WOMAD New Zealand 2027

What it is

WOMAD, short for World of Music, Arts and Dance, is an international festival brand that celebrates music and culture from every corner of the globe. WOMAD Aotearoa is held in the Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth, Taranaki: a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mature trees and gardens. The 2027 festival runs from 12 to 14 March.

What to expect

Three days of music from around the world across several stages, plus arts, workshops, food and a famously relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Hours:

• Friday: 4.30 pm to 11.30 pm
• Saturday: 11 am to 11.30 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm

Performance times are released with the main artist announcement. The information centre is at the top of the Bowl hill. Air horns are banned, and the venue is smoke-free and vape-free under council policy.

Who it suits

Music lovers of all ages, families, and anyone curious about world music. One free child ticket per adult makes it one of the more affordable festivals for families.

Tickets

• Adults (18+) need a ticket, and each adult can bring one child aged 15 or under for free (with a free child ticket). Extra children need their own tickets.
• Youth (16 to 17) need a ticket and valid ID, and cannot enter after 7 pm unless with a parent or caregiver aged 18 or over.
• PayPlan: pay off any ticket type from $13 a week for up to 30 weeks, at no extra cost.

Tickets are non-refundable unless the festival cannot go ahead. Show your ticket on your phone or printed to get your wristband.

Getting there

The festival has four gates: Gate C (Kaimata Street), Gate D (Brooklands Drive), Gate E (Dell Lake) and Gate F (Racecourse). Brooklands is a short walk from central New Plymouth. Estimated drive times:

• New Plymouth Airport: about 20 minutes
• Auckland: about 360 km, 4 hours 50 minutes
• Wellington: about 350 km, 4 hours 55 minutes

Bikes and scooters cannot be used inside the venue, but you can lock them up outside the gates. Personal mobility devices are allowed.

Where to stay

Camp on site or book early in New Plymouth. Camping options (all need a 3-day festival + camping ticket):

• General camping: the most affordable, with a lively atmosphere. Bring your tent.
• Group camping: reserved 10 m by 10 m sites for up to 10 people. Limited.
• Family camping: a smaller, quieter area for people with tamariki (children).
• Motorhome camping: for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, house buses and RVs. No tents.
• Accessible camping: easier access to facilities, vehicles and transport.
• Wildernest glamping: carpeted bell tents with made-up beds, hot showers, a guest kitchen and lounge, on the Lawn beside the TSB Stadium or under trees in Tōtara Dell.
• Tepee Life: waterproof canvas tepees for up to six adults. Bring your own bedding.

The racecourse campsite is under construction, so check the 2027 map for where each zone is.

Rules

Bags may be searched. Allowed: handheld umbrellas and parasols, reusable non-glass water bottles (free refills at the WAI water stations) and service animals. Not allowed: pets, beach umbrellas, weapons of any kind and air horns. The code of conduct bans illegal drugs and irresponsible alcohol use; breaking it means removal without a refund.

What to bring

Sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket and layers. Taranaki weather can change quickly, and evenings in the Bowl can be cool.

Make a trip of it

Stay longer in Taranaki to walk the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway or see Taranaki Maunga, or continue on our 10-day North Island road trip. Over summer, New Plymouth’s TSB Festival of Lights is in nearby Pukekura Park (see our Festival of Lights page), though it finishes in January.