Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Rhythm and Alps Festival Ushers in 2026 with Record Attendance and Smooth Operations in New Zealand Published on
December 31, 2025The Rhythm and Alps Festival, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Cardrona Valley, continues to be a major highlight for the global festival scene. As the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, organisers have reported a highly successful event, with no major crowd issues and an impressive turnout of music lovers. With more than 50 international and local acts gracing five stages, the event is more than just a celebration of music—it is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s tourism economy, attracting both local and international visitors to its picturesque mountain setting.Festival Atmosphere and AttendanceAdvertisement Rhythm and Alps 2025 has seen record attendance numbers, with approximately 7,000 festival-goers enjoying a memorable opening day filled with dance, music, and camaraderie. Held in the stunning Cardrona Valley near Wanaka, the festival brought together people from all corners of the world to enjoy performances from well-known artists like Corella, Kurupt FM, and Rudimental. The event not only marks the end of the year but also signifies a substantial boost to the local economy as attendees flock to the area, filling hotels, lodges, and restaurants, and contributing to the growth of tourism in the region.Festival organisers were quick to praise the behaviour of the crowd, emphasising the smooth flow of the event without any notable crowd control issues. With music lovers dancing through the night, the festival organisers were pleased to report that safety and enjoyment were the top priorities. This is in stark contrast to some previous years when crowd management posed a challenge in other large-scale events globally. New Zealand’s well-developed infrastructure and effective event planning have been crucial in ensuring that attendees could enjoy the festival to the fullest without disruptions.AdvertisementManaging Growth and ChallengesHowever, as with any large-scale event, there were some inevitable challenges. A number of festival-goers expressed frustration over long queues for food and drinks, with some waiting up to 40 minutes for a simple snack, such as a bagel. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall feedback from attendees remains positive. The organisers have acknowledged the need for improvements in this area and have already set plans in motion to reduce wait times for future festivals, ensuring that the logistical side of the event is just as seamless as the performances.Advertisement Despite these small hiccups, the festival’s impact on local tourism cannot be overstated. Rhythm and Alps has become a major event on New Zealand’s festival calendar, drawing thousands of international tourists who are eager to experience …
