Aotearoa Outdoor Styles
New Zealand Outdoor Music Festivals

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Is it your first time?

There are a numbers of things to aware of if you haven't been to one of these things before, especially if it's for more than one night.

 

 

Camping

Firstly, it's camping, yes there may be portaloos or a few extra facilities but whatever you bring in, these are your items to keep you warm, dry, happy and comfortable for the time among your temporary community. It is essential to plan for all seasons, regardless of the month because the weather can't be perfect all the time. Essentials for you and your crew include:

• Tent or decent vehicle for sleeping in. Make sure it keeps you dry, even in heavy rain. A covered area thats not for sleeping helps as well for keeping wet and muddy things outside but not exposed.
• Good sleeping bag, you're better off with a synthetic sleeping bag in this situation as it will do it's job better even if it gets a little damp, down sleeping bags are really good, but only when they're totally dry.
• There should always be fresh water available to you, but we reckon you should bring some in for yourself too, just to make sure.
• A good rain jacket, or dear we mention it, a plastic rain poncho. Something to keep your skin dry because unless it's really warm, moisture on the skin with even the slightest wind will have you frozen very quick. If you've got room then also an umbrella and gumboots. Even if it doesn't rain, lots of people dancing can brew up a pretty good mud patch in no time.
• A backpack or something to carry round a drink bottle and jersey, food etc, just like if you're on your way to school; you never know when you may feel like a stroll off into the bushes or stay out dancing for a bit longer than expected.

Food

There is generally always a good range of food stalls and coffee carts to fuel your hunger, make sure you bring heaps of cash if you're planning on not bringing much of your own food. It's just like camping so think like a camper when you're planning your food supplies. Remember to keep your own rubbish and don't throw any rubbish away, just don't. Food that makes for good munching at festivals include canned tuna, a good range of fruit, especially bananas, nuts and dried fruit, and generally anything that is easy and fast. bring a BBQ if you can be bothered, remember, it's just like camping.

Drink

New Zealand Outdoor Music Festivals range in their attitude towards alcohol. Many events that are advertised as alcohol free often end up with crowds of drunks romping around the place, while other festivals with a more open approach to alcohol are very quiet on the drunkenness side of things. Most have bars where the liquid is available to purchase to those of legal age. It's always nice to have a quiet drink in the sun but pace it, don't go overboard on the first night. Hot summer days, limited water supplies and lots of alcohol can cause a lot of damage to your precious body, make sure you look after yourself and your crew.

Lollies

Drugs is what we actually mean. Don't be surprised if you come across a few people on the chemicals. You will meet a mixed crowd and be exposed to new ideas and see people who only come out at night, so try to keep an open mind. If somebody wants to talk stars and tell you how beautiful the trees are, don't get all freaked out, just keep an open discussion or just smile and nod if you're not too keen. One more thing, while love comes in all shapes and sizes, the last thing it should be is artificial, so just like in any situation, keep your head on. Look after your friends and don't take candy from strangers.

Transport

Plan early is always the best advice one could give about transport, it will probably save you a whole lot of money as well. Vehicles are a pretty large part of these festivals because of their often remote locations, look after your vehicle and it will look after you. Be prepared to sleep in your vehicle if things don't quite work out. Anyway a big part of transport is about having respect and keeping the knowledge that everyone is in the same situation as you. Long queues exist, so do muddy roads and things which will slow you down, so just leave your rage for another day if you're held up. Use the carpool section to get yourself a ride, or give a ride if you have some spare space.

First Aid

Don't ever plan to rely on first aid. First aid should be on the scene but they are not there to babysit, they are there to deal with accidents and emergencies, respect their presence.

Environment

Respect where you are, keep your rubbish safe and well disposed of. Outdoor Music Festivals are often located where they are to give you the opportunity to get away from the concrete and dirt of city clubs and bars, and experience it in a natural environment! If you drop rubbish and mess up your campsite, thats means you're reducing the value of what you have come here to experience, so don't do it.

So basically it's all about respect:

• respect your environment
• respect your body
• respect your mind
• respect your outdoor community

and simply enjoy it, enjoy the space, enjoy the crowd, enjoy the music.