FAQs

General Event Information

What are the dates for Armageddon 2024?
The 2024 events are scheduled as follows:

  • Tauranga - 16/17th March
  • Wellington - 6/7th April
  • Christchurch - 13/14th April
  • Auckland Winter - 14/15/16th June
  • Palmerston North - 3/4th August
  • Auckland Spring - 25/26/27/28th October

Where is the event?

  • Tauranga - Baypark Arena
  • Wellington - Sky Stadium
  • Christchurch - Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
  • Auckland Winter - Auckland Showgrounds
  • Palmerston North - Fly Palmy Arena
  • Auckland Spring - Auckland Showgrounds

What are the show times?

  • Tauranga - 9am to 5pm both days
  • Wellington - 9am to 5pm both days
  • Christchurch - 9am to 5pm both days
  • Auckland Winter - Friday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm
  • Palmerston North - 9am to 5pm both days
  • Auckland Spring - Friday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm, Monday 10am to 5pm

What food is available?
There is a venue café with a range of food and drink available at each event.

Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you can. It is always good to bring water and some snacks.

Can I smoke at the venue?
No. All venues that Armageddon is at are smokefree. There may be designated smoking areas, or you may have to leave the venue grounds to smoke.

Is there cloakroom services?
No, sorry. Armageddon does not offer cloakroom services. Any valuables you have should be kept on your person or not brought into the venue.

Is the event accessible to those with wheelchairs?
Yes all venues Armageddon is held at are fully accessible.

Do you offer a Student Discount?
Student ticket pricing is available at Auckland Winter Armageddon, but a single day Student Pass is the same price as an adult ticket at Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Palmerston North.

Do you offer a Senior Discount?
No, we do not have a Senior Pass, you will just need to purchase an adult ticket.

Do you offer a discount for carers?
Yes, we have teamed up with The Hāpai Access Card to provide complimentary general entry access for a carer. This is only available for card holders with the "+1" icon. You can learn more about the Hāpai Access Card HERE.

What happens if I lose my child?
If you see or have lost a child, head over to the Info Desk. If you have lost a child, our staff members will ask for a description (gender, age, defining features, their outfit for the day) to help others locate your child or children. We recommend writing your phone number on your child’s arm in felt pen or labelling their clothes to help with this process.

Where can I find lost property?
Lost property will be stored at the Info Desk in the main entry. Check in with our team there to see if they have your lost property. If you realise you’ve lost something after the event has closed, you will need to contact the venue directly, as all lost property will be handed over to the venue office once the event ends.

What kind of entertainment can I expect to see at the event?
There is a huge range of activities and entertainment available at Armageddon such as interactive gaming activations, cosplay activities (including cosplay panels, a parade and competition), and collector card tournaments, console and PC gaming setups, as well as various exhibitors and artists. Those who are attending to meet celebrity guests, will enjoy the Main Stage which features both celebrity and event panels among others.

What is your harassment policy?
At Armageddon Expo, we value the safety of our attendees and want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable time at our event. We firmly believe in the saying “Cosplay is Not Consent”. Please ask cosplayers before photographing them and treat all your fellow attendees respectfully. If you witness or experience harassment, please tell a member of the Armageddon staff or security team. 

What can I buy at the show?
There is a huge range of exhibitors selling all sorts of goods including but not limited to pop culture merchandise, clothing and accessories, gaming tech, films, comics, games and handmade artwork and crafts.

Can I film/take photos at the events?
General event photos and videos are accepted. Please note: filming panels is prohibited. At no point should footage taken at Armageddon Expo be sold for profit. If you have a special filming request or are interested in recording footage for a documentary or other non-press content please contact [email protected] 

Who do I contact if I have a media enquiry?
To submit an application to attend the event with a Media Pass, please fill out the form you can find on the Armageddon website. 
For considerations for celebrity guest interviews (prior to and during the event) please contact [email protected] to submit an interview request. Guest interviews will take place at the discretion of celebrity talent and their management.

What is your photography policy?
Please be advised that photographs will be taken at this event for use on the Armageddon expo website, for use in promotional and/or marketing materials. By entering the expo, you consent to Armageddon expo photographing and potentially using your image and likeness for promotional or marketing purposes. 
At Armageddon Expo, many of our attendees enjoy cosplaying at our events. As standard attendees, we expect the same appropriate behaviour from cosplayers to those who are not cosplaying. Alternatively, cosplayers are not there for the general public’s enjoyment. Unwanted photographs and attention are not permitted under any circumstances.
If a cosplayer/attendee refuses a request for a photograph, that is the cosplayer/attendee’s right, and everyone must respect that. If people tell you “no” or to leave them alone, your business with them is done. Leave them alone. Do not follow them or attempt to disrupt their convention experience in any way. If you continue to attempt to have contact with those people, you may be removed from the premises.

Can I bring my drone?
No. Drones are prohibited both inside and outside any Armageddon venue.

