Rainbow Games is a multi-sport festival for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies, held in Auckland every two years. The Games first ran in 2024 and are organised by the Pacific Rainbow Games Trust, a charitable trust. They describe Rainbow Games as the largest rainbow sporting event ever staged in Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2026 edition runs from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November.
The 2026 programme covers badminton, basketball, football, functional fitness, kickball, netball, running, swimming, tennis (run with the GLTA), tenpin bowling and touch rugby. A "Get Active" stream offers casual, social activities for people who want to join in without competing. Teams and individuals of all abilities take part, and the Games have their own gender inclusion policy.
The Games open with a ticketed Opening Ceremony, the big communal moment of the weekend, which brings together athletes, supporters and the wider rainbow community. Tickets are sold through the official website.
Athlete registration for 2026 has closed and the competition draws are being finalised. If you'd like to compete at a future Games, the organisers also run a directory of local rainbow sports clubs and an outreach programme, both good ways to get involved between editions.
The Games coincide with spring in Auckland: mild days and long evenings, ideal for exploring the city's harbour, beaches and volcanic cones. Karangahape Road (K Road) is the heart of Auckland's rainbow nightlife, and the city hosts Auckland Pride every February.
Auckland Airport (AKL) is New Zealand's main international gateway, about 30–45 minutes from the city centre by car or the SkyDrive bus. Staying in the CBD or around K Road puts you close to nightlife and transport to the venues.
Rainbow Games 2026 runs 29 October – 1 November in Auckland and is the second edition, after the inaugural Games in 2024. Athlete registrations have closed. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are available at rainbowgames.co.nz.
