Six of the best summer festivals in New Zealand

Six of the best summer festivals in New Zealand

Here are six of the best festivals in New Zealand you don’t want to miss over summer.

Rhythm & Alps in Wanaka – December 29-31, 2019

The life and soul of New Zealand’s South Island will be at this year’s New Year’s Eve music festival from December 29 to 31. Up to 10,000 people will converge on Wanaka in the Cardrona Valley for the 2018 event, which features a line-up of international acts — such as rising US rapper Action Bronson and DJ Wilkinson — along with homegrown EDM star Baynk, and The Butlers. rhythmandalps.co.nz

St Jerome’s Laneway ­­– January 28, 2019

Florence + The Machine will headline the outdoor jam session that is St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival to mark its 10th anniversary this year. Join bed-haired festival-goers nodding their heads in unison to fresh new acts at the festival that began in Melbourne and put down roots in Auckland’s leafy Albert Park. Be there early as organisers are known for curating line-ups that include the stars of tomorrow. auckland.lanewayfestival.com

Splore ­– February 21-24, 2019

Splore is an all-ages music and arts festival that is filled with good vibes and great music. In addition to being held in one of the most beautiful festival sites in the world — Tapapakanga Regional Park — Splore hosts acts that appeal across generations. Those willing to take a trip will appreciate the Kiwi-owned and operated festival has set a new benchmark for sustainability. splore.net

Auckland Lantern Festival ­– February 14-17, 2019

Auckland Lantern Festival will welcome in the Year of the Pig in 2019 at what is New Zealand’s largest Chinese event. Expect all of the usual crowd-pleasers — Asian food stalls, hundreds of handmade Chinese lanterns, lion dancers and martial arts demonstrations — as you say bài bài la to the Year of the Dog and nǐ hǎo to the Year of the Pig. aucklandnz.com/lantern-festival

Pasifika Festival Auckland – March 23-24, 2019 

If you’ve suddenly seen an influx of impressively tattooed torsos, then it’s probably the fact Pasifika is passing through. Pack a picnic hamper on your excursion around the Pacific Island nations by way of Pasifika and its many vibrant villages. Each village at Pasifika has its own performance stage and market setting: wander the stalls for delicious food, plus traditional arts and crafts. Pasifikia has escaped the long shadow of summer and elbowed into autumn. aucklandnz.com/pasifika-festival

Sculpture on the Gulf – March 1-24, 2019

Forget prefabricated festivals: Sculpture on the Gulf showcases the island’s beautiful scenery while celebrating contemporary art and passing the torch from summer to autumn. Waiheke Island was named one of the World’s Top 10 in Lonely Planet‘s Best In Travel Guide 2016.  The island is home to a stunning coastline, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful beaches. It also hosts this biennial outdoor sculpture festival which is expected to draw large crowds for this year’s iteration. sotg.nz

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