About Earth Beat Festival New Zealand
Earth Beat Festival is an annual music and arts gathering held at Ātiu Creek Regional Park (414 Run Road, Tapora) in the Kaipara region of Auckland (earthbeatfestival.com ) (en.everybodywiki.com ). Founded in 2014, it’s a five-day equinox celebration of music, art, dance and community, generally around the March equinox. The festival is run in partnership with Auckland Council and mana whenua (Ngāti Whātua – Te Uri-o-Hau) (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). The event has grown into a boutique, multi-generational gathering – families, whānau, and people of all ages come to camp on site and enjoy live performances. It’s known for its laid-back, “real and wonderfully unpolished” atmosphere (www.scoop.co.nz ), a mix of vibrant party and creative retreat. Earth Beat is notable for its environmental ethos: it is a fully “Leave No Trace” event with no rubbish bins on site (en.everybodywiki.com ) (ra.co ), encouraging attendees to bring reusable plates and utensils and pack out all their waste. The setting at Ātiu Creek – a scenic park of rolling hills above Kaipara Harbour – provides a stunning natural amphitheatre backdrop (www.scoop.co.nz ). About 3,000 people attend each year (en.everybodywiki.com ), making it an intimate festival where people often reconnect year after year. Its unique mix of world, electronic, reggae, dub, folk and other genres, combined with wellness workshops, community art and a kids’ program, has made Earth Beat a beloved fixture in the NZ festival scene.
Events and Programming
Earth Beat runs roughly from Wednesday to Sunday around the equinox, and its programming is deliberately eclectic. Multiple stages operate simultaneously: there are typically four music stages plus a dedicated performance space often called “The Barn” (an old woolshed) used for comedy, theatre and poetry at night (www.scoop.co.nz ). Music ranges from world and acoustic folk to hip-hop, electronic house/techno, reggae and dub (www.scoop.co.nz ) (ra.co ). In a single day at Earth Beat you might wake to live cello or acoustic singer-songwriters, attend midday DJ sets or drum circles, and dance late at night to international DJs or reggae bands. Across the festival there are over 60 workshops and presentations in topics from yoga and guided meditation to arts-&-crafts and sustainability (ra.co ). A strong focus is on community and learning: there are dedicated kids’ and youth zones with nature-play activities, games and crafts, and a wellness circle where healers and therapists offer massage, reiki, acupuncture or group sharing sessions (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (ra.co ). One highlight is often a communal hāngī (Māori earth-oven feast) sharing kai with all campers. Daily campfire and film nights, market stalls, art installations and interactive activities keep the vibe lively when performers are resting. Earth Beat has attracted both local talents and visiting artists; past line-ups have included NZ acts like Kora and emerging electronic artists along with international DJs (for example, Afrobeats and Afrohouse DJs) mentioned in festival promos (ra.co ). All told, Earth Beat feels like a five-day celebration of music, art and community learning – from daytime workshops and dance to late-night jam circles, kapa haka, comedy sketches and poetry slams in the barn.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Earth Beat are sold online via the festival’s website. The festival uses tiered pricing: early-bird and “first release” tickets go on sale well in advance and final releases if not sold out. For example, EB2025 tickets ranged from about NZ$287 (super-early Bird) to ~$345 (final release) online (earthbeatfestival.com ). Children under 14 enter free (no ticket needed) (www.scoop.co.nz ), and youth/senior concessions may be offered. Note that all tickets are R18 (18+) except kids under 14. The festival’s ticket page made it clear that gate purchases (if unsold) cost more, and Eftpos on-site lets you buy last-minute passes (earthbeatfestival.com ). When you buy, you’ll receive an e-ticket (QR code) by email – print it or save it in your phone gallery so you don’t rely on cell reception (earthbeatfestival.com ). No vaccine certificate or extra fees (aside from booking) are required. Tickets have no refund unless the event is cancelled, but if postponed (as in 2020-21), tickets rolled over to the next date. Private resale is discouraged; the official platform (ticketSwap) is the only sanctioned re-sale option (earthbeatfestival.com ).
In addition to the festival pass, all vehicles need a separate parking/vehicle pass: one pass per parked car, campervan or car-vans-tent (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). If you’re sleeping in a vehicle you buy a “sleeper” pass; if in a tent you buy a parking pass for your vehicle. Camping itself is included – every festival pass includes basic tent camping on the grounds (earthbeatfestival.com ). Bought tickets usually have vehicle passes available at checkout (small fee per pass). If you plan to sleep in your own self-contained vehicle, choose the appropriate vehicle or sleeper pass as noted on the ticket site (earthbeatfestival.com ).
