Rhythm and Vines

View on map
MusicGisborne
Dates29 December 2026–1 January 2027Confirmed listing
Duration4 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsFounded in 2003 by Hamish Pinkham, Tom
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne

Rhythm and Vines is a New Year's Eve music festival at Waiohika Estate outside Gisborne, marketed on the city's claim to be among the first places on Earth to greet the new year's sunrise. Founded in 2003 by three university friends, it grew from 1,800 attendees into a multi-day event with more than 350,000 total attendees across its history.

In 2003, three friends who had met at the University of Otago, Hamish Pinkham, Tom Gibson, and Andrew Witters, set out to build a New Year's Eve festival unlike the ones they had experienced elsewhere: safe, set in a beautiful location, and built around a mix of up-and-coming and established New Zealand musicians rather than relying purely on international headliners.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Founded in 2003 by Hamish Pinkham, Tom Gibson, and Andrew Witters, three friends from the University of Otago who wanted a safe, scenic New Year's event for New Zealand's emerging and established musicians, the festival built its identity directly around Gisborne's geography, its promotional pitch has long rested on the city's position near the international date line, making it one of the earliest inhabited places to welcome each new year

02

The mystery stays covered

What began as a single New Year's Eve day in 2003 expanded to a three-day format from 2008 onward, and the 2026 edition will be the final one staged at Waiohika Estate, closing out a 24-year run at the venue before the festival relocates for 2027

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Formal Maori cultural protocol at the festival

Water and renewal

Living ritual

such as a powhiri or karakia opening

The sacred route

Living ritual

was not confirmed in available sources despite Gisborne and the wider Tairawhiti region's strong Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata cultural presence

The local code

Living ritual

this is a gap worth checking against official festival or iwi sources rather than assuming

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

29 December 2026–1 January 2027

Getting around

Use the event area in Gisborne to set the route; normal travel times can stretch once crowds build.

What to wear

Light summer festival clothing, swimwear for daytime, and a light layer for the cooler hours around midnight; sturdy footwear helps for navigating a vineyard camping site.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Gisborne.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.65 S, 178.00 EOpen in Google Maps

Gisborne, Gisborne, New Zealand

Nearest airportGIS — Gisborne
TransportUse the event area in Gisborne to set the route; normal travel times can stretch once crowds build.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Gisborne.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Gisborne via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Gisborne, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for December.Compare faresFestival gearLight summer festival clothing, swimwear for daytime, and a light layer for the cooler hours around midnight; sturdy footwear helps for navigating a vineyard camping site.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Rhythm and Vines?

Rhythm and Vines is listed for 29 December 2026–1 January 2027. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Rhythm and Vines take place?

The festival is listed in Gisborne, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Gisborne, Gisborne, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLrhythmandvines.co.nz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates29 December 2026–1 January 2027
Source statusOfficial source linked
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