Ultra NZ review: We came, we sang 'Clarity', we sent it to 140 Scribe edits

It’s still hard to believe that such an iconic brand as Ultra came to Aotearoa over the weekend. A brand that, as dance music fans, we’ve all watched year after year from afar at many pre’s and kickons, finally made its way to our shores.

Standing in front of the truly insane monster of a mainstage in Waitangi Park felt surreal.

And what was truly unique about Ultra New Zealand was the fact that there was something for everyone. EDM genres, house, hardstyle, drum & bass, trap & dubstep were all represented, something we rarely see in New Zealand.

Four world-class stages lined up along the waterfront.

The Oasis stage flew the flag for the locals, stacked with heavy hitters like Twofold, Flowidus, Inmotion and QUIX. Tucked right up against Te Papa, the stage came alive at night with insane projections lighting up the museum wall.

Over at Resistance, Marten Hørger pulled a serious early crowd at 4 pm. Then things got spicy on the mainstage when Darren Styles dropped a hardstyle set at 6:30 pm. Unheard of in New Zealand. But once again, a packed-out crowd was absolutely loving it.

Later in the night, Zedd brought the singalong session we all needed. All the big hitters, 'Clarity', 'Stay The Night', 'Break Free' - every chorus brings the nostalgia.

Mid set, he shouted out New Zealand’s “f*cking amazing coffee” and thanked the crowd for their “amazing energy and smiles.”

He continued, “Even before I went on, I was told you guys sing loud as sh*t, and that was so true.”

Then came DJ Snake, seamlessly weaving between heavy dubstep and his most recognisable hits like 'Turn Down For What' and 'Lean On'. Even more special knowing it’s one of his first shows back after major surgery in February.

Lowkey though, the UMF Radio stage was the standout stage of the festival. With an insane viewing platform that surrounded the crowd. NGHTMRE and Ray Volpe absolutely sent it with heavy dubstep sets - easily the standout sets of the whole festival.

Then Alison Wonderland pulled out a curveball - a 140 edit of 'Not Many' by Scribe.

She then went b2b with QUIX to close the stage - two long-time friends vibing, dropping everything from their own tunes to drum & bass heaters.

Back at the mainstage, the doof sticks were out in force for The Chainsmokers, their first set of 2026, right here in Aotearoa.

They debuted their new hybrid house/dnb collab with John Summit, plus dropped 'Echo' - literally released that same day.

And then the closer… 'Something Just Like This' with Coldplay, fireworks going off across the waterfront, everyone singing like it’s 2017 again.

The crowd showed up, and Ultra returned that energy by delivering a world-class experience, and we can’t wait to see what 2027 has in store.