketing matters more for Wellington’s single show than for Auckland or Christchurch which offer backup dates.

Timeline

The pattern: NZ hosts the opening five shows of a global tour — a status reserved for markets with proven fan loyalty.

Summary

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour 2026 is a major event for New Zealand music fans, offering five opportunities across three cities to see one of the world’s biggest pop stars. With confirmed dates, opening acts and venue details, the only remaining uncertainty revolves around ticket availability and pricing. Kiwi planning to attend should monitor Frontier Touring closely, prepare for early arrivals, and lock in tickets as soon as they drop — or risk missing a tour that may not return to these shores for years.

Related reading: **Ed Sheeran Sapphire Lyrics**

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