Who is the organiser of the show?
Beyond Reality Media Premiere Event Management Ltd. (BRM) Is the company that runs all of the Armageddon Expo events. BRM was created back in 1995 by Bill and Adele Geradts who are passionate about creating events for like-minded fans.

Ticketing

How do I buy tickets?
We will post on our social media when tickets are available to purchase, depending on which city the event is being held at, the only place to purchase tickets will be through iTicket for all 2024 Armageddon events. The links provided by Armageddon to iTicket is the ONLY way to purchase tickets. Viagogo is a resale marketplace charging over double the actual price of tickets. Any tickets purchased through Viagogo will NOT be allowed admission into Armageddon, as they are fraudulent.

Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes we will have door sales available at all Armageddon events, but there is no guarantee you will be able to enter without delay, so we do suggest pre-purchasing tickets.

Do I have to print out my ticket, or can I show it on my phone?
You do not need to print out your ticket, it will be able to be scanned from your phone on the day.

What is your refund policy?
If the event is postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tickets purchased will remain valid for the new dates. For current ticket holders who are unable to attend their rescheduled show, refunds are also available. Guests appear virtually health and work commitments pending. Armageddon reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programs, prices, venues, seating arrangements and audience capacity.

Regarding ticketing refunds from the iTicket website:
ITICKET generally cannot issue refunds or exchanges after a ticket has been purchased. Please be sure you choose your tickets carefully and agree to the terms and conditions of sale before confirming your purchase. If an event is cancelled or postponed without a raindate being offered, or a refund is required by law, liability is limited to refunding the ticket price only. All other fees and charges are non-refundable.

Celebrities & Tokens

Will there be any guests at Armageddon?
Yes, once guests are announced, you can find a list of them here: https://www.armageddonexpo.com/guests/ 

What can I get signed by guests?

  • 8x10" photo - Guests will have a selection of 8x10" photos available to sign for a cost (price varies between each guest)
  • Personal item - You are able to bring in items to be signed such as books, games, DVDs etc. Please do not bring in items that are not permitted in the event such as bladed prop weapons etc. Depending on the guest, personal items may have a different price to get signed
  • Pop Vinyl - Some guests have a separate price for signing pop vinyls, but these work the same as personal items, you bring in your own pop to be signed, the guest will not have stock they will be selling on the day

How do I pay for the autographs/photos? 
You are able to purchase tokens for autographs and photos from the guests from the Armageddon Token Booth. You will also be able to pay with cash directly to the guest.

Do I need a token for all autographs? 
Tokens are only required for items that are paid, you do not need a token for the free 6x4" photos for the Animation Guests, but these are limited to only 1 per person. 

What if I miss the autograph/photo session? 
Guests generally do autograph/photo sessions all days, so if you miss one session, you will be able to use your token either day, but if you miss all the sessions due to not lining up in time, you will not receive a refund.

Do you have to pay extra for celebrity panels?
No, all panels are free. 

Can I record or livestream celebrity panels?
No, the filming and/or streaming of panels is not allowed under any circumstances. Photography may be permitted, as long as you do not use your flash.

Cosplay

What is cosplay?
Cosplay is the art of costume role-playing. The etymology of the term combines words like costume and play to describe the art form in which people adopt the attire and personality of a fictional character in comic book or popular culture. Cosplay costumes can involve a wide range of average materials like foam and fabric to create armour or capes. But cosplaying is also a community, and it draws like-minded people to brainstorm ideas, exchange materials and gather at events like Armageddon

Can anyone come in cosplay?
Yes! Anyone and everyone is welcome to come to Armageddon in cosplay! It doesn't matter how young or old you are, it doesn't matter if you made or bought your outfit, cosplay is for all to enjoy!

Do I have to register beforehand if I want to cosplay at the event?
If you want to take part, the Cosplay Parade requires signing up on the day at the info desk. If you’re just roaming the halls in costume, no signup is required.

I want to cosplay, but I don’t know anyone else going – help!
Get involved with your local community! The Cosplay New Zealand Facebook group covers all NZ Armageddon events.

What cosplay competitions are available for me to enter?
Armageddon no longer runs a cosplay competition, instead we now do our best to hold a cosplay parade each day at most events for everyone to be able to take part and showcase their cosplay.

Can I take photos of the cosplayers at the event?
Well that’s up to them, isn’t it? We welcome people to take photos at the event, but it’s good etiquette to ask first! No one likes finding photos of themselves online with a face stuffed full of chips. Besides – you’ll get a better photo if you give the cosplayer the chance to pose properly for you and hide all their con swag.

What is your harassment policy?
At Armageddon Expo, we value the safety of our attendees and want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable time at our event. We firmly believe in the saying “Cosplay is Not Consent”. Please ask cosplayers before photographing them and treat all your fellow attendees respectfully. If you witness or experience harassment, please tell a member of the Armageddon staff or security team. 

Do I need to get my prop checked when I enter the event? 
Yes, you must get your prop tagged by the prop check staff when you enter the event.

