This 340-Acre Patch of Farmland North of Auckland Is Being Turned Into a Giant Festival Venue
The land boasts native bush and fresh water sources, and new permanent infrastructure includes toilets, showers and a giant main stage.
New Zealand is certainly not short of farmland, supplying its usual exports of meat, dairy, wool and — festivals? That's the case in a section of land connecting two farms an hour north of Auckland, which is being turned into a giant new space set to house music and arts events from next year.
Earthworks are now underway readying the 340-acre oasis across farms Tūmanako Hope and Ariki Estate to house thousands of festival-goers.
We're not talking a bit of flat land to pitch some tents here — permanent infrastructure on land includes toilets, showers and a giant main stage. Thanks to its position by the Kaipara harbour, there are freshwater sources aplenty (including rockpools and waterfalls) as well as 15 hectares of native bush — and 72,000 new native trees are in the process of being planted.
The farms will be connected by a sculpture walk filled with works from local artists and creatives. And yes — promoters and festival organisers will be able to book their spot from next year.
The regenerated farmland is the brainchild of Franko Heke (Ngā Puhi), founder of NZ Spirit Festival, who wanted to create a permanent home for his own music and wellness events. Already one has snapped up an opening slot on the bill — five-day drug and alcohol-free festival Resolution New Year's Eve will be taking over the area come January 29. Expect local music acts including Bic Tunga and Jason Kerrison,
Also booked into the venue is NZ Spirit's North Island event in March, whose music headline acts include Anika Moa, My Baby and Herbs.
Heke says they have further plans for the farms, including large-scale organic gardens that will feed thousands, the first markets in Kaipara, a cafe later in 2023 and eventually a five-star retreat centre.
Tūmanako Hope and Ariki Estate can be found along the Kaipara Coast Highway, Tauhoa, one-hour north-west of Auckland. For updates about the farm's regeneration project and new event space, head to the Facebook page.
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