Summer Music
Many city councils throughout New Zealand host a series of musical events during the summer in civic parks and gardens featuring local musicians and artists. These musical events are mostly free family-orientated and locals and visitors are encouraged to turn up with picnics, rugs and chairs. To find details of these local events you can:
- Visit the local tourist information centre, library or council offices
- Pick up a copy of the local paper (either paid or free copies)
- Look out for flyers posted in the local area
- Surf the net!
Follow the links below to find out more about Auckland's Music in Parks, Christchurch's Garden City Summertimes and events in Wellington.
There are some great music festivals outside of the larger centres, so keep your eyes (and ears) open for news of these as you travel in New Zealand. Here's a selection of what's on offer outside the cities:
- Rhythm & Vines – Gisborne, 29th December - 1st Janary
Camp, swim and enjoy rock 'n roll, funk and hip-hop, R&B, pop, country and blues in the 'place to be' for New Year...(more) - La De Da - Alana Estate, Martinborough - 31st December
New Zealand's newest music festival in the beautiful vineyards of the Alana Estate includes bars, gourmet food and a Kiwi-style new year party...(more) - New Year's Eve Concert, Taupo - 31st December
Great for families who want to enjoy live music, a picnic and fireworks in a relaxed, alcohol-free environment...(more) - Phat 11 - Inangahua, West Coast, 29th December to 2nd January
Drum 'n bass, dubstep, reggae, breaks, hip hop and dub raining down in a remote rain forest valley on the South Island's wild West Coast...(more) - Big Day Out, Auckland - 21st January
Australasia's biggest music event attracting top bands from around the world, as well as the finest Antipodean talent comes to Auckland. Line up includes Tool, Rammstein, Iggy and the Stooges, M.I.A., Grinderman, John Butler Trio and Wolfmother...(more)