CAMPING THE KIWI WAY
BY CAMPERS FOR CAMPERS
Festivals & Shows
These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details.
March
Hamilton Arts Festival 2023
24 Feb – 5 Mar: Hamilton
Music, theatre, dance, comedy, family events and arts experiences: an opportunity to inspire, and to be inspired. Showcases the region’s creative community and a some national and international touring shows. There are a range of overnighting options in the city. hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz/events/
Selwyn Sounds
4 Mar, Saturday: Lincoln, Canterbury
Brilliant music; fantastic food trucks selling delicious food from around the world. selwynsounds.co.nz
North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival
5 Mar, Sunday: Waipara, North Canterbury
Enjoy an eclectic range of food stalls, a diverse selection of North Canterbury wine, quality live music and family friendly entertainment. ncwineandfood.co.nz
121 Festival 2023
10–12 Mar: Tauherenikau, Sth Wairarapa
A 3 Day Dance Odyssey fuels your creative expression through art, music, and culture. 121festival.co.nz
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023
11 Mar, Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast
A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. wildfoods.co.nz
Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival
11 Mar, Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough
Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. havelockmusselfestival.co.nz
Central Districts Field Days 2023
16–18 Mar, Thursday: Fielding, Manawatu
Cutting-edge machinery and equipment, the latest developments in rural innovation, thrilling FMX shows, lifestyle trends, top-notch regional food and local brews. From farmers and foodies to tech-heads and townies, Field Days has something for everyone. You will find exclusive event deals and the chance to yarn with sellers and exhibitors. Fun and freebies for the whole family. Certified Self contained vehicles can overnight for a fee.
CAMP FEST
17–19 Mar: Bulls Domain, Rangitikei
A weekend of camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment.
See p12–15 route54.org/campfest fun@route54.org
WOMAD 2023
17–19 Mar, Friday: New Plymouth
The world of music and dance! Features performers from around the world and across Aotearoa. Offers camping, family camping, motorhome overnighting, and accessible camping. womad.co.nz
Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow
17–19 Mar: Auckland supershow.co.nz
Repco Beach Hop
22–26 Mar: Whangamata, Bay of Plenty beachhop.co.nz
Earth Beat Festival NZ 2023
22–26 Mar, Wed: Wellsford, Auckland
Earth Beat is a family camping wonderland accessible to all generations. As well as being known as a “epic party”, it is also a haven for cutting-edge creativity, life-changing experiences and learning. Passes include camping in a tent, glamping; sleeping in (or parking your vehicle on site) costs extra. earthbeatfestival.com (Facebook /earthbeatfestival)
George Begg Festival
30 Mar–2 Apr, Thursday: Invercargill
The party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s for petrolheads, party people and families. georgebeggfestival.nz
April
Kimbolton Sculpture Festival
1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei
An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition: sculpture from off the farm, about and of the land. All-day entertainment, country food, coffee, bar, free family fun, laid back music, lots of give-it-a-go things to do. Suitable for all ages (accompanied young people are free). See the camping entry on p30. ruralart.nz
Street Party in Katikati
1 Apr, Saturday: KatiKati, Bay of Plenty
Musicians serving up soulful sounds and entertaining crowds as well as food, market stalls and kids entertainment. There are a number of free camping sites around Katikati. jazz.org.nz/events/street-party-in-katikati
Classic Fighters Omaka
7–9 Apr, Friday: Blenheim
Easter weekend. An action-packed family-friendly event. Spectacular flying, magical moments of shows past and magnificent machines both in the air and on the ground. Limited overnight parking for those buying 3-day passes. classicfighters.co.nz
MAY
Hororata Glow Festival
13 May, Saturday: Hororata, Canterbury
Witness a spectacular Night Glow: tethered hot air balloons light up the night sky in unison to music. A magical festival. Certified self-contained motorhomes are welcome to park overnight. hororata.org.nz/glow-festival/
Tussock Country - NZ's Country Music Festival
26 May to 4 Jun: Gore, Southland
Bringing the rural community and NZs country music community together for ten days and 60+ events celebrating music, food, rural life, entertainment and comradery. Gore has motorhome friendly sites for overnighting. tussockcountry.nz
3 Autumn 2023
