New Zealand’s premier outdoor drive-in and indoor pop-up cinema. From Wellington racecourses to Canterbury showgrounds, school gymnasiums, and touring dates across Aotearoa — we bring the cinema to you.
Born in Wellington in 2013, Firefly Cinemas has spent over a decade delivering unforgettable film experiences under the open sky and inside community spaces. We pack commercial-grade cinema gear into our custom trailer and roll up wherever great stories need telling.
More than a decade of cinema memories, community fundraisers, and open-air magic across Aotearoa.
Firefly Cinemas was created in November 2013, launching with a buzzing first summer season at Trentham Racecourse. We revived the timeless romance of the drive-in: pull up, tune your vehicle’s FM radio, grab hot popcorn, and watch iconic films on a massive screen beneath the stars. Over 5,000 moviegoers joined us in that first summer alone.
Originally rooted in the Lower North Island, Firefly Cinemas has expanded under new ownership to bring our premier cinema experience to Christchurch, Canterbury, and regional communities nationwide. Our mission is to give every Kiwi the chance to experience a true pop-up cinema night.
Every Firefly screening uses commercial-grade laser projection, wind-rated inflatable Airscreens up to 12m, and private FM radio broadcast direct into vehicle sound systems. We combine nostalgia with crisp modern technology for a cinema experience that rivals standard movie theatres.
Cinema brings people together like nothing else. Over the years, our turnkey fundraising model has helped schools, PTAs, sports clubs, and charities retain thousands in profits while giving their local community a memorable night out.
From open-air screenings under the stars to rain-proof indoor event models, Firefly creates flexible cinema experiences for communities, organisations, and businesses year-round.
The signature Firefly experience. Vehicles park up in rows on showgrounds, sports fields, or car parks with crystal FM audio broadcast straight to car stereos.
Transform school gymnasiums, sports halls, community centres, or warehouses into pop-up theatres. Perfect for winter events with zero weather risk.
School and charity fundraisers, corporate staff rewards, brand launches, and themed sing-along screenings (Grease, Rocky Horror, Halloween, Car Rallies).
The operational strengths that make our pop-up cinema nights smooth, reliable, and commercially successful.
All our commercial equipment fits into our custom trailer. We rock up, unload, and set up anywhere in the country with zero fuss.
High-lumen laser projectors, commercial optics, and private FM radio transmitters deliver crisp visuals and pristine in-car sound.
Free-standing Airscreens (no structure setup cost) and large-format PVC canvas screens tailored precisely to your audience and space.
Seamlessly host summer drive-ins on grass paddocks or winter movie nights in school halls and community centres.
Permanent operations in Canterbury, deep roots in Wellington, and touring pop-up capability across the North and South Islands.
We handle movie distributor licensing consent, provide online ticketing software, supply marketing kits, and run the show on the night.
Whether raising vital funds for school playgrounds and sports teams or creating a nostalgic family night under the stars, Firefly is proud to be New Zealand's trusted cinema partner.
Browse upcoming movie screenings in Canterbury, or get in touch about hosting a pop-up cinema event with us.