Seating and Layout
There is no fixed seating at Earth Beat – it’s an open-air festival in a big park. All music stages and performance areas operate on a free-flow (general admission) basis. Audiences typically sit or stand on the grassy amphitheatre hills, often bringing camping chairs or rugs. The main amphitheatre stage is at hillside level, so many good vantage points exist along the slopes (for example near the front of the mowed grass area for a stage). The natural slope of the land means even the back rows can see the stage over people. For those wanting an elevated view, standing on the ridgeline or behind the seated crowd on a higher terrace is best.
The layout includes four main music stages spread out at DW–SE–NW corners of the site, plus the Barn (an indoor shed) for quieter or late-night shows. A central arts and crafts area, a kids’ zone with playground features, and market stalls fill the middle areas. There is a designated Food Court and Bar areas. Camping is in the flatter fields: there are separate zones for large and small tents, so plan ahead which gate to enter (camp ticket tells you which lot). RVS and campers park at the far edge of the camping field (with their pass). Organizers may put up ropes or fencing to mark festival boundaries – stay within the event area. The Barn usually has bench seating on bale-sat and mats. Some VIP or glamping areas have furnished tents if pre-booked (you’d be guided to those on arrival (earthbeatfestival.com )).
Getting There and Parking
Earth Beat is held 75 minutes north of central Auckland (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). From Auckland, take SH1 north to Wellsford. At Wellsford, turn west off SH1 at the Caltex/KFC onto Port Albert Road, then follow Port Albert/Wharehine Road about 6 km. Turn onto Run Road and continue ~5 km (on a gravel road) to the park entrance and Earth Beat parking areas (www.visitwellsford.co.nz ). The exact address is 414 Run Road, Tapora, Auckland 0977. The festival usually posts local signage along this route to guide drivers into the correct parking. Taxis and rideshares from Wellsford are possible but not common; people generally drive themselves or carpool. There is no public bus directly to Atiu Creek; the nearest Citylink/InterCity bus stops are in Wellsford or Warkworth, from where you’d need a taxi or shuttle (though Earth Beat often encourages carpool). The festival runs an official rideshare/community group on social media where people coordinate carpool.
On arrival, security will check your ticket QR code. Be prepared for vehicle and bag searches (see below). If you have camping gear, volunteers and shuttle carts help move it from the parking lot to your campsite (earthbeatfestival.com ) – it’s quite common to find helpers with trolleys on arrival. Parking is free with your vehicle pass, and lots are marshalled so you park within walking distance of the campfields. Car-camping is allowed only where designated – do not park in walkways or grassy areas not marked for camping. In summary, plan on driving yourself (or a friend’s car) as the main transport; check road conditions as Run Road is unsealed (usually a smooth gravel farm road but can be muddy after rain).
Inside the Venue
Upon entry you’ll step into a casual village-like festival site. Expect to see colourful flags, woven art installations, creative stage designs and many barefoot or costumed festival-goers. Security gates will have a scanning point for your ticket QR code (preferably shown on your phone screen, with a screenshot copy of the QR code to avoid reception issues (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com )). Pagers and volunteer guides often roam to help first-time guests. Every attendee gets a fabric wristband (Wayver) for payment – all food, drink and stall purchases are cashless. You’ll top up your wristband on arrival with a credit card or EFTPOS machine (carried at the gates) (earthbeatfestival.com ).
The venue operates extensive services: portable toilets and hot composting loos are scattered around the grounds, with some handwash stations. Drinkable water taps are plentiful – bring a refillable water bottle (free water is offered) (earthbeatfestival.com ). Festival food stalls offer a range of choices (often world/vegetarian cuisine, burgers, wood-oven pizzas, snacks, ice cream etc). Stalls require you to use sustainable crockery and cutlery, as the festival won’t provide disposables. Alcoholic drinks are sold at staffed bars under license – note it is a no-BYO event. Glass bottles of any kind are banned (earthbeatfestival.com ). The barbecue stations and tiki torches add to the laid-back vibe in the evening. There is typically a merchandise tent selling event T-shirts, posters and local crafts. A lost-and-found and first-aid marquee (with basic medical care) are on site. Cell phone reception can be spotty, so use your phone quickly for anything urgent; Wi-Fi is generally not provided. Many campers set up communal chill zones with hammocks, beanbags and fire pits (firewood is sometimes available via donation to volunteer crews). In short, inside the venue you’ll find all necessities (water, toilets, info desk) plus a creative bohemian atmosphere. As one scoop report put it, Earth Beat creates “a village-like atmosphere where celebration becomes a pathway to wholeness” (www.scoop.co.nz ).
