Northern Bass runs on 30 and 31 December 2026 at Settlement Road, Kaiwaka, near Mangawhai and about an hour and a half north of Auckland. The festival sells campervan tickets: the ticket includes a camping pass for the driver, and everyone else in the van needs their own. Vans over the festival's size limit are turned away, so check yours first.
Northern Bass 2026 at a glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 30 and 31 December 2026 |
| Where | 433 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka, near Mangawhai |
| Campervans | Campervan ticket, including the driver's camping pass; a camping pass for everyone else |
| Camping | Two nights, or the 31st only (a 30th-only ticket doesn't include camping) |
| Nearest pick-up | Auckland |
Check the official Northern Bass website for tickets, the line-up and the campervan size limit before you book your van.
Camping at Northern Bass in a campervan
Northern Bass has a campervan area. Your campervan ticket includes a camping pass for the driver only, so everyone else staying in the van needs their own camping pass as well as a festival ticket. Camping passes cover two nights, or the 31st only.
If you'd rather stay off site, there are campgrounds in Mangawhai and Ruakākā, and late-night shuttles run between Mangawhai and the festival.
Getting to Kaiwaka
From Auckland, head north on State Highway 1 past Warkworth. Kaiwaka is about an hour and a half's drive, longer on arrival day. Festival buses also run from Auckland.
Make it a Northland road trip
Stop at Matakana on the way up for the Saturday farmers market and the wineries. After the festival, carry on north to Whangārei and the Bay of Islands, where Paihia, Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds make a great first week of the year.
- 29 December: pick up in Auckland, Matakana and a night near Mangawhai
- 30 and 31 December: the festival
- 1 January: rest and a swim at Mangawhai Heads
- 2 to 4 January: Whangārei and the Bay of Islands
What to pack
- Your festival ticket, campervan ticket and everyone's camping passes
- Sunscreen and a hat: the New Zealand sun is strong
- Water, snacks and easy meals
- Earplugs and a torch
Hire a campervan in Auckland
Compare campervans and motorhomes from Auckland in one search. A self-contained van gives you the most freedom in Northland.
Campervan hire Auckland→New Zealand travel guide→More New Year festivals by campervan
Campervan events calendar: festivals, markets and events→AUM New Year's Festival by campervan→Rhythm and Vines 2026 by campervan→Rhythm and Alps 2026 by campervan→Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a campervan to Northern Bass?
Yes, with a campervan ticket. It includes the driver's camping pass; everyone else in the van needs their own camping pass.
When is Northern Bass 2026?
30 and 31 December 2026 at Settlement Road, Kaiwaka, near Mangawhai.
Is there a size limit for campervans at Northern Bass?
Yes. Vehicles over the festival's stated size limit are turned away, so check it on the official site before you book your van.
Where can I stay near Northern Bass?
On site with a camping pass, or at campgrounds in Mangawhai and Ruakākā. Shuttles run between Mangawhai and the festival.
How far is Northern Bass from Auckland?
About an hour and a half's drive north on State Highway 1.
Ready to start your trip?
Compare campervans and motorhomes from trusted operators, with the best rates in one place.
Find a Campervan Now