Top 10 Music Festivals in New Zealand

by Travel Guide Admin
09 Aug 2021

For a small country with only 5 million people, we have a whole lot of great music festivals spread out around the country.

While 2020 (and, let’s be honest, 2021) put a pause on international music idols joining our state of the art festivals, we still have a host of great New Zealand artists and musicians on our doorstep.

Have a read of what we believe are the top 10 music festivals in New Zealand, and go and experience the good vibes for yourself:

1. Rhythm and Vines

Known as New Zealand’s premier music and camping festival, this pumping multi-day festival is held at the end of December each year on the stunning East Coast in Gisborne.

From camping in the vines, to person-made waterslides, to zero sleep, to the once in a lifetime experience of four days of port-a-loos, this star-studded music festival is the mecca to every young person's summer.

With tickets selling out in record time, you’ll want to get in quick to experience a crazy few days that you won’t ever forget.

2. Rhythm & Alps

The South Island sister to Rhythm and Vines, Rhythm & Alps is the alpine equivalent of a crazy time with some of the top artists in the country.

Held at the same time of year as R&V in the breathtaking lakeside town of Wanaka, Rhythm & Alps (or R&A, as the locals call it), has to be one of the best-located festivals in the world.

3. WOMAD New Zealand

WOMAD, otherwise known as the World of Music, Arts, and Dance, is a multi-day international arts festival held annually in New Plymouth.

Celebrating different cultural interpretations of music, arts, and dance, WOMAD is full of incredible music, songs, vendors, and costumes that make this international festival a must-see.

4. Homegrown

With five massive stages, carnival rides, a variety of food and drink, and all-round good vibes, Homegrown is Wellington’s biggest music festival, situated on the beautiful waterfront.

With over 40 of New Zealand’s best bands and DJ’s held in March of every year, this festival is one of Wellington’s top events for a reason.

5. Pasifika Festival

This annual festival held each year in Auckland is a true cultural experience.

The largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, this festival hosts seven different villages, showcasing the differences between the cultures in the Pacific Islands.

Complete with food, dance, music, crafts, and local artisan products, the Pasifika festival is a stunning example of the beauty of cultural diversity.

6. Bay Dreams

Bay Dreams is an annual festival held in Nelson and Mount Maunganui at the beginning of January each year.

Featuring a diverse local and international line up across multiple stages, Bay Dreams is the perfect excuse for a summer getaway.

7. Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is an annual street party festival held in the small snow bunny town of Ohakune in the central North Island.

With an impressive lineup of music, Mardi Gras is a fun-filled festival that kicks off the winter snow season.

8. Laneway Festival

Laneway Festival is a star-studded festival that tours across Australia before heading to Auckland each year.

Beginning in 2005, this outdoor summer festival is the perfect day out filled with live music, talented artists, and the hot summer sun.

9. Splore

Splore is a boutique three-day music and arts festival located in the beautiful Tāpapakanga Regional Park in Auckland.

With free camping zones, family-friendly zones, and camper-vehicle sites, this music and arts festival is the perfect family experience in one of the most breathtaking regions of New Zealand.