Sunshine, roadies and 'sweet as' summer moments

Sample and discover

When the sun’s out and the pōhutukawa are blooming, it’s time to hit the road, cross the strait, and dive into the best of New Zealand’s summer festival season. From massive music gigs to laid-back coastal celebrations, summer 2025-2026 is shaping up to be fun.

If you’re heading north, Rhythm & Vines in Gisborne is a classic way to ring in the New Year. Set in the vines with the ocean nearby, it’s a three-day party with local legends and international acts. Or head down south for New Year’s, to Rhythm & Alps in Wānaka which brings the beats to the mountains. It’s a proper alpine celebration with camping, food trucks, and a lineup that always delivers.

Soulful vibes

For something a bit more soulful in February, Splore near Auckland mixes music, art, and wellness in a stunning beachside setting. It’s all about community, creativity, and dancing barefoot in the sand.

Set in the heart of wine country Marlborough Wine & Food Festival this is New Zealand’s longest-running wine festival. It’s a celebration of Marlborough’s world-class wines paired with regional cuisine. Visitors can meet winemakers, attend tastings and masterclasses, and enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a chance to experience the region’s flavours and hospitality in one place.

If you’re heading down to Christchurch in February, Electric Avenue lights up Hagley Park with a full day of music, kai, and good times. It’s one of the biggest one-day festivals in the country.

Synthony is back and bigger than ever, transforming Auckland Domain into a full-blown festival experience. This one-day event blends the biggest dance tracks of all time with a full live orchestra, DJs, vocalists and mind-blowing visuals. The 2026 edition features Faithless (full live band) from the UK, Peking Duk, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Black Seeds, The Exponents, and a brand-new set from Synthony No.7, conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams.

Special birthday

Laneway Festival kicks off Waitangi weekend with a bang at Western Springs in Auckland. This year, the beloved summer festival celebrates its 21st birthday and shifts to the day before Waitangi Day for the first time. That gives music lovers the perfect excuse to start their long weekend early. It’s a full-on summer vibe.

And so is the Kingston Calling summer festival series, featuring UB40 and Ali Campbell.  The tour is part of a wider Pacific run and features a full festival-style lineup including Kiwi favourites like Katchafire, The Black Seeds, and Corrella. Expect classic UB40 hits like Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, and Cherry Oh Baby performed by Ali Campbell and his nine-piece band. February dates include Whangārei, Napier, Mt Maunganui, Wellington, Pukekohe, and New Plymouth.

Adventurous menu

Held on the rugged West Coast in March, Hokitika’s Wildfoods Festival is known for its adventurous menu. From huhu grubs and mountain oysters to venison and whitebait, the event invites you to try something new. Alongside the food, there’s live entertainment, themed costumes, and a strong community vibe that makes it more than just a tasting event.

Taking place at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson, Marchfest is a craft beer festival with a twist. All beers are brewed especially for the event and have never been tasted before. The day includes live music, food stalls, and brewery talks. It’s a one-day event focused on fresh flavours and local creativity. 

Big gigs

And let’s not forget the big concerts. Ed Sheeran is taking his Loop tour across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in January, bringing his signature sound to stadiums packed with fans. His gigs are perfect for pairing with a summer roadie or ferry trip - making the journey part of the adventure.

Summer festivals in Aotearoa aren’t just about the music, they’re about connection, creativity, and celebrating who we are. So pack your sunnies, grab your crew, and plan your summer around the sounds.

Let us look after you

Interislander sails daily between Wellington and Picton, making it easy to link up your North and South Island adventures. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise in Gisborne or dancing under the stars in Wānaka, we’ll get you there with stunning views and good vibes along the way.