Listen to chilled beats by the beach, catch Kiwi talent in the world's coolest capital or experience Pacific culture at a New Zealand music festival.
Where better to experience the first sunrise of the year than at New Zealand’s biggest music festival, Rhythm and Vines(opens in new window). The internationally acclaimed three-day music festival showcases the world’s best musicians in one of the most beautiful locations on earth, Gisborne.
What started as a picnic day, Pasifika Festival(opens in new window) has become the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Nowadays, 11 stages resonate with the sounds of brass bands, drummers, ukuleles and melodic voices every year, showcasing the traditions and prowess of the Pacific peoples, including the Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ring in the New Year at the foot of the mighty Southern Alps at Rhythm and Alps(opens in new window) the South Island sister of Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines. The three-day music event sees 10,000 people flock the beautiful Cardrona Valley - just 15 minutes from Wānaka - to see 50 international and local acts perform across four stages. Pitch your own tent, bring a campervan or hire a teepee.
Every year Wellington waterfront comes alive with banging Kiwi beats and a carnival atmosphere for Homegrown(opens in new window) music festival. Five stages showcase an array of New Zealand talent, covering everything from rock, electronic and dubstep. Expect nothing less from the coolest little capital.
WOMAD(opens in new window) (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is an internationally established festival that brings together artists from all over the globe to celebrate music, arts and dance. Held annually at the stunning New Plymouth site in Taranaki the three-day festival is family-oriented, with different camping options, food stalls and plenty of activities.
Explore Splore(opens in new window) a boutique music festival held on the beach an hour outside Auckland City. It’s a typical Kiwi summer experience – swimming, camping, friends – but with an eclectic line-up, glamping and colourful art. You can drive, catch a bus or even dock your boat!
Northern Base(opens in new window) is situated just over 1.5 hours north of Auckland on the magical shores of Mangawhai. Held annually, the three-day and night festival brings together a world-class selection of musicians, DJs, and producers that provide the ultimate soundtrack to bring in the new year.
Feel the love at the worlds biggest reggae and roots music festival, One Love(opens in new window). The popular beach town of Tauranga in The Bay of Plenty roars to life while hosting 20,000 people across this two-day festival that showcases Aotearoa's biggest reggae and roots bands.
The shores of the breathtaking Kaipara Harbour hosts one of New Zealand's most innovative and earth-friendly music, arts, and well-being festivals. Earth Beat Aotearoa(opens in new window) is a 5-day celebration with 5 stages of entertainment including a youth stage, numerous mind-expanding wellness workshops and plenty of wonder-filled experiences for all ages. Earth Beat – it’s the beat that connects us.
The popular seaside resort of Whangamatā in The Coromandel roars to life once a year for Beach Hop(opens in new window), a five-day festival celebrating the music, culture, fashion, music, hot rods, motorbikes, dancing, dragsters and scooters of this golden era. The festival has grown from 6000 to over 120,000 people since its inception in 2001.
