About Dimension Festival
Dimension Festival is New Zealand’s premier open-air boutique psychedelic music event, held each summer in a hidden Northland valley (dimension.squarespace.com ) (psymedia.co.za ). Over its decade of growth, it has evolved from small New Year’s parties on a Donnellys Crossing farm into a four-day immersive festival of music, art and community (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). The site – at 929 Waimatenui East Road near Nukutawhiti – is a working farm transformed by visionary stage design and art installations into a “living canvas” (www.dimension.nz ) (paulaspassport.com ). Surrounded by forest and a swimming river, Dimension stands out for its community-driven mindset: attendees praise the friendly, inclusive vibe and elaborate decorations around every corner (www.dimension.nz ) (paulaspassport.com ). From the chest-thumping psytrance of its main stage to the midnight downtempo fire circles, Dimension puts northland’s natural beauty front-and-centre. It’s become one of Aotearoa’s most-loved psychedelic festivals, noted for its stellar sound (world-class Opus rigs) and the supportive “leave no trace” culture (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ).
Events and Programming
Dimension is an annual January festival (late Jan–early Feb) running 4 days with 72 hours of continuous music. Each edition features 100+ performers from NZ and around the world (www.ticketfairy.com ). The music spans psytrance and progressive to house, techno, drum & bass, jungle, dubstep, chillout and beyond (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The site has four main stages: Astral Arena (psytrance, progressive, psytech), Drop Zone (drum & bass, jungle, dubstep), Zen Den (deep/progressive house and downtempo), and Cosmic Cove (ambient, reggae, live acoustic workshops) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Expect headliners like Ace Ventura, Ajja, Jumpstreet, Chromatone, Paige Julia, Grouch and many Kiwi and international DJs and live acts (www.dimension.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dimension also includes non-musical programming: art installations, live painters, fire & flow workshops, yoga, ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, and daytime “wellness” activities. The festival has a strong art and tech focus – giant murals, UV light shows and NZ’s best lasers light up the stages (paulaspassport.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In 2025, for example, lineup announcements promised over 100 acts across four immersive stages (www.ticketfairy.com ). Special features like sunrise sets, a Friday “warm-up” night and a Monday “chill-out” day (recovery evening) mean attendees get 4 nights of camping with three full party nights (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance. Sales run through the official festival partner (Flicket) or the Dimension website – no box office on site. Passes are tiered: early-bird (deposits/early releases) at the lowest price and a final release before the event. For example, a 2023 full-pass final release was about NZ$299 (plus fees), while early 2026 passes were advertised around NZ$239 (psymedia.co.za ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). All tier tickets include the same access, and early releases always save you money (www.dimension.nz ). Upfront payment plans (Afterpay, Laybuy) are often available. Every full festival pass automatically includes 72-hour entry, free tent camping (Valley or Haven Camp) and access to all music, art zones and workshops (www.dimension.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Optional add-ons include reserved campsite camping (car-camping) as well as premium glamping tents with private facilities (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Do not buy from resale sites other than the official ticket partner – tickets resold outside approved channels are not valid (www.dimension.nz ). Note: festival IDs can’t be shared – your ticket name must match your ID at entry (www.dimension.nz ). Ticket transfers are permitted via Flicket before the event (www.dimension.nz ). Because Dimension is all-or-nothing, one-day passes don’t exist apart from a single Saturday day-pass; the intent is a full 4-day experience (www.dimension.nz ).
Seating and Layout
The Dimension site is a large open-air valley with no fixed seating. All stages and performance areas are general admission–standing. You’ll find crowds gathering right at the stage fronts or scattered around on the grass. For the best views, go early in front of your chosen stage – but bring ear protection, as the Opus sound systems are very powerful (www.dimension.nz ). Mid-distance is a safer bet if you prefer less noise. The main Astral Arena stage boasts the biggest visuals and bass, while the Drop Zone stage has a simpler setup mainly for drum-and-bass music (paulaspassport.com ). Close to the river is the Zen Den area, often the quietest spot to chill between sets (paulaspassport.com ). The Cosmic Cove stage (usually ambient/reggae) offers seating mats and hammocks. In general, there are no assigned seats or VIP overlooks – it’s all grass. People often bring camping chairs or festival rugs for resting, especially in quieter areas. Note that ground can get muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are wise. There are scattered communal seating lounges (the “Deep Space” chill-out area) and all stages have 360° visuals and plenty of lighting, so most vantage points still feel connected to the action (paulaspassport.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Overall, the layout is well-planned and easy to navigate – visitors praise how “everywhere you turn your head is a beautiful art installation or light show” (www.dimension.nz ).
