Whether you're a seasoned festie pro or it’s your first rite of passage, heading to Waiohika Estate for one of New Zealand's biggest music festivals requires a bit of planning.

Luckily, the great organisers at Rhythm & Vines have a comprehensive FAQ which addresses anything you could ever ask, from what you're allowed to bring to the arena, to what size tent is allowed on the campgrounds.

But if you need to keep some memorable tips on your way to Gizzy, here are five key things to help make your R&V a great experience.

1. Be practical with your packing

It may be summer, but it’s still a New Zealand summer, so it may not always be blue sky days...

• Prep for all sorts of weather: It's not unusual to have a day of sunshine one day, and buckets of rain the next. Have plenty of sunscreen and a hat for the sunny days, but gumboots and rain ponchos in case the grounds become a mud swamp. Also, be sure you've got some good shoes because this is not the place to show off your favourite heels. They may not return home in the same state.

• Hand sanitiser: because portaloos.

• Empty reusable water bottle: stay hydrated in the hot sun!

• Have a trusty rubbish bag: The classic large rubbish bag can come in clutch when you're taking all your stuff home, especially if your clothes and tent are covered in mud. Don't be that guy who leaves it for someone else to clean up.

2. Check in before the others

Getting your wristband is your first priority. And if you’re in or travelling through Auckland, then you’re in luck! You can avoid the Gisborne rush by checking in early at Spark Arena on December 27. Otherwise, head to Waiohika Estate during these windows:

• December 28: 9:30 AM – 9 PM (Campers only)

• December 29: 9:30 AM – 9 PM

• December 30 & 31: 1 PM – 9 PM

3. Know your ride there and back

If you’re not taking the special buses, then make sure you plan ahead for your drive. It’s not uncommon to have queues of cars going to and from R&V.

• Road Closures: Expect heavy traffic and several road closures, including Harper, Glenelg, and Kawatiri Roads from 8 AM 28 December to 5 PM 1 January.

• Intermittent Closures: Back Ormond Road will be used intermittently to manage flows. Plan for delays and leave early.

• Who’s the Sober Driver? Agree on who your sober driver is before your final night. They need to make sure they’re okay to drive in the morning, or you’ll ruin your first day of 2026 caught at the police checkpoint.

4. Cashless is King

R&V is a fully cashless festival using Wayver. Your festival wristband is your wallet for all food and drinks.

• Pro Tip: Top up your account online before you arrive to skip the onsite kiosk queues.

• Refunds: If you have credit left after the final night, you can apply for an online refund after the event finishes.

5. Explore the grounds early and plan which acts you’ll see

While the main stages host the headliners, some of the best vibes are found in the smaller spots. The R&V app will have set schedules for all the acts, as well as a map to help navigate the area. Plus, you’ll find some great spots like:

• George FM Grand Central Stage: It’s the George FM Chiller you know and love, but reimagined. Open until 2am every night from December 28th, featuring a bunch of your favourite locals, and surprise pop-up sets you’ll only find here.

• The Edge Photo Wall: Grab your mates and take a snap at the photo wall! And if you've lost your sunnies during the fest or want a cute festie scarf to elevate your look, you can score free ones with The Edge Crew! PLUS If you grab a piece of merch, snap a photo with it and post to your story tagging The Edge NZ, you'll go in the draw for $1,000 cash.

Remember that a three-day festival is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and look out for your mates - because you want to make sure you're there for the big countdown on the 31st!

This article was written for Rhythm & Vines 2025