Tents will soon be going up at Tāpapakanga Regional Park – the paradisical location of Splore Festival, and you’ll want to be part of the action.
The three-day festival from February 23-25 has just released its timetable for its nine zones of entertainment and there are still some tickets available.
Splore also turns 25 this year and is perhaps the closest thing New Zealand has to Glastonbury in terms of a diverse line-up of live acts, camping and portaloos – but that’s where the comparisons end!
This family-friendly festival has been described by many international guest artists who play Splore as the world’s friendliest festival in the most idyllic beach location. And because of Splore’s no-waste and leave-no-trace approach, afterward, you would never know it had even been there.
The main stage (one of many stages) overlooks the beach, providing the option of enjoying the music front-of-stage, from a grassy hillock, or from the water itself. The sheltered bay provides a relaxed swimming experience and is an inspiring locale for morning yoga if you’re up for it.
Splore also offers the opportunity to get creative with your outfits and is the biggest dress-up party in NZ. Many Splorers go to great lengths to create costumes inspired by each year’s theme – this year it’s “Feasty”, whatever that means to you.
Because Splore is a sustainable Festival seasoned Splorers know to steer clear of cheap Look Sharp costumes because of the inevitable landfill they create. Instead, they hit the op shops, sew their own, do costume swaps or re-wear costumes. Anything goes! And there’s no judgement if you don’t dress up either.
Robust recycling systems are also streamlined so there’s no wading through cans or rubbish. You’re partying in a clean, pristine environment.
The entertainment line-up is best described as eclectic. From local DJs to world music, rap, pop and even heavy metal. The headline act this year is London-based Sampha but I’m personally most looking forward to seeing Lower Hutt band Skram.
Like every Splore Festival, this year I’ll mostly be splitting my time between the Wendy’s Wellness area (base for yoga sessions, reiki sessions, healthy food trucks, inspiring talks and music acts), the “circus tent” which is the home of cabaret and comedy acts, and the beach.
Splore Festival is usually sold out each year with a waiting list so the good news this year is that there are still some tickets available.
So, if you’ve been thinking about trying out the Splore experience and New Zealand’s longest-running music and arts festival, this year is the perfect opportunity to get amongst it and discover why people like me keep coming back.
