Rhythm and Vines 2026: Festival Review
The sun has risen on 2026, and for thousands of festival-goers in Gisborne, it was greeted with bass, beats, and cheers. Rhythm and Vines 2026 cemented its reputation as the premier New Year's festival in New Zealand.
The Lineup Highlights
Headliners The Solar Beats (the surprise international guest) brought the house down on the Vines Stage. Their midnight set perfectly timed the drop with the countdown. Local legends Six60 made a welcome return, proving they still own the summer anthem scene.
The Vibe
Despite the heat, the crowd energy was electric. The new "Chill Zone" in the orchard provided much-needed shade and downtime. Security and organization were notably improved this year, with smoother entry queues and better water station access.
The First Sunrise
There is nothing quite like watching the first sunrise of the year at Waiohika Estate. As the sky turned pink and orange over the vines, weary dancers shared a collective moment of peace before the final trek back to the campgrounds.
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Split Trip CostsConclusion
R&V 2026 was a triumph. If you missed out this year, start planning for 2027 now. It is an experience every Kiwi music fan should have at least once.