Part 3: Festivals & Events for those that like to groove
Throughout the year, New Zealand is lucky to have a variety of artists perform in New Zealand. In addition to these visiting acts, music festivals in a number or regions, particular over the summer period, are prevalent.
In this article, part 3, we will look at some of more popular music festivals and events that grace our shores and in which you can schedule your next getaway and stay at the nearest Kiwi Holiday Park.
Festival & Events
Some of most well-known festivals which headline international acts and the best of New Zealand music is held over the New Year period. The two renowned festivals are that of Rhythm and Vines (R&V) in Gisborne and the Rhythm and Alps festival held in Cardona Valley (Wanaka).
Rhythm and Vines
This three day festival is internationally acclaimed and showcases some of the best international and national performers on the planet. Held at the Waiohika Estate Vineyard, just outside of Gisborne (on the East Coast of the North Island), Rhythm and Vines (R&V) is a heaving mass of young adults/students that converge on the Bay of Plenty town ship to bring in the New Year and celebrate with their peer circles.
Rhythm and Alps
Rhythm and Alps is to the South Island as to what Rhythm and Vines (R&V) is to the North Island. The New Year equivalent for the South Island is situated in the Cardrona Valley in Wanaka. Mirrored on the R&V model, R&A is classified as the ‘biggest, little music festival’ in the South Island. Occurring over two days, the music festival operates over the New Year period, providing the perfect avenue for festival goers to bring in the New Year and celebrate in style!
Raggamuffin
If your vibe is more soulful and rasta, then Raggamuffin currently held in Auckland is your calling. Australasia’s premier reggae and roots festival, Raggamuffin is host to international artist such as UB40, Mary J Blige, Lauren Hill, Ice Cube and Cypress Hill, and national kiwi favourites like Katchafire, House of Shem and Aaradhna. In the past the Ruggamuffin experience is as relaxed and chilled as those performing – a mellow concert for those that love the laid back music and lifestyle.
Pasifika Festival
Not solely a music festival, the two-day Pasifika Festival celebrates all things that are Pasifika, including music. It is an enriching experience to hear and see a variety of Pasifika performance, including traditional dance and performance.
Recently held in Auckland (mid-March), the Pasifika Festival is the largest Pacific festival of its kind, bringing together 11 villages from around the Pacific with a multitude of traditional food, handicrafts, contemporary arts and music.
Ohakune Mardi Gras
Bringing the same sort of vibe you’d expect from the New Orlean’s or Brazilian Mardi Gras, this two-day party is the premier winter street party where costumes and fun are a pre-requisite! With a kiwi performance list of who’s who with a dash of international stars, street performers and low level fireworks display, the Mardi Gras is truly a great getaway and party. That said, you might need a couple of extra days away to recuperate.
If you’re interested, tickets are now on sale for this 27.06.2015 event.
Artists Performing in New Zealand
While there are a number of national and regional music festivals, New Zealand does manage to attract a number of international artists to its’ shores. Here just a small sample:
Fleetwood Mac
Bringing the On With The Show World Tour to New Zealand, Fleetwood Mac arrives with its five original band members with Christine McVie rejoining band mates Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks after a 16-year absence.
Playing two shows, Fleetwood Mac will be performing in Dunedin (Wednesday 18th November) and Auckland (Saturday 21st November).
Maroon 5
Adam Levine and Maroon 5 will be in New Zealand for the first time. Performing songs from their last four albums, the concert is much anticipated for those within Christchurch and Auckland.
- Christchurch - Thursday 1st October, Horncastle Arena
- Auckland - Saturday 3rd October, Vector Arena
- Auckland - Sunday 4th October, Vector Arena
Rod Stewart
A kiwi favourite and the man that can cut across decades with his hits, Rod Stewart is back in New Zealand to croon your Grandmother, mother and sister in just a matter of hours.
The just completed summer tour was named by Rolling Stone (US) as one of the hottest tours of the summer with most of his iconic hits belted out only as Rod can do. You can catch him in either Dunedin or Auckland.
- Dunedin – Saturday 11th April, Forsyth Barr Stadium
- Auckland - Monday 13th April, Vector Arena
Ed Sheeran
Everyone’s favourite carrot top, Ed Sheeran’s song writing and music ability is out of this world. Opting not to travel with another band, his national tour will see him and his guitar entertain the masses – the complete solo touring act. With a raft of hit singles, this concert will be one not to be missed.
- Christchurch - Wednesday 8th April, Horncastle Arena
- Wellington - Friday 10th April, Queens Wharf
- Auckland - Saturday 11th April, Vector Arena
- Auckland - Sunday 12th April, Vector Arena
Sam Smith
One of the current ‘now’ artists, Sam Smith continues to climb the pop charts with his soulful singles as part of the Lonely Hour Tour of both Australia and New Zealand. Noted as a ‘force of nature’ on stage, his performances may set the standard for all other acts coming to New Zealand in 2015. Get to Auckland if you can!
KISS
One of greatest rock ’n’ roll bands is in New Zealand for one huge performance. Wind back the years, antics and make-up and be entertained by the stage production that has been labelled ‘The Spider’ – 38 computer controlled winches, featuring 220 automated lights, weighing in at 43,000 kgs, incorporating 900 pieces of pyrotechnics and powered by 400,000 watts of sound.
With songs of old, showmanship to boot, let KISS entertain you and come celebrate their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2014) and the band’s 40th Anniversary.
- Auckland - Friday 16th October, Vector Arena
Sound check!
New Zealand is blessed with numerous festivals and events that even the die-hard musicians and music enthusiasts amongst us can find overwhelming. There is something for everyone, whether it’s just a one-off concert or a festival sporting numerous artists.
And the good news? Kiwi Holiday Parks can be found all over the country, so your accommodation needs can be met and your hard-earned cash can be better spent on tickets to these concerts rather than on accommodation!
Heading to a music event or concert not mentioned here? Let the world know where and when they need to be there in a comment below.
