EXTEND THE EUROPEAN SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

New Zealand offers a vibrant festival scene for UK travellers ranging from Rhythm & Vine to Big Day Out

The sounds of summer will continue to be 'sweet as' in New Zealand, where a host of music festivals showcasing new kiwi sounds and music from around the globe will take place from December to February. From big names such as Pearl Jam, Rudimental and Wiz Khalifa to local talent such as Kora and Opiuo, New Zealand's diverse festival scene caters to practically every possible music taste.

Be the first in the world to see in the New Year At Rhythm And Vines, Gisborne, 29^th December 2013 – 01^st January 2014

UK travellers can be among the first in the world to see in the New Year, party with more than 30,000 people and enjoy over a hundred acts on five different stages at the increasingly popular festival, Rhythm and Vines held in the stunning Waiohika Estate in North Island’s Gisborne. For the first time in New Zealand, Wiz Khalifa will be headlining along with DJ set Rudimental, drum and bass artist Danny Byrd, Australia’s electronic duo Empire of the Sun and many more. Rhythm and Vines tickets cost from £121 per person for the full three days without accommodation with camping, glamping and teepee stays all available. For more information visit www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

Celebrate the New Year with New Zealand bands, local wines and gourmet foods at La De Da, Martinborough, 30^th December 2013 – 01^st January 2014

For those looking for something a little more low key, La De Da is another New Year extravaganza set amongst the vineyards of Martinborough just an hour from Wellington. Hip-hop artist, A$AP Rocky and New Zealand’s most electric and sonically powerful band, Kora are just some of the highlights. Known as one of the best wine regions in New Zealand, festival goers can enjoy fine wine and gourmet food as well as the impressive musical line-up. La De Da tickets cost from £77 per person for the full two days without accommodation with camping or a host of lodges in the region. For more information visit www.ladeda.co.nz

Experience International Headliners overlooking New Zealand’s landscapes at Laneway Festival, Auckland, 27^th January 2014

Auckland Laneway Festival is back for another year at the impressive urban playground of Silo Park in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. With the iconic silos towering above and the blue sea surrounding, Silo Park is a prime location to enjoy the epic musical acts that are in store. Acts are still to be announced but judging by last year’s caliber of artists, which included Alt-J and Jessie Ware, it’s sure to be phenomenal – a great way to experience New Zealand’s City of Sails. For more information visit www.auckland.landewayfestival.com

Enjoy mind-blowing line-ups in just one day at Prana New Years Festival, Big Day Out And Homegrown Festival

Other top picks include Prana New Years Festival (www.prana.co.nz/prana/new-years-festival-2014) in Opoutere, North Island featuring The Pohutukawa Stage that showcases electric New Zealand artists, soulful bands and international artists. Experience a mind-blowing line-up in just one day at Big Day Out (www.bigdayout.co.nz) in Auckland, featuring Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Snoop Dogg and The Lumineers on 17^th January. Proudly showcasing New Zealand’s talent, the Homegrown (www.homegrown.net.nz) festival takes place 15^th February on the Wellington Waterfront with more than sixty acts across eight stages including rock, dub and pop and the Red Bull sound lab, not to mention the breakdancing competitions, food markets, street performers and art installations.