NZ Summer Festival Guide

NZ Summer Festival Guide

by Vanessa Be

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4 min

When summer hits, it hits! It’s time to trade in your regular weekend plans for epic vibes. Grab your sunnies, rally up your friends and start planning your social calendars - this is your guide to the biggest and best festivals happening throughout NZ!

Hidden Valley

📍 Matakana Country Park

📆 27 Dec 2024


Hidden Valley is the brainchild of Red Rum Touring. The masterminds behind some of the biggest and most epic events in New Zealand, including Summer Classic, Touch Bass, Spring & Summer Classic, Sub XL, and more! Since 2011, they’ve been bringing the world’s best electronic artists to Aotearoa - so you know it’ll be a good time at Hidden Valley!

Hidden Valley

Started in 2016, Hidden Valley has become New Zealand’s largest one-day festival over the New Year period - bringing up to 10,000 festival-goers together! And this year, get ready for a massive lineup with UK legends like Bou and A.M.C, plus Bunt. from Germany - they’ll be bringing the bass and that will have you dancing all night long.

Rhythm and Vines (RnV)

📍 Tairāwhiti Gisborne

📆 28/29 - 31 Dec 2024


New Zealand's largest and most iconic festival, Rhythm and Vines spans three (four for campers!) unforgettable days over the New Year period, set against stunning vineyards. For over two decades, Kiwis and international festival-goers have come together to enjoy world-class entertainment. From legendary International acts like SchoolBoyQ and Playboi Carti (Hip-Hop) to goated Netsky and Dom Dolla (Drum and Bass), there is something for everyone.

Rhythm and Vines

With 3 main stages and several smaller ones, RnV offers endless options to dance, groove and discover new music. The festival's three-day duration means you get to camp under the stars, experiencing summer fun, good vibes and non-stop shenanigans. Expect a countdown into the New Year with emotional highlights, lowlights and memories from the year gone by - brace yourself, it’s a moment that might shed a tear or two (I know it did for me!). 

Rhythm and Alps (RnA)

📍 Cardrona Valley, Wānaka

📆 30 - 31 Dec 2024


The sister festival of RnV, Rhythm and Alps is the south island’s ultimate New Years festival! Just 40 minutes from Queenstown and 15 minutes from Wānaka, RnA takes place in the stunning Cardrona Valley nestled in the mighty Southern Alps. The scenic drive there is a journey itself, with breathtaking views to enjoy along the way - and when you arrive, you’ll be partying surrounded by alluring mountain and stream views.

Rhythm and Alps

RnA is a festival experience like no other, featuring 50+ incredible acts across 4 stages, creating an unforgettable visual and sonic journey. Whether you choose to day-trip in or go all in by camping on-site (VIP or general), you’ll be having “pinch me” moments. Don’t miss out on their newly released second lineup - it’s epic!

Northern Bass

📍 Kaiwaka/Mangawhai

📆 29 - 31 Dec 2024


Similar to RnV, Northern Bass is a massive three-day New Year Celebration, just over an hour north of Auckland in the beautiful summer spot of Mangawhai. With a killer lineup of DJs and live acts including Andy C and AJ Tracey - it’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

Northern Bass

Northern Bass has two main stages and a chilled-out lagoon-side mini stage, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the music. For the ultimate experience, camping on-site is the way to go, but if you’d rather stay nearby, there are plenty of baches and campsites in Mangawhai and Kaiwaka. Plus, enjoy the festival however you want with one, two, or three-day tickets!

AUM

📍 South Head

📆 29 - 31 Dec 2024


The only family-friendly New Years festival in this guide, AUM offers a welcoming and community-driven experience for all! Set in the spectacular coastal Kānuka Forest, just an hour north of Auckland - the venue is transformed into a magical space where everyone can come together to celebrate. 

AUM

AUM’s mission is to create a sustainable, safe, and beautiful environment for all to enjoy, and the festival delivers just that. With a diverse lineup spanning House, Techno, Drum & Bass, Psychedelic Rock, Dub, and more, there’s something for every music lover across four themed stages. Beyond the music, AUM offers the Healing Glade, a space dedicated to wellness with daily yoga, breathwork, and self-healing workshops - leaving you feeling inspired.

St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

📍 Western Springs, Auckland

📆 6 Feb 2025


Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Laneway Festival has grown into one of the most iconic and beloved music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years, it’s expanded its footprint across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, earning a reputation for curating cutting-edge lineups.

St. Jerome’s Laneway

Did someone say BRAT summer…? The name on everyone's lips, Charli xcx will be making her way to Aotearoa to perform exclusively at Laneway. Get ready to dance, sing, and make memories that will last a lifetime with its mix of indie, electronic, and pop music

Electric Avenue

📍 Hagley Park, Christchurch

📆 21 - 22 Feb 2025


For the first time ever, New Zealand’s biggest one day festival will expand to a two-day event for 2025! Set in the heart of Christchurch, Electric Avenue is gearing up to celebrate its 10th birthday with an unforgettable experience. You know this is going to be one for the books when the team responsible for the Great Kiwi Beer Festival and the South Island Wine and Food Festival are involved in this festival!

Electric Avenue

Expect over 60 artists performing across four stages, including 20 international acts and fan-favourites like L.A.B, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter - returning for those who have missed them before. Tickets sold out really fast, but there’s still time to get VIP passes while they're still available!

Have an unforgettable summer, dancing and grooving to world-class artists in stunning outdoor settings! This will be a summer to remember 🎉


Cheers, Beauties! x

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