Getting There and Parking
Dimension Festival’s farm venue is at Waimatenui East Road, Nukutawhiti, Northland (www.dimension.nz ) (psymedia.co.za ). It’s roughly 3½ hours’ drive north of Auckland and about 1 hour from Whangārei or Dargaville (paulaspassport.com ). The final 10km are gravel road, so drive carefully, especially after rain (www.dimension.nz ). By Car: Take State Highway 14 from Dargaville or SH1 via Whangārei. Buy a separate parking or car-camping pass (required) and follow signs along Waimatenui Rd. A vehicle drop-off zone is beside campsite so you can unload gear before parking – afterward shuttles run 24/7 between the car park and main camp (www.dimension.nz ). Shuttle buses: Dimension runs charter coaches from Auckland Airport and CBD on festival weekend (www.dimension.nz ). These drop you at the gate (4h journey). If flying to Whangārei, an hourly festival shuttle meets the InterCity bus at Whangārei Airport/Bus Station and delivers passengers to site (approx 1h trip) (www.dimension.nz ). Bus passes must be booked in advance. Rideshare and Taxis: Very limited in rural Northland – safest to pre-arrange transfers. The shuttle complements InterCity routes so plan your trip accordingly. Public transit: Nearest major stop is Whangārei; there is no train service. The journey planning page advises early arrival (buses on Friday afternoon) and suggests staying nearby before/after the festival if needed (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Parking cost: You must pre-purchase a car park pass (price varies each year) – note that ordinary festival tickets do not include vehicle parking. Buy any parking or car-camping pass while booking your festival tickets. There is ample on-site parking, kept a short shuttle ride from camp (www.dimension.nz ).
Inside the Venue
On arrival, expect ID checks and security searches. All bags and vehicles are checked for banned items (no outside alcohol, no glass, no drug paraphernalia) (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Digital tickets are scanned at the gate (you can also print a spare ticket if worried about battery) (www.dimension.nz ). The entry staff issue wristbands which you wear for the duration. Inside, the festival is largely open-air. You’ll find multiple bars (selling beer, cider, cocktails – no BYO alcohol allowed (www.dimension.nz )) and food vendors serving local cuisine, pizza, vegan dishes, coffee and snacks. There’s a central ‘marketplace’ area with shops and stalls for clothing, crafts and festival merchandise (www.ticketfairy.com ) (paulaspassport.com ). Free potable water stations are located near stages and camps. For hygiene, the site provides dozens of portaloos and a few fixed lavatory areas (three main toilet blocks were noted in 2023) (paulaspassport.com ). Warm showers are available at no extra cost in the campgrounds and by the river (paulaspassport.com ). Emergency services and medics are on-site 24/7, and there is (New Zealand’s) KnowYourStuff harm-reduction team offering drug-testing and safety advice (www.ticketfairy.com ). The festival phone signal is very poor – only a little Vodafone reception near the gate – and Wi-Fi is sold by the hour at the info tent (www.dimension.nz ). Most attendees treat Dimension as a digital detox zone (paulaspassport.com ), so plan meeting points in advance if your group might separate. Throughout the venue, you’ll see art pieces and projection mapping (for example, a live mural is painted each night (paulaspassport.com )). The whole area is festooned with thematic lights and lasers, especially after dark. Expect a grounded, communal atmosphere – staff encourage a “love and respect” vibe (even spelling out that only an enthusiastic “yes” counts as consent (www.dimension.nz )). Helpful amenities include phone charging stations, first-aid “quiet room” (known as “Deep Space”), and coat-check at the Guest Services tent. The official schedule has stages going non-stop through the weekend, so once inside you can wander freely between areas and never miss the next set (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ).
Nearby Amenities
Dimension’s remote setting means the nearest town is Whangārei (about 60 km away) (paulaspassport.com ). Whangārei has supermarkets, shops and hotels if you need to stock up before the event. There is also a small service centre at Waipapa (~15 km south) and a gas station at Ruakākā for last-minute fuel (www.dimension.nz ). During the festival week, most attendees rely on food trucks and on-site vendors, so bring any specialty snacks in your camping gear. If you prefer sleeping in a bed, the closest hotels/motels are in Whangārei or Dargaville, both roughly an hour’s drive. It’s wise to book these in advance, as festival weekends can fill local rooms. For pre-show dinners, menus in Whangārei range from casual takeaways to family restaurants and pubs. Note that no cafés or shops operate at the festival site itself outside of the market stalls. After late-night programming, there’s no public transit back to town – most people camp, sleep late and then take the Monday or Tuesday shuttle home (the festival even encourages staying an extra night to recover (www.ticketfairy.com )). If you arrive the day before, you might explore the natural highlights of Northland – for example, the beautiful Waipoua Kauri forest and Hokianga Harbour are within a couple of hours’ drive. But remember traffic and rural roads: plan your journey (Auckland–Whangārei SH1 is main route). Overall, arriving early on opening day or staying in Whangārei the night before are good strategies to avoid spills on the road and get settled well before music starts.
