End of an iconic Kiwi era! Rhythm and Vines confirms its 2026 festival will be the final one at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne. Get the details here.
Grab your festival crew and prepare for an emotional New Year’s, team—New Zealand’s ultimate summer rite of passage is changing forever. Organisers have officially confirmed that Rhythm and Vines 2026 will mark “The Final Dance” at its legendary home of Waiohika Estate in Gisborne.
After 24 years of bringing thousands of Kiwis together to catch the very first sunrise of the new year amongst the vines, the iconic festival is packing its bags and heading for a fresh location in 2027 to support its long-term future.
🍇 24 Years of Gisborne Magic
What started back in 2003 with a modest crowd of 1,800 university mates has grown into an absolute behemoth of the Kiwi summer circuit. From homegrown roots and reggae legends like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter to global powerhouse acts like Calvin Harris and Chance The Rapper, Waiohika Estate has hosted nearly a quarter of a century’s worth of core summer memories.
Festival CEO Kieran Spillane shared deep gratitude for the Gizzy community, stating the team is immensely proud of what they’ve built alongside the locals and is focused on giving the venue the colossal send-off it deserves.
🎟️ The Send-Off: Key Dates to Lock In
If you want to be part of history and dance in the Gisborne hills one last time, here is the official game plan for securing your spot:
The Final Festival: December 28–31, 2026 at Waiohika Estate, Gisborne.
One NZ Presale: Kicks off Monday, August 3 at 10:00 AM.
R&V Legends Presale: Opens Tuesday, August 4 at 12:00 PM.
General Ticket On-Sale: Following the presale windows.
Organisers are keeping their lips sealed on where R&V will land in 2027, promising that details will drop in due course. For now, all eyes are on making Chapter 24 the biggest party Gizzy has ever seen!
Are you heading to Waiohika Estate for the final send-off? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
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