New Zealand's summer festival season runs from late December through into late January, and this year there's a genuinely strong case for spreading your attention beyond a single event. Below are four multi-day festivals confirmed for the 2026/27 season, each offering a different setting and line-up of experiences. They're ordered by confirmed start date, earliest first, rather than by any commercial weighting: it's simply the most useful way to help you plan around the summer calendar.

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Rhythm and Vines — Waiohika Estate, Gisborne

Dates: 28–31 December 2026

Location: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne, Tairāwhiti

What it is: Chapter 24 of Rhythm and Vines, and confirmed as the last edition at its 24-year Waiohika Estate home before the festival relocates to a new venue from 2027. Headliners are John Summit, KI/KI and Netsky, with a broad supporting lineup.

Why it's included: A genuinely significant "last chance" edition, on the record from the festival's own CEO, with one of its broadest lineups yet.

Who it suits: Past Rhythm and Vines attendees who want one more edition at Waiohika Estate, and festival-goers drawn to a lineup spanning house, drum and bass, hip hop and homegrown Aotearoa acts.

Practical information: Single Day passes from $179, 3-Day Festival Pass from $359, 4-Day Camping + Festival Pass from $479. General tickets have been on sale since 5 August 2026.

Find out more: rhythmandvines.co.nz (hyperlink to https://rhythmandvines.co.nz/) or book directly via Moshtix (hyperlink to https://moshtix.co.nz/v2/event/rhythm-and-vines-2026/195868?skin=RV26)

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AUM New Year's Festival — South Head, Auckland

Dates: 30 December 2026 – 2 January 2027

Location: South Head, Auckland

What it is: A long-running, NZ-owned arts, music and camping festival held on the Kaipara Harbour coastline.

Why it's included: A genuine North Island alternative for readers who want a New Year's festival closer to Auckland, with a multi-day camping format that runs longer than most other options on this list.

Who it suits: Auckland-based festival-goers, and anyone after a New Year's festival built around arts and camping as much as the music line-up.

Find out more: aum.co.nz (hyperlink to https://aum.co.nz/tickets)

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Soundsplash — Wainui Reserve, Raglan

Dates: 22–24 January 2027

Location: Wainui Reserve, Raglan

What it is: A boutique, multi-genre coastal festival now in its 25th year.

Why it's included: A later-January option for readers whose summer plans don't line up with the New Year's festival weekend, plus a track record few NZ festivals can match at 25 years running.

Who it suits: Festival-goers after a smaller, boutique coastal event, or anyone still deciding on a festival after the New Year's rush has passed.

Find out more: soundsplash.co.nz (hyperlink to https://soundsplash.co.nz/faqs)

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