A fresh group of Kiwi celebrities are preparing to swap comfort for chaos, with Celebrity Treasure Island 2026 unveiling its star-studded cast.
Hosted once again by Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels, the hit TVNZ reality series will see 16 familiar faces pushed to their limits in a series of intense physical challenges, set against the stunning backdrop of Northland.
All are vying for the same prize — to be crowned the winner of Celebrity Treasure Island 2026 and secure $100,000 for a charity of their choice.
Among the biggest names in this year’s lineup is More FM host and broadcasting great Simon Barnett, whose return to the island comes driven by an emotional personal cause, more than two decades after his first appearance.
Barnett said while there’s a competitive spark for himself, winning $100,000 for his charity, the White Matter Brain Cancer Trust, would be "life-changing".
He’ll be joined by fellow media personality Polly Gillespie, well-known and loved for her quick wit and humour on the airwaves.
Rugby superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe brings elite athleticism and a formidable competitive edge to the competition, with former All Back Frank Bunce making his return the island for a second shot at treasure.
Shortland Street stars Ben Barrington and Ria Vandervis will reunite on the island, though both insist there’s no pre-game alliance despite their previous on-screen relationship in Ferndale.
They’re joined by film stars Vinnie Bennett and Te Ao o Hinepehinga trading red carpets for survival in the wild, as well as singer/songwriter Georgia Lines.
Rounding out the cast are a mix of beloved digital personalities, including The Edge radio host Harrison Keefe and social media content creators Louis Davis and Nix Adams, all bringing their own unpredictable energy to the game.
With big personalities and high stakes at play, the new season is set to deliver plenty of memorable moments, twists and turns and no shortage of drama.
Meet the full Celebrity Treasure Island 2026 cast:
• Ben Barrington, Actor
• David Correos, Comedian
• Frank Bunce, former All Black
• Georgia Lines, Singer/Songwriter
• Harrison Keefe, The Edge Radio host
• Liv Parker, Comedian
• Louis Davis, Content Creator
• Nix Adams, Content Creator
• Polly Gillespie, Media Personality
• Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Rugby player
• Ria Vandervis, Actor
• Sammi Poole, Miss World New Zealand 2025
• Simon Barnett, Broadcaster
• Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Actor
• Vinnie Bennett, Actor
• Zion Dayal, TVNZ sports reporter
Hosting duo returns
Joining forces once again to front this year's season are hosting duo Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels, who described the new season as "quintessentially Kiwi".
"I love that the cast comes from all walks of life and you get to see those relationships form on the show," Tomasel said.
"There’s nothing else like it on TV and that’s why I’m so excited it’s back."
After spending last season as a viewer, Daniels said he was "stoked" to return to the show he loved so much.
"Celebrity Treasure Island has always meant family to me. It's what we used to gather around and watch when I was younger, and I love that sense of nostalgia," he said.
"I’m still a huge fan, so getting to see it all unfold firsthand is pretty awesome!"
Celebrity Treasure Island starts April 27 and airs 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday on TVNZ2 and TVNZ+.
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