In the room
The experience
Splore runs every February on the Hauraki Gulf coast, 75 km east of Auckland, on Tāpapakanga Regional Park. 8,000 attendees camp under ancient pōhutukawa trees that fringe a perfect beach. The festival opens with a pōwhiri (Māori welcome ceremony) and te ao Māori is structurally programmed throughout, not decorative. Beach sauna, beach stage, bush stage, an art trail through the camping forest. The dawn karakia (prayer) on day three at the beach stage is the festival's emotional ground. The water is warm at midnight, the sky over the gulf is dark, the music is the most-curated boutique programme in the southern hemisphere.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
The dawn karakia on day three at the beach stage is the festival's emotional ground. Set an alarm.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
A festival built around respectful partnership with mana whenua. Full editorial weight.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
Annual, three days mid-to-late February. Friday is the build day, Saturday is the headline programming, Sunday is the deeper closing. The Tāpapakanga summer is the comfortable listening season.
Hours
Annual three-day festival, mid-February. Gates open Friday morning, camping on site. Programme runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.
Getting there
Drive from Auckland 90 minutes south-east via the SH1 and SH2 to Orere Point, then 5 km gravel road to Tāpapakanga. Festival shuttles run from Auckland CBD on opening day. Camping is on site.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates, line-ups and tickets come from the organiser. Opens splore.net in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is Splore Festival?
Splore Festival is in Tāpapakanga Regional Park, New Zealand. Coordinates: -36.9667, 175.1500.
What kind of music is at Splore Festival?
Splore Festival programmes Electronic, World, Te Ao Māori. Three-day boutique festival in February on Tāpapakanga Regional Park, a Hauraki Gulf beach 75 km east of Auckland. 8,000 attendees under ancient pōhutukawa trees. Programmed in partnership with Ngāti Whanaunga and Ngāti Pāoa iwi.
When is the best time to visit Splore Festival?
Annual, three days mid-to-late February. Friday is the build day, Saturday is the headline programming, Sunday is the deeper closing. The Tāpapakanga summer is the comfortable listening season.
How do I get to Splore Festival?
Drive from Auckland 90 minutes south-east via the SH1 and SH2 to Orere Point, then 5 km gravel road to Tāpapakanga. Festival shuttles run from Auckland CBD on opening day. Camping is on site.
Why is Splore Festival in the Sonic Paths atlas?
A festival built around respectful partnership with mana whenua. Full editorial weight.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
Find a bed close to Splore Festival in Tāpapakanga Regional Park through our accommodation partner, Stay22.
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