New Zealand's epic scenery plays host to some pretty amazing music festivals throughout the year - from 3 day beach camping festivals to secret 'non festivals,' here are 10 of the best NZ Music Festivals to add to your bucket list.
1. Rhythm & Alps
When: 29 - 31 December
Where: Cardrona Valley, near Wanaka and Queenstown
Cost: From $119 + booking fee
So you’re heading to New Zealand’s South Island for New Year's Eve? Think Big Mountains & beautiful lakes! This is the only 2 day camping festival held in the South Island and is an absolute must! You can buy 1 day tickets or multi-day tickets.
More info: www.rhythmandalps.co.nz
Pre & Post Festival Accommodation: Base Wanaka or Base Queenstown
2. Queenstown Winter Festival
When: Late June
Where: Queenstown
Cost: FREE
Snow junkie? This is the ultimate New Zealand Festival for you! Not too good on the slopes? Not to worry - Queenstown Winter Fest features a week long array of Events including Film Festivals, DJs, Bands, Hot Tubs, Parties, Fireworks - and of course, some of the best snowboarders / skiiers from across the globe to compete in the Winterfest games.
More info: www.winterfestival.co.nz
Festival Accommodation: Base Queenstown
3. Homegrown
When: Late March
Where: Wellington
Cost: $139.90 + booking fee
Probably one of New Zealand's longest running and popular music festivals with 5 stages and 42 Bands rocking the stages year after year. 2019's line up will be announced on October 1st - stay tuned! This is the ultimate festival to check local Kiwi music in New Zealand's very own capital of cool.
More info: www.homegrown.net.nz
Festival Accommodation: Base Wellington
4. Rhythm and Vines
When: 28 - 31 December
Where: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
Cost: $295 for 3 day General Access ticket.
5 Stages, 120 Local & International Artists surrounded by vineyards and drumroll... the first place in the WORLD to see the SUNRISE! You can buy combined tickets to this plus BW Festival to make the most of Gisborne’s New Year’s festivities. Previous years have seen the likes of N.E.R.D, Kimbra, Franz Ferninand, Six60 and Chet Faker.
More info: www.rhythmandvines.co.nz
5. St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
When: Late January
Where: Auckland CBD
One of our favourite NZ Music Festivals - Laneway Festival (also takes place in Australia) is kicking off 2019 with a bang! Previous artists have included Angus & Julia Stone, Banks and Belle & Sebastian. Line up and dates for 2019 to be announced.
Cost: TBA
More info: auckland.lanewayfestival.com
Festival Accommodation: Base Auckland
6. Camp a Low Hum
When: ?
Where: Tatum Park, Ohau (70km north of Wellington)
Cost:
A local’s secret. A ‘non’ festival. It breaks all of the rules – no queues. No security. No VIP areas... and the 70 local and international acts are not released until you arrive. Tickets sell out fast so get onboard. Oh and did we mention it’s BYO Alcohol? Can't get anymore Wellington. We're not sure this is happening again, but will update here if we find out more information.
More info: www.alowhum.com
Pre & Post Festival Accommodation: Base Wellington
7. Highlife NYE Experience
When: 31 December
Where: 2 Queens Street, Northcote Point, Auckland
Cost: TBA
If you are in Auckland on New Year’s Eve bring in the New Year with Fireworks, DJs and views at Northcote Point. Full event info soon to be announced.
More info: highlifeentertainment.co.nz
Festival Accommodation: Base Auckland
8. Northern Bass
When: 29 - 31 December
Where: Mangawhai, 1 hour north of Auckland
Cost: TBA
Set in the sub tropical pleasures of New Zealand’s northland one hour from Auckland – this festival celebrates all things bass – drum n bass, grime, hip hop, boom bap – you name it. The location has a sandy beach lagoon and a beach volleyball court. Previous years have seen line ups including Shapeshifter, Ladi 6, Andy C and more - we are excited to see who brings in the next new year! Stay tuned.
More info: https://northernbass.co.nz/
Festival Accommodation: Base Auckland
9. Splore
When: Late February
Where: Tapapakanga Regional Park, 1 hour from Auckland
Cost: From $215 + booking fee
This is a 3 Day festival favourited by NZ locals. It is a little more low key and takes place over 3 days on the shores of the Tapapakanga area. Located just 50 km south west of Auckland - this 3 day music festival respects the ancient land. Previous years have brought massive line ups so stay tuned for yet another epic list of local and international artists.
More info: http://www.splore.net/
Pre & Post Festival Accommodation: Base Auckland
10. EarthBeat
When: Late March
Where: Kaipara, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Cost: From $135 for a day ticket
This is a small grassroots festival in Auckland. There is much that it has to offer travelers coming into New Zealand, both culturally and artistically. For example, there are rongoa, hangi and Treaty of Waitangi workshops.
More Info: https://earthbeatfestival.com/
Festival Accommodation: Camping is available onsite or stay at Base Backpackers
Main image shows the Big Day Out which sadly is not happening anymore, but who knows it may return! By Ari Bakker from Wellington, New Zealand (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
All prices and approximate dates correct at time of publishing. Please check with the festival organisers for up to date information.