Nearby Amenities
Tapora itself is a small rural community with very limited shops. Plan to stock up on groceries, alcohol (it’s a licensed area so bottle shops are in nearby towns), and camping supplies **before** entering the festival grounds. The closest town with full services is Wellsford (about 25–30 km south). Wellsford has supermarkets (like New World and Four Square), fuel stations, bottle shops, pharmacies and several cafes/pubs. Warkworth (about 35 km east) and Matakana/Orewa (55–65 km SE) have even more hotel and dining options. Many festival-goers stay overnight in nearby lodging or farm-stay Airbnbs before/after Earth Beat rather than returning to Auckland nightly, because it’s a long drive. There is a small campsite at Ōtamure Farm on-site (Ātiu Creek Campground) which you can book via Auckland Council, but most people stay in their own tents at the festival or in local motels. During the day, a few food trucks and the on-site café serve lunch; after evening shows wrap up, the festival site remains lively (no late-night road services are provided, so if you go into town, do so early). For bedtime, either pitch a tent at Earth Beat or book accommodations in Wellsford (for example Redwood Motel, Wellsford Village Motel, or holiday parks), or even in Warkworth if preferred.
What Makes This Venue Special
Earth Beat’s venue – Ātiu Creek Regional Park – is special for both its natural beauty and cultural context. Perched on a peninsula above Kaipara Harbour, the park’s rolling green hills and old pohutukawa trees create a breathtaking open-air amphitheatre. Many performances happen “with views stretching across the Kaipara” as crowds dance under the sun or stars (www.scoop.co.nz ). The park itself is a working farm owned by Ngāti Whātua (Te Uri-o-Hau). Hosting the festival here is a co-creation: the organisers honor the Māori guardians of the land by holding an opening ceremony karakia (blessing) and by aligning Earth Beat values with Māori concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship of nature) (earthbeatfestival.com ). Indeed, the Earth Beat kaupapa includes sustainability and respect for ancestors (“Ka mau tonu ngā taonga tapu o ngā mātua tūpuna…” (earthbeatfestival.com )) that echo throughout the event. There are few festival stages in NZ that celebrate the equinox in such a natural setting.
Culturally, Earth Beat is special because it isn’t just a concert – it’s a creative village. The founders aimed to make something “real…unpolished” and heart-led (www.scoop.co.nz ), so it feels intimate and authentic, not corporate. Volunteers run almost every tent; teenagers help with soundchecks; families wander between stages with their babies; group hugs and new friendships spontaneously form around every corner (www.scoop.co.nz ). By day it’s a colorful family playground of crafts and green yioga; by night it’s an “epic party” with strobe-lit dance floors and fire-spinning performers (ra.co ). Over the years, famous NZ acts have graced the stages alongside underground DJs, making memories (festival-goers often cite magical moments around campfires or midday jam sessions as highlights). In effect, Earth Beat matters to the local scene because it bridges generations, surplus energy and grassroots values. It has become a cherished yearly ritual for many, signifying the end of summer and the arrival of autumn (the Māori month of Poutūterangi) (ra.co ). As one press release puts it, Earth Beat transforms the seasonal balance of equinox into an opportunity for “connection…share…simply be” (www.scoop.co.nz ), and that spirit of whānau and renewal is what makes this place uniquely magical.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility is important at Earth Beat. The festival is intentionally family-friendly and multi-generational. There’s wheelchair-friendly camping and viewing points (notify the crew if needed for setup) (earthbeatfestival.com ). If carrying heavy gear or mobility-impaired, take advantage of the golf-cart shuttles from carpark to campsite (earthbeatfestival.com ). 4WD and flooded terrain: roads within the festival are mostly flat fields, but the unsealed Run Road can get muddy in heavy rain, so bring sturdy footwear and drive carefully. The weather in late March/early April is changeable – days may be warm, nights can be cold. Pack layers, a warm jacket, woolen socks and a raincoat or poncho（gumboots if heavy rain). A hat and sunscreen are musts, and insect repellent is wise for grassy camping. A torch or headlamp is useful at night. Earplugs and even earmuffs are recommended, especially for young children sensitive to noise (earthbeatfestival.com ). Dressing in costume or crafty attire is popular – many bring colorful outfits, face paint, glitter-free body art (glitter is actually banned (earthbeatfestival.com )) and festival leisure wear to amp the fun.
