New Zealand’s festie season is far from over, but ringing in the New Year brought its fair share of chaos and unforgettable vibes.
For some it was a peak experience in the sunshine, for others, a mud-soaked mission to survive a harsh downpour of wet weather, wild winds and muddy madness that came with it.
Still, nothing stopped Kiwis from making sure the good times rolled.
Here’s a recap of the highs, lows and everything in between shared on TikTok:
Rhythm & Vines
Up north in Gisborne, Rhythm & Vines became an unexpected swamp thanks to some serious rain.
For those lucky to check the weather ahead of time, Gumboots came in clutch, while others had no choice but to embrace the chaos.
Once you slip, might as well slide!
Despite the soggy mess, one bloke kept spirits high with a morning pep talk.
Don’t worry mate, we’re definitely “grabbing this year by the horns and making it our b***h.”
To top it off the most unexpectedly iconic set hit the stage by none other than Pak N Save’s stickman taking a break from dropping prices, and dropping some sick beats instead.
Roling Meadows
Down in Canterbury, Rolling Meadows was battered by intense winds that sent tents flying, making ‘Defying Gravity’ from the ‘Wicked’ movie the soundtrack for our gear that nobody could hold down.
Nothing a quick drive back home for a hot shower and change of clothes couldn’t fix and everyone was back on the 31st to bring in the new year with Natasha Beddingfield.
We definitely felt the rain on our skin as we sang along to her iconic track ‘Unwritten’. It was truly a movie.
One overenthusiastic festie-goer also recreated their own Pixar moment by running through the festival sign. Let’s just hope we don’t end up with “Rolli-g Meadows” next year.
Northern Bass
Northern Bass wrapped up with two security guards going viral for their “immaculate vibes” as they sent everyone home with dance moves and cuddles. Bless them.
Rhythm & Alps
Wanaka looked bliss and was treated to an unreal surprise performance from the queen of DnB Becky Hill and legend Andy C - the energy is unmatched.
It wasn’t the only surprise set though. R&A’s very own organiser Harry was convinced - with some difficulty - by their social media gal Meg to play his own DJ set on the 30th.
LAB
LAB’s New Plymouth gig at the Bowl of Brooklands saw some fans hilariously taking a dip to get closer to the action.
I’d love to know how the rest of their night wet, I mean, went…
Despite the challenges, this festie season brought unforgettable moments, plenty of laughs, and some serious laundry loads - but that’s all part of the fun, right?
Here’s to making more memories before 2026 rolls around.
