- Rhythm & Vines – Gisborne, New Zealand (Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne)
- Splore Festival – Tapapakanga Regional Park, Auckland, New Zealand
- Laneway Festival – Auckland, New Zealand (Albert Park, Auckland)
- WOMAD – New Plymouth, New Zealand (TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth)
- Homegrown – Wellington, New Zealand (Wellington Waterfront)
- Northern Bass – Mangawhai, New Zealand (Worsfold Farm, Mangawhai)
- Bay Dreams – Tauranga, New Zealand (Trustpower Baypark Stadium, Tauranga)
- Electric Avenue – Christchurch, New Zealand (Hagley Park North, Christchurch)
- Soundsplash – Raglan, New Zealand (Wainui Reserve, Raglan)
- One Love Festival – Tauranga, New Zealand (Tauranga Domain)
- Rhythm & Alps – Wanaka, New Zealand (Cardrona Valley, Wanaka)
- Nest Fest – Waihi, New Zealand (Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi)
- Matakana Music Festival – Matakana, New Zealand (Ascension Wine Estate, Matakana)
- Hidden Valley – Matakana, New Zealand (Secret location in Matakana)
- The Others Way – Auckland, New Zealand (Various venues in Auckland)
- Festival One – Mystery Creek, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Waitangi Day Festival – Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand (Waitangi Treaty Grounds)
- Tora Bombora – Tora, New Zealand (Tora Coastal Reserve, Tora)
- Sweetwaters Music Festival – Paeroa, New Zealand (Sweetwaters Farm, Paeroa)
- South Island Soul Festival – Christchurch, New Zealand (Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch)
These festivals showcase a diverse range of music genres, including electronic dance music, rock, pop, reggae, and world music. They take place in a variety of venues throughout New Zealand, from vineyards to parks, stadiums, and coastal reserves. The festival experiences range from multi-day camping festivals to one-day events, each with its own unique vibe and atmosphere. Many of these festivals also incorporate other cultural activities and events, such as food markets and art exhibitions, making them an excellent opportunity to experience the rich culture of New Zealand.
New Zealand has a rich and diverse music culture, and the country hosts a variety of music festivals throughout the year. These festivals offer a range of music genres and themes that reflect the unique blend of Maori, Pacific Island, and European cultures that make up New Zealand’s society.
One of the most popular music festivals in New Zealand is the Rhythm and Vines festival, which is held in Gisborne over three days from December 29th to 31st. The festival has been running since 2003 and is now one of the largest New Year’s Eve music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival features a mix of international and local artists across multiple stages, and the genres of music played include rock, hip-hop, indie, electronic, and dance.
Another popular festival is the Splore festival, which takes place on the Tapapakanga Regional Park in Auckland over three days in February. The festival’s theme is “Sustainability and Art,” and the event combines live music, art installations, and outdoor activities. The music played at Splore is mainly electronic, with a focus on house and techno, but the festival also features funk, soul, reggae, and hip-hop artists.
The WOMAD (World of Music, Arts, and Dance) festival is another popular music festival in New Zealand that celebrates the diversity of music and cultures from around the world. The festival features artists from a range of countries, including New Zealand, and showcases a variety of music genres, including traditional music, world music, and contemporary music. The festival takes place in March at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth.
The Homegrown festival is a celebration of New Zealand music, featuring local artists across multiple stages. The festival takes place in Wellington in March and has a variety of music genres, including rock, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic.
The Queenstown Winter Festival, which takes place in June, is another popular music festival in New Zealand that celebrates the winter season. The festival features live music from local artists, as well as other events, such as skiing and snowboarding competitions, street parties, and fireworks.
Other notable music festivals in New Zealand include the Laneway Festival, which features alternative and indie music, the Northern Bass festival, which focuses on electronic dance music, and the Taupo Summer Concert, which features classic rock bands.
New Zealand’s music festivals reflect the country’s unique cultural heritage, which blends Maori, Pacific Island, and European influences. Many festivals celebrate this diversity, offering a range of music genres and showcasing local artists alongside international acts. Additionally, New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes often provide a beautiful backdrop for these festivals, adding to the overall experience.
