More information
We are a grassroots festival, locally run by our community for our community.
Together we create a slice of utopia.
Dance and play in our beautiful community between the trees,
under starlit skies and long grassy fields.
Experience traditional Māori arts, taonga pūoro sounds, dances from different cultures, magical musical and wellness offerings and modalities within our intimate festival setting.
Go swimming in the awa, take a foraging walk, join a sound hikoi, participate in workshops, breathwork, a yoga class or let loose on the dance floor.
Relax and realign with Mirimiri, Massage, energy mahi or try another wellbeing modality from the array of experienced practitioners set up on-site.
Pick up some treasures from our gift stalls. Funky clothing, cacoa, chocolate, plant essences, rongoā, weaving, carving and more.
Sit back with a cup of delicious Chai made with handcrushed spices while you watch a performance under a conapy of trees.
Tamariki love this festival. They eagerly look forward to it each year. Here they are safe to run around freely with old and new friends. We have children's entertainment and activities including Faires, circus performers, games, crafts, art, yoga, swimming and our favorite children's open mic.
Amplified sound winds down just after dark to allow for acoustic sounds, late night saunas, conversations and a good night sleep.
Our kai is plant-based including our delicious food stalls. We will have a selection of tasty, high vibe meals, snacks and drinks available. We cater for gluten-free and allergies too. There are food options included with full festival tickets, an evening meal as well as a simple breakfast each day. You don't need to to be vegan to attend. All are welcome.
We are waste-free.
We ask that you please take all of your rubbish and recycling home with you. Compost bins will be provided. Let's protect the environment and the wildlife which inhabit the land we are occupying.
The beautiful energy we create together at Aroha Essence Festival is truly special.
It has to be experienced to understand this.
It is life changing for many.
A revolutionary moment in time.
We are so looking forward to seeing you all there!
Nau mai haere mai Aroha whānau.
Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Learn how to become a sponsor now.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Tyrone Hakaraia Smith
"I've heard about this event over the last few years so I was keen to check it out especially since attending the Southisland spirit festival this year. What I experienced with my 10y son was pure magic and Aroha in the most elegant way of connecting to nature, community and my inner self. I'm thankful for all those past and present who have helped this Aroha festival and will now make it a yearly ritual for my family."
Review from Aroha Essence Festival facebook page.
Shell Withers
So many things to give a huge big tick to with this vegan, family-friendly festival. The Aroha team made this fantastic from the stallholders invited, the artists, food, volunteers, community atmosphere and more. There was so much kindness and kids running free and safe was the best. I can't wait to be involved again Thank you to everyone who made this so special.
Amber Sheehan
It was my first time going to the festival this year as a stall holder and it was such a beautiful experience. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for all the connections, co-creations, support and healing that took place. We are very blessed to have such an amazing community of like minded souls and a space to all be together for a few days. Very magical, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome experience
Questions or inquiries?
Volunteer & Stallholder applications are open.
We are also looking for Sponsors that like to support our magical mahi.
If you want to be involved, please contact us.