Wizards,magicians, & twisters.
Join us for a magical gathering down under. You can register below and follow this page for the latest updates, registration info, guest reveals, and event news.
We are super excited to bring a full-blown Magic and Balloon Convention back to New Zealand.
All we need now is you! We can't stress enough how this convention needs the full support of the magic and balloon community to ensure it is a success, and therefore a catalyst for future conventions in New Zealand. Please share widely with your magic clubs and potential registrants.
CURRENT SIGNED HEADLINERS
Peter Nardi | United Kingdom
JOHN GUASTAFERRO — WORKERS & WONDERS
From distant realms of wonder comes John Guastaferro — magician, scholar, TEDx speaker, author, and renowned keeper of secrets. His magic has travelled across 14 countries, including performances at the legendary Magic Castle.
Known for his mastery of cards, John is the author of acclaimed works including One Degree and Final Degree, treasured by magicians worldwide.
Now John opens his satchel of secrets with a powerful collection of sleight-of-hand wonders, ingenious workers, and routines that seem to perform their own magic, including material from his newest notes, Workers & Wonders.
But this session goes beyond tricks. John explores creativity, construction, performance, and the subtle choices that transform good magic into unforgettable magic.
At the heart of his philosophy is One Degree — how the smallest shift in thought, technique, or presentation can create extraordinary results.
Come for the secrets. Stay for the wisdom. Leave with magic worth carrying into your own realm.
Gustavo Raley | South America
From the southern realm of Buenos Aires came Gustavo Raley, a master of wonder whose magical journey began beside his father, Daniel Raley. Gifted in the arts of invention, he created more than seventy magical marvels, shared by conjurers throughout the world.
Honoured with many accolades, including four awards at FLASOMA in 1998, his famed creations—such as the legendary Supercan—have been performed across many lands and displayed before the masters at the FISM World Championship. His magic has graced renowned halls including The Magic Circle and The Magic Castle.
A creator, performer, and teacher, Gustavo has shared his knowledge in over forty nations. Named Magician of the Year in 2007 and featured on the cover of M-U-M Magazine in 2025, his name remains known wherever wonder and enchantment are treasured.
Peter Nardi | United Kingdom
From the fabled house of Alakazam comes a master of great renown—Peter Nardi, wielder of wonders and keeper of arcane craft.
His creations, prized by magi across the realms, have turned humble wallets into tools of power. At MagiConz, he shall share his secrets, with Wayne McEwan beside him to draw forth hidden truths.
Stand ready—for when the mind of Nardi is unveiled, mysteries shall awaken.
Rachel Wax | USA
Hark, seekers of wonder! The mists have parted, and the name is revealed—Rachel Wax, enchantress of mirth and mystery, shall grace the halls of MagiConz! Since her sixteenth year, she has walked the path of magic, weaving laughter and awe with every spell. From the city of Chicago to the towers of New York, her craft has dazzled far and wide—Penn & Teller, Masters of Illusion, and more. Steel thy hearts and ready thy senses—Rachel Wax cometh, and marvels shall follow.
Paul Romhany | Canada
From the fair shores of Aotearoa comes Paul Romhany, silent sorcerer and master of mirth. Across 120 lands, his famed Charlie Chaplin illusion has stirred hearts without a single word.
Founder of the Vanish Scrolls and a craftsman of both wonder and wisdom, Paul’s magic has shaped the very art itself.
Crowned with honors—FISM Champion, Magic Castle Laureate, and Grand Master of Magic—he stands as a true legend of our age.
Behold, Paul Romhany, bearer of marvels and silent tales.
Pippity Pop
In the wondrous lands of Aotearoa lives Pippity-Pop, the Balloonologist — known to friends and festival folk as Pip. Her story began at age eight when she first watched a Balloon Twister and felt the spark that started her colourful creative journey. Seventeen years ago she picked up her first balloon for fun and hasn’t stopped since. Her twisting talents have taken her across New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the UK, Europe, and Japan, spreading joy and teaching the art of balloon creation.
Along the way, she has hosted the international Balloon Taskmaster, brought laughter to Zoo Moo TV with Ninja Gorilla, and earned the title of New Zealand’s Blow Up Champion. Now she joins the fellowship at MAGICONZ, bringing colour, laughter, and wonder.
THE DEALERS
Dealers at the convention.
Something for everyone!
GRUM Magic
For the lovers of the finest quality handcrafted leather magic products and magic accessories.Grum Magic is an internationally renowned creator of high-end, leather magic props and accessories founded by our very own magician and leatherworker Ari Phillips. The brand is popular among close-up magicians and mentalists around the world and now operates form here in NZ.
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Fox Magic MFG:
is Australia’s premier magic manufacturing company, working behind the scenes with some of the world’s leading creators and magic dealers to bring innovative ideas to life. Specialising in precision craftsmanship, custom manufacturing, and bespoke magic products, Fox Magic MFG has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest magic apparatus and gaffed playing cards available anywhere in the world. For this convention, they will also be unveiling exclusive new releases available only to attendees.
Papillon Promotional:
Christa New Zealand's own Balloon specialist.
Alakazam Magic: Peter Nardi - England​
Gustavo Rally Magic: South America
New Zealand Puppets and Magic Store - Elgregoe
Wayne McEwan Magic
Lecturers dealers table -
Also there will be lecture items from Paul Romhany and Rachel Wax.
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We will release even more Dealer details soon!
We are delighted to invite you all to MAGICONZ, the first Magic and Balloon Convention to be held in Queenstown, 23-26 October 2026.
The key details of the Convention are as follows:
Date
Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October 2026
The Programme
Friday Welcome function at 7pm
Saturday Convention all day - Gala Dinner and Show in the evening
Sunday Convention all day - Public Show in the Evening
Monday Optional Masterclass or Tourist activity
Venue
Queenstown Memorial Centre
1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
New Zealand
The Cost
Adults
$450 (early bird rate is $350 if you register before 31 December 2025)
Juniors (under 18)
$350 (early bird rate is $250 if you register before 31 December 2025)
Partners
$350 (early bird rate is $250 if you register before 31 December 2025)
Optional Gala Dinner & Show
To be held on Saturday night, cost is $87 per person - includes dinner and entertainment. Cash bar will be available.
Accommodation
A discount of 10% off the room rate has been organised with the Blue Peaks Lodge, a very short walk from the Convention Venue. There are a big variety of rooms. First in first served. The details are
Blue Peaks Lodge, 11 Sydney Street, Queenstown, Phone 03 441 0437
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​There are obviously hundreds of accommodation options available in Queenstown to suit all budgets. Feel free to book anywhere.
REGISTRATION FORM
(In association with The International Brotherhood of Magicians IBM Ring 160 Kiwi Magic, The Tony Wilson Ring Incorporated)
Note: If you are experiencing difficulties making an international payment and would prefer to pay via PayPal, please send your payment to jonathan@thisway.co.nz.
When making the payment, kindly include a note stating “Magiconz Registration” along with the name(s) of the person/people the payment is for along with the options.
If you need further information, please contact one of the conference committee members.
Jonathan Usher 021462442 | Wayne McEwan 027436 3322
Terry von Pein 027 290 3919 | Greg Britt 027 221 3800
Ari Phillips 027 930 4365
We can't wait to welcome you all to Queenstown in 2026. See you there!
WE SHALL MEET THEE IN THE LANDS DOWN UNDER BEFORE LONG.
