There’s no New Year’s party like Rhythm and Vines. Set on a vineyard in Gisborne — the first place in the world to see the sunrise — it’s more than just a music festival. It’s a rite of passage. And if you're heading there this year, one question matters more than what you're wearing: Where are you sleeping?
Tent life hits differently after your third night on the hill. That’s why more and more R&V goers are swapping flimsy zips for real doors — and pulling up to the festival in a motorhome.
What Makes Rhythm and Vines So Special?
Think three days of DJs, live acts, beachside pre-games, hilltop dance floors, and golden summer light. Think 20,000 people from across Aotearoa and the world — all gathered at Waiohika Estate, a working vineyard just outside Gisborne.
It’s hot. It’s wild. It’s beautiful. And it’s remote enough that accommodation disappears faster than VIP tickets.
Why a Motorhome is the Smartest Festival Flex
Sure, you can camp. Everyone does. But not everyone camps well. A motorhome changes everything:
- No tents, no poles, no blown-up airbeds
- A real bed, with clean sheets and a working fan
- Your own toilet (enough said)
- Cold drinks when you want them, not when the ice truck shows up
- Somewhere to reset when the crowds, sun, or bass get a bit much
- A home base for your crew — not just a place to crash
You’re still right there in the mix — in the official R&V Campervan Zone — just sleeping better, eating better, and feeling way more chill come January 1st.
Hire a Motorhome for R&V
Search live availability from NZ’s top rental brands. Filter by size, layout, toilet/shower, solar, and more.
What You’ll Need to Know
- You must buy a Campervan Pass alongside your Rhythm and Vines ticket
- Your motorhome must be certified self-contained
- Sites are unpowered — bring solar or be battery-ready
- Book your pass early — campervan spaces sell out fast
- Showers, toilets, and water are available nearby, but having your own is a win
Pro tip: some festivalgoers never leave the camper zone. It’s social, it’s fun, and you’re never far from the action.
Don’t Have a Motorhome? Hire One.
You don’t need to own a van — or know someone who does. Book through us:
- Compare vehicles from New Zealand’s top rental brands
- Filter by size, layout, toilet/shower, solar, and more
- Book instantly with no hidden fees
- Pick up in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or regional hubs
- Make it a longer trip — not just a weekend dash
We bring all the options together in one place so you can spend less time searching and more time packing glitter.
Keep the Party Rolling (or the Chill Vibes)
Once the last confetti cannon goes off and the sun comes up on a brand new year, you don’t need to rush home. With your motorhome already packed, you’ve got the keys to keep going.
Start the Year with Rhythm. Travel with Freedom.
Rhythm and Vines is legendary for a reason. But how you experience it is up to you. With a motorhome, you’re not just surviving the festival — you’re thriving through it.
So gather your crew, grab your pass, and hit the road in style. This isn’t just another New Year’s. This is R&V done right — with four wheels, a fridge, and total freedom.