Entry tips: Bring 20+ litres of drinking water per person (earthbeatfestival.com ), as onsite taps are for refilling only (NZ’s recent water restrictions mean taps should be used sparingly). Have your e-ticket QR code ready: download it fully before arrival and take a screenshot, since phone reception may be patchy (earthbeatfestival.com ). Print or save any booking confirmations ahead of time. Upon entry, you’ll give donations or payment for your vehicle/tent pass if not already done (cashless EFTPOS is available). All festival shops and bars take the pre-loaded Wayver wristband: you can top-up daily at the reload stations. Bring your own plate/cup/utensils to eat – the festival does not hand out single-use dishes (earthbeatfestival.com ). Specify any food allergies when buying food, as menus are usually displayed on food trucks. Remember the stern alcohol policy: NO BYO beer/wine/mobile barbecues. Glass bottles and open containers from outside are confiscated or you may be turned back (earthbeatfestival.com ). Drinks are sold inside so that the licensing requirements are met. This is for everyone’s safety and to protect the chance of future festivals.
Avoid: bringing any weapons or dangerous items (glass, pyrotechnics, drones, etc are banned). Holding down your campsite with extreme lighting or generators is discouraged (quiet hours end by 9pm). Don’t try to sneak in late at night – gates firmly close at 9pm each evening (earthbeatfestival.com ). If you exit after that, you cannot re-enter. Note also that pets (dogs) are completely forbidden (earthbeatfestival.com ). The organizers even partnered with a local kennel for pet care (it’s a working farm/protected park). Keep your tickets and passes with you at all times, and follow volunteer or ranger instructions promptly – everyone’s safety depends on cooperation. Lastly, pace yourself: five days is long, so rest during mornings and enjoy the variety of workshops as well as the entertainment. The greatest tip of all is to arrive with an open heart and make new friends – many attendees say Earth Beat’s communal spirit is what makes the experience most memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Earth Beat Festival tickets cost?
Adult tickets have tiered pricing (early-bird to final release). In 2025 they ranged from around NZ$287 (super early-bird) up to NZ$345 for final release (earthbeatfestival.com ). Gate tickets (if any remain) cost a bit more (about $355). Kids 0–13 enter free (www.scoop.co.nz ). Discounted youth (14–17) and senior tickets may be available in early releases. All tickets include basic tent camping on site (earthbeatfestival.com ). (Vehicle/parking passes are extra.)
Where and how can I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold *only* through the official Earth Beat Festival website. No physical box office exists, so purchase online before the event. After buying, you’ll get an email with a QR code ticket. Save this QR code (either print it or screenshot it) for entry (earthbeatfestival.com ). Do not trust unofficial resellers or social media offers. If you can’t attend, Earth Beat’s only supported resale platform is TicketSwap (earthbeatfestival.com ).
Are children under 14 free?
Yes. Children aged 0–13 get in for free (www.scoop.co.nz ). They do not need a ticket (parents/guardians should simply proceed with them to gate entry). Children 14–17 need to buy a youth tickets at a reduced rate. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Family ticket packages (several adults with kids) are often sold at a discount to keep the festival affordable (www.scoop.co.nz ).
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Only if Earth Beat is *not* sold out. If tickets remain, a limited number of gate tickets will be sold at the highest price tier. Gate sales take place in cashless EFTPOS at the entry booths (earthbeatfestival.com ). It’s safest to buy in advance, since popular events often sell out early.
Is camping included in the ticket price?
Yes. Every festival ticket includes basic tent camping for one tent at no extra charge (earthbeatfestival.com ). You can pitch your own tent in the communal camp fields. You *do* need to purchase an additional vehicle pass for any car, van or camper you bring (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). If you plan to sleep in a vehicle, you’ll choose the appropriate “sleeping-in-vehicle” pass (small or large) at checkout. Glamping (premade luxury tents) is available by separate booking – you would be guided to those on arrival (earthbeatfestival.com ). No other camping fees apply beyond your ticket and vehicle pass.
What is the address and how do I get there?
The festival is at Ātiu Creek Regional Park, 414 Run Road, Tapora, Auckland. It’s about a 75-minute drive north from Auckland City Centre (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). From Auckland, take State Highway 1 north to Wellsford. In Wellsford turn off SH1 at Port Albert Road (there’s a Caltex/KFC landmark) and drive roughly 6 km, then turn onto Run Road. Continue 5 km on Run Road (a gravel road) to the park – there will be signs for Earth Beat parking. Drive carefully on Run Road if it’s wet. No bus or train goes there; most visitors drive. Carpool and plan in advance since mobile signal can be patchy near the park.
Is parking available and do I need a pass?
