If you’re travelling to New Zealand during the summer months, attending a music festival is a must-do experience. You’ll mix with locals, hear incredible artists and soak up the unique Kiwi summer vibe.
New Zealand plays host to some incredible music festivals over the warmer months, featuring popular local artists as well as big international names, all while surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. From urban to alternative, hip hop to rock, each summer there is something for everyone.
To make your festival trip comfortable and stress-free, consider travelling in a Wilderness motorhome. You’ll not only be able to combine your transport and accommodation wherever you go, you’ll also be able to stay on-site at many of the festivals — just like a VIP!
In this article we round up the five best summer musical festivals to add to your itinerary, to help you create your dream motorhome holiday. Better yet, as all of these festivals are packed into a few weeks, if you happen to be in New Zealand over that time you can enjoy more than one, even if you have limited time. So get ready to make your friends jealous as you embark on an iconic New Zealand adventure.
Top five music festivals to add to your New Zealand itinerary.
Rhythm and Vines
Held in Gisborne on the East Cape of the North Island - the first place in the world to see the sunrise - this festival, held over the New Year period, is unforgettable in every way. Located at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne, Rhythm and Vines offers a great line-up of international and up-and-coming local artists that you can enjoy with the picture-perfect backdrop of vineyards surrounding you.
Laneway
This unique Auckland festival is hosted from a new downtown home in the beautiful Albert Park precinct. Relax on the grass, enjoy a wide range of music genres and explore boutique bars and great street food. Laneway is usually held at the end of January and is known for highlighting fresh music in a unique setting.
Splore
Set in the magical location of Tapapakanga Regional Park, southwest of Auckland, this three-day festival is considered one of the best in the world for boutique music and arts. Soak up the sounds while on the beach or even from a yacht. Previous years have brought huge local and international line-ups so stay tuned to see what’s in store this summer. Splore is held in February.
Northern Bass
Spend three days and three nights bringing in the New Year in style at the idyllic summer hotspot of Mangawhai, an hour north of Auckland. Northern Bass brings together a world-class selection of musicians, DJ’s and producers to create your perfect drum and bass holiday soundtrack. For the ultimate experience, travel to the festival in your Wilderness motorhome and stay at one of the many beautiful local campsites.
Homegrown
This is one of New Zealand's longest running and most popular music festivals. Held on the picturesque Wellington waterfront with multiple stages and artists over the one-day event, it’s the quintessential Kiwi music experience. Homegrown is held in Autumn while the weather is still settled.
New Zealand is the ultimate destination for experiencing classic Kiwi summer music festivals. Bringing together great artists, beautiful places and Kiwi culture, a music festival is the perfect event to include in your New Zealand motorhome adventure.
