2024
First show
Our story
About HobbyCon
Three friends, a tiny hall, and a hobby community that grew into New Zealand's premier celebration of collectors, players and creators.
Our Story
We started our adventure in 2024, where our staff team was just 3 guys who attended university and played with Pokémon cards on the side. We had just about 20 vendors join us at our first show in the smallest venue imaginable! The MT Eden War Memorial Hall proved to us that there was so much more the hobby space was waiting on, and it was only a matter of time before people realised the significance HobbyCon would be in the hobby space.
Today, HobbyCon has become the premier event space in New Zealand to celebrate the hobby community and all the passions that bring us together. We are joined by over 200 vendors within our shows throughout New Zealand! The journey has only just begun, and we hope you join us along the way!
20
Vendors in that first hall
200+
Vendors with us across NZ
What is hobbycon all about?
A home for every kind of hobbyist
HobbyCon is all about bringing people together through the hobbies they love. At its heart, HobbyCon is a place where collectors, players, creators, families, and newcomers can come together under one roof, meet people who share their interests, discover something new, and simply enjoy being part of the community. From trading card games to sports cards, pop culture, anime, LEGO, figures, comics, retro games, Hot Wheels, arts and crafts, and much more, we want HobbyCon to be a home for every kind of hobbyist.
Our events bring together vendors, local stores, artists, collectors and communities from across New Zealand, alongside tournaments, trading, learn-to-play experiences, giveaways and activities for people of all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been collecting for years, you're chasing that one card you've always wanted, you're looking for your next hobby, or you're simply curious about what the community has to offer, there's a place for you at HobbyCon.
More than anything, we want to create events that feel welcoming, community-focused and accessible. HobbyCon is somewhere you can bring your friends and family, make new connections, support local businesses and creators, and share the excitement of the things you're passionate about. HobbyCon may have started with three friends and some Pokémon cards, but our journey has grown far beyond that. As we bring HobbyCon to more cities across New Zealand, our goal remains the same:
To celebrate the hobbies we love, the people behind them, and the communities that bring them to life!
Visitor FAQ
Questions we hear a lot
Vendor FAQs can be found on the Become a Vendor page.
What can I expect at HobbyCon?
Every HobbyCon is packed with things to see and do. You can expect hundreds of vendor tables, tournaments, tons of giveaways and family-friendly things to do! At our show, we historically have had Pokémon, sports cards, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball, Magic: The Gathering, Riftbound, Flesh & Blood, Lorcana, NBA, NFL, NRL, Panini, Gundam, Warhammer 40K, anime, figures, LEGO, plushies, blind boxes, arts & crafts, card trading, model kits, comics, Hot Wheels, retro games, and so much more.
Is HobbyCon only about trading cards?
Not at all! Trading cards are a big part of where our journey started, but HobbyCon has grown to celebrate the wider hobby community. Our goal is simple: come with a hobby you already love or leave having discovered a new one.
Can I bring my own cards and collection?
Of course! You're welcome to bring cards or other appropriate collectibles with you to trade, play with or show other members of the community. Please remember that you're responsible for keeping your belongings safe throughout the event.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Historically we have had door sales available past the initial wave of door sales at 10-11am. Door sales may be available depending on the event and remaining capacity, as well as venue health & safety constraints. We recommend purchasing online beforehand to avoid missing out.
Do children need a ticket?
HobbyCon events offer free admission for children under 12, as long as they are accompanied with a guardian and a standard ticket.
Do I have to come to the event exactly at the ticket time? Can I leave the event and come back later?
No, you may arrive later to the event based on your ticket time. If you have a 10am ticket, you can enter the event, say 1pm if you wished. As long as you have your HobbyCon pass, ticket or wristband, you will be allowed back into our HobbyCon events until the end of the day.
Is HobbyCon accessible?
We aim to make HobbyCon welcoming and accessible to as many people as possible. Accessibility facilities differ between venues, so if you have specific accessibility requirements, please check the venue information or contact our team before attending.
Is food available at HobbyCon?
Food and drink availability varies between venues. Information about food vendors, cafés or nearby options may be provided on individual event pages. Our Auckland venue has extensive on-site food catering provided by the venue.
Can I volunteer at HobbyCon?
Yes! Our volunteers help make HobbyCon possible, from welcoming attendees to supporting activities and helping the event run smoothly. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more and apply to join the HobbyCon crew.
I'm a content creator. Can I work with HobbyCon?
Yes! Our Media Pass programme is open to eligible content creators, influencers, photographers, videographers, streamers and other media creators. Approved creators may receive benefits such as complimentary entry, giveaway tickets and opportunities to work with HobbyCon. Visit our Media Pass page to apply.
I still have a question. How can I contact HobbyCon?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, get in touch with the HobbyCon team at admin@hobbycon.co.nz or through our social media channels and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Come along for the next chapter
Shows are rolling out across New Zealand. Grab tickets, browse what's on, or get involved behind the tables.