Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch are set to experience the band’s celebrated blend of catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and irrepressible Filipino spirit
Filipino pop-rock favorites The Itchyworms are bringing their music to New Zealand this September 2026 as the headliners of the Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour. The band is set to perform across four major cities: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch.
Celebrated for their clever songwriting, catchy guitar-driven sound, and memorable anthems, The Itchyworms continue to push OPM to new audiences. Their upcoming New Zealand tour will give Filipinos abroad a chance to reconnect with home through music while introducing international listeners to the distinct sound, spirit, and creativity of Original Pilipino Music.
According to Jugs Jugueta, the tour is about reconnecting with Filipino communities and rediscovering the best the Philippines has to offer. “It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” he says, noting the growing global appreciation for Filipino culture, artists, and music.
With the tour covering four cities across New Zealand, Jugueta is excited to share the experience with both Filipino fans and their Kiwi friends. He encourages Filipinos in New Zealand to bring along their friends and family and let them experience firsthand how Filipinos know how to celebrate.
Meanwhile, drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas describes the band’s cross-generational songwriting as one of the things Filipinos and foreigners should look forward to: “It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody.” That distinctive balance of humor, heartbreak, and melody has helped make The Itchyworms’ music appeal across borders. Nicolas also sees the tour as an opportunity to introduce OPM to an even wider audience.
NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES:
AUCKLAND — September 18 | Galatos
WELLINGTON — September 19 | Notre Dame Performing Arts Center
QUEENSTOWN — September 25 | Queenstown Memorial Center
CHRISTCHURCH — September 26 | Christ’s College Auditorium
Tickets are priced at $99 NZD for Standing VIP (including a photo opportunity) and $69 NZD for Standing General Admission. Tickets are available here: https://fastevents.com.au/ticket_category/the-itchyworms-new-zealand-tour-2026-tickets
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