What Makes This Venue Special
Dimension is more than a concert site; it’s an immersive experience blending festival and wilderness. The combination of four massive stages, forested surroundings and cutting-edge visuals creates a setting unlike any urban theatre. The festival has become renowned for its attention to detail and otherworldly vibe. Fans describe how the layout is “extremely well thought out” with beautiful installations everywhere (www.dimension.nz ). Because it runs 24/7, it feels like stepping into “another dimension” – from sunrise yoga to midnight trance by the river, there’s always something happening around the clock. The sound systems are a highlight (Opus rigs and 4K visuals) so that each genre—from high-octane psytrance to chill dub—feels full-spectrum (www.ticketfairy.com ). Culturally, Dimension has forged its own lore in NZ’s festival scene. It prides itself on values of creativity, acceptance and self-expression – dressing up is common and “the people are beautiful, the music is incredible & the venue is always magical,” as one fan put it (www.dimension.nz ). Historically, Dimension’s roots trace back to a small farm party for New Year’s 2015 (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). In the years since, that spirit has shaped a major event: every edition showcases Kiwi artists alongside global acts, and it draws visitors from around the world to Northland’s wild places. Local stakeholders note how the festival boosts the community by bringing tourism and spotlighting Northland’s landscapes. Environmentally, the organisers’ “leave no trace” policy aligns with New Zealand’s outdoor ethos (www.dimension.nz ). In short, attendees often say it’s “the greatest weekend of my life,” filled with creative energy and friendly faces (www.dimension.nz ). Dimension’s unique mix of high production values, peaceful natural setting and a caring crew means both artists and audiences leave feeling refreshed and inspired (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Pack wisely: organizers recommend essentials like a tent, sleeping bag/mattress, torch, warm layers (NZ nights can be chilly) and waterproofs (www.dimension.nz ). Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent and sturdy shoes for uneven ground (www.dimension.nz ).
Stay hydrated: free drinking water stations are provided, so bring a reusable water bottle (www.dimension.nz ). It’s advisable to drink water regularly, especially if dancing in the midday heat.
Earplugs are a must: music is loud at all stages. Protect your hearing if you plan to be near speakers.
Charge up: with spotty reception (phones rarely work) and optional Wi-Fi only via purchase, have a battery pack in case of emergency. Note that the festival is a good chance to unplug – many attend just to disconnect from devices (paulaspassport.com ).
Know the rules: Dimension is R18 (strictly no minors) (www.dimension.nz ). You need photo ID to enter. No outside alcohol, no glass containers, and no fires of any kind – fire spinning is only allowed in the designated fire circle at scheduled times (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Pets are not permitted onsite (www.dimension.nz ). Obediently follow staff and security, and remember that only clear, enthusiastic consent is acceptable for any hugs or touching (www.dimension.nz ).
Leave no trace: rubbish bags are provided at entry. Take your trash and recycle out; help keep the valley pristine (www.dimension.nz ). Avoid using disposable plastics and bring reusables (plates, utensils, cups).
Stay warm and dry: even in summer Northland can rain. The festival runs come rain or shine (www.dimension.nz ), so bring ponchos or raincoats. Conversely, have light clothing or a swimsuit ready – many people swim in the cold river to cool off each morning (paulaspassport.com ).
Plan transport: with limited road access, plan your arrival/departure carefully. Gates open at 10 AM on Day 1 (Friday) and daily thereafter (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Buses and shuttles run on fixed schedules – booking them in advance is wise. If driving, fill up fuel before heading to the farm and consider arriving a little earlier than planned in case of gravel road delays.
Stay safe: friendly faces are everywhere (www.dimension.nz ), but still keep track of friends and belongings. Familiarise yourself with where medics and security tents are located. If you feel unwell (heat exhaustion or otherwise), seek the nearest medical tent immediately.