Yes, there is designated parking for the festival and it’s free with your ticket – but you must have the vehicle pass. As mentioned, every car, campervan or trailer needs a vehicle/parking pass (purchased with your ticket) (earthbeatfestival.com ) (earthbeatfestival.com ). Parking is near the entrance/field; staff will direct you. Once parked, you can unload gear and then walk or shuttle to the camping area. Overnight car-camping vehicles must stay in the marked vehicle/camper zone to avoid blocking walkways. In short: buy your parking pass in advance and follow the on-site parking staff’s instructions.
Are pets (dogs, etc.) allowed at Earth Beat?
No. Because Ātiu Creek Regional Park is a protected reserve and working farm, Auckland Council strictly forbids dogs on-site (earthbeatfestival.com ). This applies even if your dog is well-behaved or on a leash. Service animals for disabilities are the exception (inform organisers in advance). Festival staff arrange nearby kennels as a pet-care option, but pets are otherwise not permitted in the parking, camping or performance areas (earthbeatfestival.com ).
Can I bring alcohol with me into the festival?
No. The festival site is licensed for alcohol and council rules allow only alcohol sold on-site. Bringing your own beer, wine or spirits is not allowed – glass is strictly forbidden (earthbeatfestival.com ). On entry your bags and coolers may be searched; any alcohol found will be confiscated. This rule is for safety and compliance (open BYO alcohol could jeopardize the license). You can purchase alcoholic drinks inside from the festival bars, and soft drinks/water are sold as well.
What items are prohibited at Earth Beat Festival?
Banned items include glass bottles, fireworks, drones, weapons, illegal drugs, and large sound systems. Glass or metal containers of any kind are not allowed (earthbeatfestival.com ). Organizers may search vehicles, bags and chilly bins at the gate. Glitter (non-biodegradable microplastics) is discouraged, and the festival specifically asks that attendees avoid bringing glitter (earthbeatfestival.com ). Any food in glass, or elaborate fireworks, will be turned away. (Soft drinks and food in plastic or cans are fine.) If in doubt, check the detailed Earth Beat FAQ on prohibited items – but generally follow a rule of respecting the space and other people.
What food and drink options are available onsite?
The festival has a “food court” area with multiple food trucks and stalls. You’ll find substantial options like wood-fired pizzas, curries, wraps, burgers, local produce and sweet treats. Most vendors cater to various diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc). Reusable plate/cup: bring your own plate, bowl, cup and utensils as part of the “leave no trace” policy (earthbeatfestival.com ). For drinks, free drinking water stations are on-site so bring a refillable bottle. Soft drinks, juices, and coffee are usually sold too. When it comes to alcohol, only the official beer/wine bars are allowed to serve – cashless payment by wristband. If you have special dietary needs, you may want to bring snacks, but generally there is diverse cuisine available.
Will there be Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage?
Cell service is very limited at Atiu Creek – don’t count on reliable mobile data. There is no public Wi-Fi network. Plan to mostly use your phone for photos or urgent calls, but expect delays. It’s strongly recommended to take photos and screenshots (for tickets etc) while you still have signal. The festival is designed for you to unplug and connect with people in person, so prepare for mostly offline fun.
Is Earth Beat Festival wheelchair or disability friendly?
Yes. Earth Beat takes accessibility seriously. The organizers provide shuttle carts and volunteers to help move gear or people from parking to the campsite (earthbeatfestival.com ). There are flat viewing areas and accessible toilets. If you have specific mobility or health needs, you can reach out in advance or tell crew on arrival for any support. Designated camping spots for wheelchair users are often available (just ask at check-in). Overall the festival strives to be inclusive (it’s even marketed as multigenerational and “whānau-focused” (ra.co )).
What should I bring to Earth Beat Festival?
Pack for camping and changeable weather. Essentials include: a sturdy tent (waterproof with rain fly), warm sleeping bag or bedding (nights can be cold) (earthbeatfestival.com ), enough drinking water (~20L per person) (earthbeatfestival.com ), reusable plate/cup/cutlery (earthbeatfestival.com ), a torch/headlamp, and earplugs. Bring layered clothing: T-shirts for daytime, long-sleeves and a jacket for evening. Closed shoes and socks for muddy ground, plus sandals or sneakers. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is a must, as is rain gear (even a light jacket). Also pack personal meds, toiletries, biodegradable soap and wet wipes (when possible). A power bank can recharge phones/radio if needed. For fun, many people bring costumes, body paint (biodegradable), and musical toys (like rainstick or handpan) for group jams. And of course, don’t forget your e-ticket QR code! Following this packing list will help you stay comfortable so you can enjoy the festival.
