Get ready for Ohakune Mardi Gras 2026! Check ticket prices, train times, event safety keys, and how Ski FM has your back all weekend long.

The wait is officially over, the group chat is buzzing, and the absolute wildest mid-winter outfit you could source is packed. This Saturday, July 4th, New Zealand’s ultimate winter dress-up party returns as Audiology & George FM Present: Ohakune Mardi Gras 2026!

Crews are rolling in from every single corner of the country to transform the Ohakune Junction into a massive, loud, unforgettable snowy dance floor. With massive headliners like Shapeshifter (DJ + MC set), The Bloody Beetroots, Holy Goof, and Matrix & Futurebound taking the stage, it is going to be an all-time classic.

But a legendary weekend requires a legendary game plan. To make sure you navigate the mountain madness flawlessly, we have compiled the ultimate, fun-fueled breakdown of every single detail you need to survive and thrive. Let’s get into it!

⏱️ The Timeline: Lock It In

Make sure you pace yourself and plan your arrival perfectly. Here are the official times you need to know:

The Main Event: Saturday, July 4th | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM at The Junction Ohakune.

The Official Pre-Parties: Kicking off Friday, July 3rd from 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM across local hotspots like The Powderkeg, Tūroa Lodge, and The Secret Garden.

The After-Parties: When the main gates close on Saturday at 11:00 PM, keep the momentum alive from 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM at the same Junction venues to dance out the rest of the night.

Tickets, Pricing & The “Mardi Party” Train!

Still trying to secure entry or sorting out how you’re getting to the venue? It’s not too late to pull it together, but tickets are officially down to the absolute wire.

General Admission (18+): Final release tickets are flying out the door at $189.00.

The VIP Experience: Want to elevate your night? Final release VIP passes are $279.00 and score you express festival entry via a dedicated lane, a raised viewing platform right of the stage, private bar access, and those luxury private toilets.

Ditch the Car – Ride the Party Train! 🚂 Forget arguing over who has to be the sober driver. You can take the Mardi Party Train Shuttle return from National Park to Ohakune for just $55.00! It features an onboard food and refreshment service area, complete amenities, and major pre-party energy.

Option 1: Departs National Park at 2:00 PM (Returns at 11:10 PM).

Option 2: Departs National Park at 3:30 PM (Returns at 12:40 AM).

👉 [Grab your last-minute festival tickets and train passes right here!](https://audiologytouring.flicket.co.nz/events/8c208b65-22ea-4a0b-b9d4-981182240fb5/reservation)

⚠️ Key Info: Looking After the Crew

We want to keep the energy electric but the vibes safe! This is strictly an R18 event, so leave the minors behind and ensure you bring a valid, physical ID (digital screenshots won’t cut it at the gate).

Staying safe means knowing the boundaries, respecting the community, and looking after your mates. Make sure you brush up on the official event guidelines, prohibited items, and entry conditions so you don’t run into any hiccups at the venue.

👉 Read the official Mardi Gras Terms and Conditions here

📻 Ski FM: Your On-The-Ground Mardi Info Hub!

Throughout the entire weekend, Ski FM will be operating as your official local information lifeline. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, trying to find a park, or wondering if you need to throw a rain jacket over your costume, we have you completely sorted.

Tune into the radio broadcast or keep your eyes locked on our website and socials all weekend long for live, running updates on:

🏔️ Weather Updates: Sizzling mountain forecasts so you know exactly how to layer up.

🛣️ Road & Traffic Conditions: Real-time updates on highway access and black ice alerts surrounding the Ohakune network.

🅿️ Parking & Shuttles: Live alerts on parking restrictions and shuttle drop zones.

📢 Important Announcements: Schedule adjustments, gate updates, and key event messages direct from the organizers.

Need a Hand While in Town? Give Us a Buzz!

If your group plans fall apart, you get separated from your crew, or you need immediate clarity on local updates, the Ski FM team is sitting right by the phones to help you out!

📞 Call us on  SKI FM (0800 475 436)

We will be fully available all weekend to answer your questions, dish out local info, and point you in the right direction if your plans take a twist!

Stay safe, look out for one another, keep your dials locked to Ski FM, and let’s make Ohakune Mardi Gras 2026 one for the history books! 🥳❄️