Enjoy the experience: Dimension is about more than just music – join a workshop, decorate your camping area with LED lights, and meet people from all over. Cast your phone aside, embrace the community vibe and you’ll likely agree it’s “truly another Dimension.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is Dimension Festival held?
What do my festival tickets include?
A standard full-festival pass buys you access to all four days (including 72 hours of music), all stages and performances, and free tent camping (www.dimension.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This includes entry Friday through Monday (with a final “rest” night after the music stops) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Your pass grants entrance to every workshop, wellness session and art zone as well. Food, drinks and add-ons (see below) are extra.
How much do tickets cost, and are there payment plans?
Ticket pricing is tiered. Early-bird passes may start around NZ$239 plus fees (psymedia.co.za ). By final release, full GA passes are roughly NZ$299–350 (NZ) plus fees (www.ticketfairy.com ). Organisers also offer payment options like Laybuy or Afterpay. All ticket tiers include the same festival access (no VIP perks except optional camping upgrades). The best way to get a low price is to grab a ticket early on sale.
How do I buy or sell Dimension Festival tickets?
Tickets are sold only through the official festival platform (Flicket) or authorized festival retailers. There is no cash box office entry at the site. Do not buy from resale sites or unauthorized sellers – those tickets may be invalid (www.dimension.nz ). Ticket transfers (resales) are only permitted through Flicket’s system prior to the event (www.dimension.nz ). Remember that the name on your ticket must match your photo ID at entry (www.dimension.nz ).
What camping options are included or available?
Every full festival pass includes basic tent camping at no additional charge. There are two main camps: Valley Camp (central, lively area near the stages) and Haven Camp (a quieter zone) (www.dimension.nz ). You can camp next to your tent area, but if you want to park a vehicle or set up a car-side campsite you need to buy a car-camping pass. Premium camping is also sold: for example, Glade Camp offers pre-erected bell tents with beds and lockable amenities (www.dimension.nz ). You may also purchase pre-pitched two-person tents (with sleeping bags and chairs provided) (www.dimension.nz ).
What are the parking and parking pass rules?
If you drive to Dimension, you must buy a parking pass (price listed on the ticket site). There is a designated parking area just outside the camping zones. On arrival you can drive into the main camp briefly to unload gear, but afterward all vehicles must be moved to that parking zone. A free 24-hour shuttle connects the parking to camp. Campers who want to sleep in or beside their cars need a separate car-camping pass (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). Once the site fills up, vehicle access is otherwise restricted, so plan your arrival carefully and pack only what you need in your car.
Is Dimension Festival adults-only?
Yes. Dimension is strictly R18 – no children or teenagers are permitted (www.dimension.nz ). You must have a valid photo ID matching your ticket to enter. Minors are not allowed even in camps, and pets or animals are also forbidden on site (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ).
Are there any prohibited items or rules to know?
Several things are banned: alcohol is sold on site and Bringing Your Own alcohol is not allowed (www.dimension.nz ). Glass bottles or containers of any kind are prohibited (since it’s a public farm) (www.dimension.nz ). No fires are allowed in campsites – fire dances only happen in a staff-controlled circle at set times (www.dimension.nz ). Nudity is technically banned; wear clothes that fit the “open air, creative” vibe. Drugs are illegal (NZ law), but for health and safety the festival provides a drug-checking service (KnowYourStuff) and always has medical crews on standby. Check the festival’s terms: by entering you consent to photography/filming by the festival (www.dimension.nz ). Overall, the code-of-conduct is care and respect: only enthusiastic consent for any touching, follow staff instructions, dispose of litter in bins or your bags, and enjoy freely but courteously.
What time do the festival gates open each day?
According to the official schedule, gates open at around 10:00 AM on each day of the festival (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). On opening day (Friday) stages start music around 4:00 PM (www.dimension.nz ). For Saturday and Sunday, music runs continuously. The final “exit-only” gate opens the next Monday morning (10 AM) and on Tuesday (6 AM) for departing guests (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). If you miss a gate opening, note that re-entry is generally not allowed, so arrive by morning if you want full access.
Can I use my phone, or is there Wi-Fi?
Phone reception is very limited at the farm (a little Vodafone coverage possible near the gates) (www.dimension.nz ). Most attendees bring phones for camera use or emergency only. The festival offers paid Wi-Fi passes at the Guest Services tent if you really need connectivity (www.dimension.nz ). Otherwise, consider this a digital detox – many describe Dimension as “a dead zone of cell coverage” which adds to its off-grid vibe (paulaspassport.com ).
