Explore New Zealand’s summer music festival scene, from intimate gatherings to large outdoor celebrations. This guide covers the 2026–2027 season, with confirmed dates and clear status updates for festivals that have paused or ended.
Updated 28 October 2026. Check the linked official websites before booking travel or tickets.
There is certainly no shortage of festivals in New Zealand, yet you will discover that most are held over the summer months (December to April). And if you are in Aotearoa over the New Year period, there are a plethora of great festivals at your fingertips.
Here’s a peek at some of the NZ festivals that have caught our attention:
CubaDupa
Wellington’s free street festival fills the Cuba Quarter with live music, performance, art and food. It welcomes all ages for a weekend in the creative heart of the capital.
When: 20–21 March 2027
Where: Cuba Quarter, Wellington
Official CubaDupa website
One Love Festival NZ
One Love is known for its reggae lineups and gatherings at Tauranga Domain.
Dates / status: The 2026 festival was cancelled. Organisers expressed hopes of returning in 2027, but confirmed 2027 dates were not available at this update.
Where: Tauranga; any future venue is subject to confirmation.
Official One Love website
Twisted Frequency
Five days of underground electronic music, live performances, art and community in the beautiful Cobb Valley near Golden Bay.
When: 30 December 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Cobb Valley, Golden Bay, South Island
Official Twisted Frequency website · 2027 festival tickets and dates
Rhythm & Vines
Welcome the new year at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne, with music and camping among the vines. The organiser has announced that 2026 will be the final edition at this venue before a planned move in 2027.
When: 28–31 December 2026 (the advertised festival and camping window)
Where: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne / Tairāwhiti
Official Rhythm and Vines website
WOMAD NZ
WOMAD brings music, arts and dance from around the world to New Plymouth. Its welcoming atmosphere, cultural programme and family activities make it a favourite for a shared whānau weekend.
When: 12–14 March 2027. WOMAD is returning following its 2026 pause.
Where: Brooklands Park and Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth, Taranaki
Official WOMAD website
Rhythm & Alps
Rhythm and Alps brings a two-day New Year music festival to the mountain scenery of the Cardrona Valley. This is an R18 event.
When: 30–31 December 2026
Where: Robrosa Station, Cardrona Valley, near Wānaka
Official Rhythm and Alps website
Homegrown NZ
Homegrown celebrates New Zealand music with a day of local performers in Hamilton.
When: 3 April 2027
Where: Claudelands Oval, Hamilton / Kirikiriroa
Age: R18
Official Homegrown website
Dimension NZ
Dimension is a psychedelic trance festival combining music, art, camping and community in Northland. The 2027 event is the Origins edition.
When: 5–8 February 2027; campers depart by 10am on 9 February.
Where: Northland
Official Dimension website
Shipwrecked
Shipwrecked brings underground music, art and a lakeside camping atmosphere to Te Ārai, north of Auckland.
When: 12–14 February 2027
Where: 186 Atkins Road, Te Ārai
Official Shipwrecked website
Ruapuke Royale
Raglan’s small roots, reggae and dub gathering brings music and community together on the west coast.
Dates / status: On hiatus for 2026. Check back for 2027 dates.
Where: Raglan, Waikato
Official Ruapuke Royale website
Find Your Festival
Choose the atmosphere, location and dates that suit you, and check each organiser’s latest information before making plans.
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