What cosplay props can I bring?
The Health and Safety of our attendees, staff and vendors is Armageddon’s number one priority, and we have a strict weapons and prop policy to ensure this, if you’re planning to attend any of our events with a prop, make sure it matches convention safety standards.
Following the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Attack we made a significant permanent adjustment to our cosplay and weapons prop policy. 
To reiterate for anyone unsure, real life and imitation military uniform of any kind will not be permitted under any circumstances. One general camouflage patterned clothing item is permitted such as trousers or a top by itself however, a full camouflage outfit or imitation military uniforms is not. This extends to SWAT style uniforms. Pre-1900's military uniform is permitted.
Furthermore, all imitation firearms whether they are handmade, a toy or not will not be permitted. Items that have the appearance of a working firearm, even where they do not function as one, are classified as imitation firearms. As imitation firearms can cause public alarm, these will not be permitted at our event. Weapons from sci-fi and fantasy shows and brightly coloured toy weapons that clearly do not resemble working firearms will be permitted.
We’d also like to highlight the following policy points:
All prop weapons must be submitted to prop check when entering an Armageddon Expo event. Armageddon Expo staff and representatives have the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Prop checks are located at the main entrance of any Armageddon Expo event. Once your prop is checked staff will put a bright cable tie around a part of your prop so other staff and attendees can see it has been checked.
Please when traveling to and from the event ensure that your prop weapons are safely transported so that you don’t raise concern from the general public and attract the attention of local law enforcement.
If you buy weapons at an Armageddon Expo event. All exhibitors must adhere to a strict R16 Weapons Customer Policy and will also provide an information leaflet summarising the Weapon Policy with all purchases. If you buy a prop or other weapon from an exhibitor at an Armageddon Expo event, you must keep it sealed in the secure packaging for the duration of the event. Those who disobey this rule will be removed from the event. Additionally prop weapons purchased at the event that do not meet the weapons policy may not be openly carried at the event.
Attending any Armageddon Expo event means that you agree to comply with all rules and policies regarding the safety of all attendees, including this weapons policy. You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Armageddon Expo event, Armageddon Expo staff and representatives hold the right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons and any other item you bring to the event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee at any time for violating this weapons policy because every attendee’s safety is of the utmost importance.

Can I bring my Lightsaber to Armageddon?
Lightsabers with a metal hilt are permitted at Armageddon as long as the total weight of the full item is less than 1kg.

Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited from all Armageddon Expo events:

  • Drones
  • Homemade Stilts
  • Alcohol and other illegal substances
  • Helium Balloons
  • Confetti or loose glitter
  • Lighters or other flammable sources
  • Ahegao clothing
  • Firearms of any description e.g. Rifles, shotguns, hand guns, blowguns.
  • Tasers and laser devices e.g. Laser pointers
  • Explosives or other incendiary devices
  • Metal weapons - these can include but are not limited to; knives, swords, daggers, switchblades, axes, hatchets, metal pole-arms, ninja stars.
  • Blunt weapons/sports equipment e.g. nunchucks, brass knuckles, whips.
  • Roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards, heelys and scooters.
  • E-cigarettes or other vaping devices
Media

How will I know if I have been granted a Media Pass?
We aim to get in touch with applicants regarding whether you have been successful or not around two weeks prior to the event.

If I get given a Media Pass do I still have to buy a ticket?
No, you do not. A Media Pass provides you with entry to the event for the entirety of the event’s public opening hours.

When to Media Pass applications close?
The deadline for applications is two weeks prior to any of our events, any applications received past that date will not be considered.

How do I get my Media Pass?
There are two ways of obtaining your Media Pass. The first is picking it up from the event during our setup hours - these will be advised once your application has been approved. If you are unable to make it to the venue during setup we can courier your pass to you. Please note this is at a cost of $15.00 NZD. Passes can be picked up during the event under special circumstances, but it is preferred you pick up your pass on set up day.

Each person attending must apply for a Media Pass individually. Media Passes are limited in quantity and assigned at our discretion. If you have not qualified for one you will not be permitted to acquire one from another organisation. No Media Passes will be granted on-site.

Who do I direct media-related questions to?
If you have any media-related questions or you'd like to get in touch to organise interviews/content, please email the communications manager at [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Kohika Creative is the only Official Cosplay Photographer endorsed by Armageddon, aside from the occasional guest photographer that will have a limited time on the Photo Wall, and we do not encourage any paid photo shoots inside any of our events. Our goal is to allow for full accessibility for anyone to have professional photos taken on the Photo Wall for free.

COVID Safety

Please consider the health and wellbeing of others before attending this event.
Remember that if you are any of the following you are not permitted into the event:

  • feeling unwell or have any cold or flu like symptoms
  • are self isolating or awaiting test results for COVID-19
  • have a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
  • or have been in contact with anyone who fits the descriptions above

Do I have to be vaccinated to attend Armageddon?
Vaccine passes are no longer required for the general public as per the Government's restrictions, however we still require all exhibitors present at each event and all of their staff employed at each event to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. 

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