Are showers and toilets available?
Yes. The festival provides ample porta-loo stations across the site. There are at least three main toilet areas near stages (paulaspassport.com ). Showers are free and unheated (warm solar showers) in the camping areas. The river is also a popular natural shower: on cool mornings people jump in the rapids to wake up (paulaspassport.com ). Bring flip-flops and towels, and note that toiletries should be biodegradable to protect the environment.
What food and drink is available onsite?
You can buy food and drinks from many vendors. There are several food trucks and stalls offering meals (including vegetarian/vegan and kid-friendly options), coffee carts and snack stands (paulaspassport.com ). Bars sell a range of alcoholic drinks. All bars are licensed, so you cannot carry in any alcohol from outside (www.dimension.nz ). Expect typical festival prices – it’s a good idea to carry some cash for vendors (though most stalls likely take cards). If you have special dietary needs, plan accordingly or arrive with snacks, as on-site food is your main option once the festival starts.
What should I do with my rubbish?
Dimension is committed to a “Leave No Trace” model. Trash bags are provided at entry, and recycling bins are available at camps and stages. It’s best to return as much waste as possible with you. The festival strongly encourages bringing reusable cups, plates and utensils. Any leftovers or trash you generate should go into the bins or back into your car – do not dump anything in the woods (www.dimension.nz ).
Can I leave the site during the festival and come back?
The festival is relatively remote and entry checkpoints operate only on arrival (especially on Day 1). If you exit after entering, you may not be allowed back in, so treat it as a self-contained event. (Note: full festival passes include the rest night after music stops, so people often stay put until departing buses on Tuesday AM.) If you need to leave for an emergency, inform festival staff at another gate for assistance. Otherwise, plan to remain on site for the weekend.
Are one-day passes or refunds available?
Dimension is designed as a full festival experience, so one-day tickets are not generally sold. The only exception is a special single-day Saturday pass some years, but otherwise you need a full event pass (Fri–Mon). The festival’s refund policy only allows cancellations under specific conditions (check the terms). Generally sold tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by organisers (www.dimension.nz ).
What is the festival schedule like?
Music at Dimension does not stop for 4 days straight. Gates open around 10 AM Friday and each morning after (to allow arrivals) (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). The first day’s music typically begins late afternoon (around 4 PM on Friday (www.dimension.nz )). After that, DJs play continuously through the nights and following days. The official timeline shows “exit only” gates on Monday morning (after music ends) and early Tuesday, to allow a quiet final departure (www.dimension.nz ) (www.dimension.nz ). In short: arrive on Friday by early afternoon to catch all of the festival; the party runs non-stop until Monday 4 PM or so, with the site closing Tuesday morning.
Are vehicles allowed in the camping zone?
Cars and campervans can be used only in designated parking or car camping areas. You may drive onto the campsite briefly on arrival to unload, but afterward you must move your vehicle out of tent zones into the parking lot. If you want to sleep in or next to your vehicle, buy a car-camping pass – this reserves you a spot inside the main camp (www.dimension.nz ). Otherwise all cars stay parked, and ferries shuttle campers back to tents.
What stage is best for each music style?
Dimension’s stages each focus on different genres. The Astral Arena (main stage) is where you’ll hear big-room psytrance, progressive and tech sets. The Drop Zone exclusively features drum & bass, jungle and bass music acts. The Zen Den is for deep/progressive house and downtempo. Finally, the Cosmic Cove is for chill-out, ambient, reggae and live bands. Depending on your taste, choose the stage that matches: for high-energy trance go to Astral Arena, for headbanging drum’n’bass go to Drop Zone, and for relaxing beats check out Cosmic Cove (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Why is there no mobile phone signal at the festival?
The indoor-type cell towers are far from the rural valley site, so reliable reception is only near the gate. Dimension deliberately markets itself as an opportunity to “disconnect” – many rave that the valley is essentially in a dead zone for cell coverage (paulaspassport.com ). If you need connectivity, consider buying a festival Wi-Fi pass, but plan on using phones minimally.
Is music played all night?
Yes – the stages run through the nights without shutting down. After the first set on Friday afternoon, DJs continue until Sunday/Monday morning, covering three full nights of festival. (Attendees are provided an extra “rest” night of camping with no music on Sunday night to recover before leaving.) The longest gap is late Sunday night/early Monday morning when music ends, but overall this is a near 24/7 rave. (www.ticketfairy.com ) People often doze or swim in the river in then off-hours, then return when sets resume.
