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Plan Your Festival
Your survival kit starts here.
Get festival-ready with zero stress. From buses and camping to food, maps and festival rules - everything you need to plan your R&A is right here.
Travel & Transport
Self-Drive
Bringing your own wheels? Here’s what you need to know:
- Parking is limited - spaces are first-come, first-served.
- Carpooling is encouraged - share the ride and split the costs.
- Allow extra time - New Year traffic can be heavy on South Island roads.
- Designate a sober driver - if you’re leaving the same night.
👉 Driving is an option, but for the easiest experience we recommend public transport.
Transport Options
Skip the stress and jump on one of our organised options:
Festival Buses: Depart from Queenstown, Wānaka and more. Affordable, safe, and basically a pre-party on wheels.
Rideshare & Shuttles: Team up with mates or find a local rideshare group. Good for the planet and your wallet.
Drop-off Zones: If you’re catching a ride, use the designated drop-off areas near the main entrance.
👉 Seats on buses sell out fast — book early.
CAMPING
Camp life = festival life.
Wake up to alpine sunrises and festival vibes. If you’re camping, here’s what you need to know:
- General camping facilities (showers, loos, refill stations).
- BYO tent or upgrade to glamping/UFK.
- Tips: earplugs, torch, sunnies.
ABOUT R&A
Our Story
Rhythm and Alps was born in 2011 as the South Island sister to the iconic Rhythm and Vines. Starting in a humble paddock in Terrace Downs, the festival found its true home in 2013 in the heart of the Southern Alps- Cardrona Valley, near Wānaka. What began as an idea to bring a world-class New Year’s experience to the South has since grown into an unmissable fixture on the summer calendar.
Set against an alpine backdrop like no other, R&A blends music, nature, and community in a way that’s uniquely Kiwi. Each year, the festival welcomes a diverse mix of local legends and international heavyweights across electronic, hip-hop, indie, and beyond, drawing a crowd that’s as passionate about good music as they are about good times.
More than just a festival, Rhythm and Alps has become a rite of passage for many- a three-day celebration of rhythm, connection, and the best vibes to wrap up the year.
Wellbeing & Safety
Good vibes = safe vibes
We’ve got your back all 3 days:
- First Aid: Medical crew on deck 24/7.
- Hydration: Free water refill points everywhere.
- Safe Spaces: Need a breather? Chill zones and wellbeing crew are here.
- Accessibility: We’re committed to making R&A accessible — check details here.
Food & Drink
Fuel up for the dancefloor.
R&A brings together local eats and drinks so you can feast between sets:
- Wide range of kai from local vendors.
- Vegan, veggie + GF options available.
- Bars with standard + premium options.
Accessibility & Sustainability
Party hard, tread light.
R&A is committed to inclusivity and protecting the valley:
- Wheelchair access info, assistance services.
- Mental health + wellbeing support.
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Party light: reusable cups, recycling stations, leave no trace.