Summer is just moments away. Time to dust off those shorts you’ve stashed at the back of your wardrobe and check the expiry date of last season’s sun block. It is also time to schedule the summer events that will fill your social calendar. Maybe you’ll be doing a bit of lazy summer BBQing and trips to the beach but you might also like to include one of New Zealand’s premier Summer Music Festivals into your plan.
If you’re a local you may already be well aware of the charms of a Summer Music Festival. If you are a visitor to the land of the long white cloud then a trip to a Summer Music Festival is about as ‘Kiwi’ as it gets. Local New Zealand artists, mixed with delicious food and drink, in an idyllic location – it is perfection.
With Music Festivals to cater for any taste, New Zealand has a lot to choose from. Lucky for you, Snap Rentals has made the ultimate list of the best of the best so we can make your summer planning easy as. Don’t worry if you have to travel to get to your favourites, Snap Rentals has got you covered with a rental car just waiting to be filled up with your mates and gear.
December Festivals
26 December 2018: Starting off our list is the aptly named ‘Summer Feels’ Festival. This all age summer showcase is held at the Soper Reserve in Mount Maunganui. Featuring New Zealand superstars Stan Walker, Aaradhna, Sammy J, Jackson Owens and Russ Walker. This afternoon in the sun will give you all the Summer Feels.
28 December 2018: The most famous music and camping festival on our list, the notorious ‘Rhythm and Vines’. This globally recognised event is hosted on the stunning Waiohika Estate on the East Coast of New Zealand. Be amongst 20,000 party goers to welcome the first sunrise of the New Year at this three day epic festival. Over 100 international and local acts will perform across 7 stages.
January Festivals
27 January 2019: Head to the ultimate summer day out at Villa Maria Winery in Auckland. The inaugural ‘Vine Days’ has the perfect mix of gourmet food and wine and incredible musical acts. International superstar Craig David and girl group All Saints will perform alongside New Zealand artists Aaradhna and Opensouls. This all age event will be the perfect summer winery escape.
February Festivals
2 February 2019: For the first time in New Zealand is ‘Electric Gardens’, a boutique festival hosting the kings of ‘nineties dance’ music. The event is hugely renowned and loved by electronic music fans and will take place at the Ellersie Racecourse in Auckland. Leading the stage is Fat Boy Slim, along with electronic duo Underworld and dance group Bag Raiders. Kiwi acts include Dick Johnson, Eastern Bloc and K2K.
16 February 2019: Located on the serene Lake Wakatipu in Rotorua is ‘Float’. New Zealand’s only festival that is actually floating on water. This massive all ages concert is the summer event you will not want to miss. Performing live are Mitch James, Drax Project, Sachi, Jupiter Project, Balu Brigada and Stan Walker.
23 February 2019: Returning to Christchurch bigger and better than ever before is ‘Electric Avenue’. With 12 hours of non-stop music, three stages and 26 incredible international and local acts, ‘Electric Avenue’ is hosted in the picturesque Hagley Park. An anticipated crowed of over 15,000 means the atmosphere will be pumping. UK super group Rudimental is headlining with more artists to be announced.
March Festivals
23 March 2019: Returning to Wellington’s waterfront is ‘Jim Beam Homegrown’. Back for its 12th Year this stellar festival is ready to take it to the next level. The waterfront will come alive with markets, carnival rides, 5 stages and 42 of New Zealand’s premier acts. This is the biggest party of the summer, with Shapeshifter, Kora, The Black Seeds, KatchaFire, Sons of Zion and more performing live.
Book your festival tickets and Snap Rentals car early to grab a great price and secure your spot. Summer is definitely looking hot with this incredible line up of New Zealand Summer Music Festivals.