Rhythm and Alps runs on 30 and 31 December 2026 at Robrosa Station in the Cardrona Valley, about 15 minutes from Wānaka. It's New Zealand's South Island New Year festival, with mountain views from the stage. Pick up a campervan in Queenstown, buy the festival's campervan upgrade, and spend the days after exploring Wānaka and the Southern Lakes.
Rhythm and Alps 2026 at a glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 30 and 31 December 2026 |
| Where | Robrosa Station, Cardrona Valley Road, about 15 minutes from Wānaka |
| Nearest pick-up | Queenstown |
| Campervans | Campervan upgrade needed, one per campervan, with a camping ticket for everyone |
Check the official Rhythm and Alps website for tickets, the line-up and camping packages before you book.
Why go by campervan
Queenstown and Wānaka are among New Zealand's busiest towns over New Year, and beds are scarce and expensive. A campervan means you sleep at the festival in your own bed rather than a tent, have somewhere warm when the valley cools down at night, and can carry on into the Southern Alps afterwards.
Camping at Rhythm and Alps in a campervan
The festival has campervan-friendly camping. Everyone staying needs a camping ticket, and each campervan needs its own campervan upgrade, bought through the festival's ticketing. Check the festival's FAQs for what you can bring, including rules on gas cooking.
Queenstown to Cardrona: the drive
The quickest way from Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road, about an hour's drive. It's New Zealand's highest main road, with steep switchbacks, so take it slowly in a campervan. The longer route via Cromwell and Lake Dunstan is gentler if you're in a large van or not used to mountain roads.
Fill up with fuel, water and food in Queenstown or Wānaka before you head to the festival. The historic Cardrona Hotel, on the valley road, is a popular stop on the way.
Queenstown to Milford Sound and Glenorchy itinerary→A week around the festival
- 28 December: pick up the campervan in Queenstown, with a night at a holiday park in town
- 29 December: over the Crown Range to Wānaka for a day by the lake
- 30 and 31 December: the festival, with the van at the campervan site
- 1 January: a slow start, then back into Wānaka
- 2 to 4 January: Mount Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass, or south to Te Anau and Milford Sound
Before and after the festival
Holiday parks in Wānaka and Queenstown fill up over New Year, so book the nights either side early. After the festival, spend a few days around Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass, or head south to Fiordland.
What to pack
- Warm layers, a beanie and a sleeping bag or extra blankets for cold nights
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: the mountain sun is strong
- A rain jacket, as alpine weather changes fast
- A torch or head torch for the campsite
- Your camping ticket, campervan upgrade and photo ID
Hire a campervan in Queenstown
Compare campervans and motorhomes from Queenstown in one search. New Year is peak season, so book early.
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When is Rhythm and Alps 2026?
30 and 31 December 2026, at Robrosa Station in the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka.
Can you take a campervan to Rhythm and Alps?
Yes. Everyone needs a camping ticket, and each campervan needs a campervan upgrade bought through the festival.
How far is Rhythm and Alps from Queenstown?
About an hour via the Crown Range Road. The route via Cromwell takes longer but is easier in a large campervan.
Where can I stay before and after Rhythm and Alps?
Holiday parks in Wānaka and Queenstown. Book early, as both are busy over New Year.
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