Don't Miss Out! Here Are The 10 Best Music Festivals in New Zealand This 2021

The holiday break may be over, but summer is just reaching its peak! And as we plan out events for the year, don't forget to look out for the best music festivals in New Zealand. Check out this list, and feel free to add anything we might have missed right in the comments!

1. Luminate Festival

Luminate Festival isn’t only a festival of lights but also a festival of electronic music! Happening this 3-10 February 2021, it’s an eight-day transformational festival with more than 200 musical and visual acts. It’s celebrated in Nelson’s Golden Bay just in time for the transition of summer solstice to autumn equinox.

There are different stages and zones to match every style. The Lunasa Stage is perfect for jazz-funk fans, Tribal is for those who like indigenous sounds, and Electronic Zone can make party-goers go wild! If you’re after the laid back summer vibes, Chill Lounge and Village Stage should be your go-to zones.

2. Soundsplash

Summer isn’t complete without fun in the water. Soundsplash combines it with a mix of music, art, yoga, and dance for an ultimate summer experience! Happening in the township of Raglan, Hamilton this 22-24 January 2021, it’s one of the best summer weekend experiences you shouldn’t miss out on.

This year is the festival’s 20th anniversary, so they made sure their line-up is extra special. Join Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ladi6, Macky Gee, Mako Road, Troy Kingi & The Clutch, and many more! Aside from music and performances, you can also snag some healthy treats and official merchandise in Kai Village and Blue Zone.

3. Splore 

Free your schedule on the last weekend of February. Splore is hosting their three-day festival on the pristine shores of Tāpapakanga Regional Park. It's a celebration filled with music, performances, workshops,  installations, and most of all, wellness centres! The bonus is, you can party all day and dirty camp at night.

Be one with Mother Nature with different recreational activities for everyone — including your kids! Shapeshifter will be this year’s main event, best known among free-spirited communities in the country. This extravaganza is known for the giant dress-up culture so come prepared and wear your best costume. 

4. World of Music, Arts and Dance

World of Music, Arts and Dance — more commonly known as WOMAD — is one of the highlights of summer in New Plymouth. It promises only a great time with some epic jams from all over the world. The three-day international festival is happening this 12-14 March 2021 at Brooklands Park.

Aside from eclectic music, WOMAD can help you find your inner zen in Kunming Garden. You’re also in for a treat to the tasty international cuisines in their global village. There are a variety of art installations, site performances, and different workshops, so expect to get busy throughout the festival.

5. World Buskers Festival

Music festivals don’t have to cost a lot of money! There are plenty of free music fests that offer just as much as fun and excitement. If you happen to be in Christchurch, make sure to attend the 17-day Bread & Circus – World Backyard Buskers Festival happening this 15-31 January 2021. 

Buskers and street performers host a combination of free and paid events throughout the city. Whether you like music, comedy, circus or burlesque, you’re always in for a treat no matter where you go. For free performances, go to Christchurch’s Market Square and the Bridge of Remembrance. 

6. One Love Festival

Bang your heads to some of the classic rock and reggae classics in One Love Festival! It’s one of the largest and most popular reggae music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a must-see for music fans and enthusiasts. Catch this year’s fest in Tauranga Domain this 6-7 February  2021.

Some of the best acts featuring this year are Fat Freddy’s Drop, L.A.B, Sean Kingston, Fiji, Stan Walker, and more! You can grab their merchandise from the festival and have it shipped in your address every Monday. The gate opens starting at 11AM each day and all attendees must wear their festival pass at all times. 

7. Earth Beat Festival

Show some love for the environment, all while basking in all the fun with friends! Earth Beat Festival hosts a line-up of music, workshops, wellness classes, comedy, poetry, markets, and many more! The annual festival is celebrated every autumn equinox in New Zealand. It commemorates the harvest of summer and the preparation for the coming winter.

If you go big on taking care of Mother Earth, then make sure to attend this fest this 17-21 March 2021 at Ātiu Creek Regional Park. There are a variety of activities for youth, kids, couples, and even kids at heart! The event hosts acts from different genres including world, reggae, electronica, dub, trance, folk, blues, and house to match everyone’s music taste. 

8. Dimension

Dimension breaks out from the ordinary to deliver an authentic musical adventure to Kiwis. Break free from the daily grind, destress, and go wild — just be yourself and lose yourself to the music like no one’s watching!

This year’s Dimension is happening this 5-8 February 2021 in Northland, with collaborations and workshops from different artists across New Zealand. To address safety amidst the pandemic, the organisers limit the tickets to only 500 people. Tickets are selling out fast so make sure to grab one today.

9. Homegrown

Jam to your favourite music along the Wellington waterfront! Happening this 20 March 2021, Homegrown showcases the best musical talents of New Zealand. The Black Seeds, Shapeshifter, Sachi, Sons of Zion, Ladi6, Montell2099, Katchafire, and many more are joining this year’s festival.

It’s one of the largest festivals in the country, with over 6 stages and over 50 acts! If you're feeling festive and are living near Welly, then don't miss this one. Due to its popularity, tickets are now sold out. The great news is, tickets purchased from the cancelled 2020 Homegrown fest are valid for this year’s event. 

10. Kiwiburn

Ever heard of Burning Man Festival in America? You need not to go to the US to experience it — Kiwiburn 2021: Mythical Picnic offers just the same excitement and fun! The best part is, it offers it with a local flair! It’s happening this 27 January - 1 February 2021 on the Paddock in Hunterville.

Unlike other music festivals in this list, it doesn’t have any line-up, headline acts, or queues. A series of awesome surprises await you!

It's a commerce-free event, and is sure to be unlike any other music fests you've been to. If you’re up for some new experiences, this is one of the events to be in. Make sure you read Kiwiburn's 2021 Survival Guide before you get there!

Don’t forget to update your friends!

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