The Best Music Festivals to Hit Around New Zealand This Summer

Like long days on the beach, barbecues and ice creams, music festivals have become a quintessential part of the Kiwi summer. Spring has only just sprung, but already there are a glut of festivals to look forward to. From world music to chart-topping pop, left-field rap to electronica guaranteed to make you move, there's something for all tastes. Here are ten of our favourites for summer 2022/23.

SPRING CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL, AUCKLAND

One of the biggest acts in the electronic dance world, Groove Armada, will be headlining at this city music festival on Saturday, November 26 2022. Legendary dance tracks such as 'Superstylin', 'I See You Baby' and 'At The River' will be played with a live band — all for the first time in NZ since the electronic duo were here for Big Day Out (RIP).

This is a part of their 25 Years farewell tour and can't be missed by any diehard fan. Their support acts are yet to be announced but check the Spring City Music Festival site for updates. Also, as this is a city festival, there's no need to rough it in a tent. If you want to amp up your experience and go all out, grab our ultra-exclusive VIP Spring City weekend experience. Experiencing Groove Armada from the VIP area then going home to a luxury Auckland hotel and topping off your weekend with a helicopter flight to Waiheke Island for wine or gin tasting is one mighty fine way to spend a long weekend.

RHYTHM AND VINES, GISBORNE

Over the last 19 years, Rhythm and Vines has built a reputation to become the way to ring in the new year. What was originally a small reggae festival for some mates has morphed into 100 acts on five stages across three days with an electronic/rap heavy bent. British dance acts Chase and Status and Camelphat have been announced as international headliners alongside Alison Wonderland and Dimension and Bonobo. And these guys are only a part of the first release of artists — check out their website for further line-up announcements.

SUMMER HAZE, TARUNGA AND MATAKANA

Shapeshifter and Fat Freddy's Drop are headlining Summer Haze for the second year, with two shows across Tauranga and Matakana. And shis time they are bringing Aussie rockers King Gizzard the Lizard Wizard along with them, and organisers say there are still more acts to be announced. Things will kick off at Tauranga's Wharepai Domain on Thursday, December 29, 2022 as a little pre-New Year's pep-up, with the second Summer Haze show set to go ahead at Matakana Country Park on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 to help shake off some of that New Year's dust.

BCS Imaging

LANEWAY FESTIVAL, AUCKLAND

From humble beginnings in Aotea Square, Laneway has arguably become the crown jewel on New Zealand's summer festival circuit. 2023 will see it return to the leafy surrounds of Albert Park, while the line-up is arguably its most recognisable yet. Pop trio HAIM is headlining this year as well as Joji, Phoebe Bridgers and Finneas (Billy Eilish's not-so-famous but equally talented brother). With more acts to come, Laneway is always a euphoric day out regardless of the setlist. Make sure to grab your ticket.

SHIPWRECKED, TE ARAI

If you're after something a little more indie and underground, then this is the perfect festival for you. Shipwrecked is a boutique music and arts festival that is all about spreading good vibes. It's also set in a gorgeous part of New Zealand, nestled between three lakes at Te Arai. From 10-12 February, expect a long lineup of local music acts alongside stacks of art installations and nature all around. It's a bit hippy. And we love it.

Beth Mountford

WELCOME TO NOWHERE, SOMEWHERE NEAR WHANGANUI

If you're into the unexpected, prepare to get lost at Welcome to Nowhere. The brainchild of Wellington's Eyegum Music Collective, the fifth iteration of Welcome to Nowhere promises to be its most exciting yet. Punters travel to an undisclosed location 50 kilometres inland from Whanganui for a weekend of music, art, poetry and comedy between 3-5 February 2023. At this stage they won't be releasing the full lineup. Ticket holders will receive a booklet that includes information about the artists and a timetable of when each of them will be performing. It's all a bit mysterious. But after so many years of success, it's set to be an epic two and half days of creative fun.

Amandala

WOMAD, NEW PLYMOUTH

For the last 13 years (apart from lockdowns), New Plymouth in Taranaki has been home to WOMAD, a three-day festival of music, dance and art from around the world. Although the full lineup is yet to be announced, previous WOMADs have offered a myriad of music from throat singing to flamenco, folk to hip hop, ensuring a truly inclusive and hyperbolic celebration. 2020's festivities will take place between 17–19 March 2023 at Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park. Early bird tickets, ranging from day passes to weekend camping stays and up-to-date news can be found on the WOMAD website.

Bas van Est

SPLORE, TAPAKANGA

For 20 years, this three-day festival has celebrated art, music, wellbeing and fierce fashion. 2023 sees it return to the pristine shores of Tapakanga Regional Park between 24-26 February. Kate Tempest is the musical headliner Empress Stah is leading the entertainment pack with her world-famous circus come cabaret act. Beachside festivals are what New Zealand summers are all about. Don't miss your chance to experience this one.

JUICY FEST, VARIOUS NZ LOCATIONS

This is a festival made for millennials who want to be transported right back to their 90's heydays. Hip-hop and R&B legends Nelly, Ne-Yo, Ja-Rule and Bow Wow are going to make this one crazy huge nostalgic party, playing all their classics. Juicy Festival is a one-day festival that's going to travel around New Zealand, — playing in Tauranga, Napier, Palmerston North, Auckland, and Whangārei. With so many locations, there's absolutely no reason to miss this old school party celebrating the sounds of the 90s and 00s.

James Sales

BAY DREAMS, MOUNT MAUNGANUI/NELSON

Nelson and The Mount have long been popular summer destinations, so it's baffling to think that they've only recently got their own festivals, courtesy of Bay Dreams. Next year, the biggest drawcard will be headliner DIPLO who will playing all his new and old hits. It will also be his only show in New Zealand, so if you're a fan, get in quick. You can also expect a smorgasboard of international artists including Freddie Gibbs, Denzel Curry and Hybrid Minds Outline.

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