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Safety & Wellbeing
Helping you have the best (and safest) time this New Years
Our number one priority is keeping you safe at R&A! From the moment you leave your door, to the mosh and back, we provide a range of awesome resources to help you out. Check out our partners below as well as what to do If you're not having a good time, find yourself in an unsafe situation or there's an emergency. We're here to help!
Alcohol & Drug Safety
Drug Checking
ON-SITE DRUG CHECKING AVAILABLE AT R&A 2025!
We’re stoked to have Know Your Stuff joining us at Rhythm and Alps this year. We’ve previously promoted their services in the lead-up to the festival season, but having them on-site and accessible throughout the event is a game-changer for keeping Alps safe.
While R&A does not condone drug use and illicit substances are not permitted on-site, we know harm reduction saves lives. If you choose to take something, please get it checked first. Know Your Stuff’s team offers free, legal, confidential, judgement-free drug checking to help you make safer, informed decisions.
KnowYourStuffNZ is a peer-led free, legal, and completely discreet drug checking service. If you've got any questions about what could potentially be in your stuff, or about stuff in general, come and see them by the Yumm Zone for some high quality drug harm reduction yarns. No cops, no names, no judgement, just information.
KnowYourStuffNZ will also be running clinics in the lead up the R&A:
- Saturday 27th December 2025, 1–4pm – Queenstown Memorial Centre
- Sunday 28th December 2025, 10:30 am–4:30 pm – Lake Wānaka Centre
For more clinic dates near you, click the link below.
KnowYourStuffNZ
As well as providing drug checking services in Aotearoa, KnowYourStuffNZ's website is home to loads of free resources to help you make safe, informed choices this summer.
At The Festival
R&A TEXT HELPLINE
This year we are offering a text helpline that will connect you directly with support staff. If you or someone you know need help during the festival you can text "ASSIST" and what's up to 260.
You'll be immediately connected to our on-site team.
Travelling Safely
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)
The roads around Wānaka this time of year are very busy and can be extremely dangerous. Travelling to and from a music festival introduces other potential risk factors such as alcohol, fatigue and distraction. Take breaks, drive well-rested and ALWAYS have a designated sober driver.
If you're attending locally, we also partner with Yello! to offer handy bus services.
Our mates at the NZTA have put together heaps of info to help you plan your journey; find out more below!