Imagine a warm summer evening in New Zealand, a gentle ocean breeze drifting through the streets, and the sound of live music filling the air as people dance barefoot on the pavement. That was Vibes on Vine Festival—a homegrown street party that brought together local talent, good vibes, and a legendary headliner to celebrate the return of street festivals to Whangārei, a coastal city in Northland, Aotearoa (New Zealand).
For an audience unfamiliar with the NZ music scene, this festival is the perfect introduction: a mix of soulful singer-songwriters, reggae-infused summer jams, funky dance bands, and rock-solid musicianship—all topped off by a set from The Black Seeds, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated reggae bands.
A Festival with True Kiwi Spirit
Local vendors served up Pal’s, street food, and icy slushies to beat the summer heat. Music lovers lounged on bean bags and couches under makeshift shaded areas, while festival organizers kept an eye on community pages, making real-time adjustments to improve accessibility and comfort for the crowd. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a gathering of a community, coming together to sing, dance, and celebrate the spirit of summer.
The Sound of New Zealand
If you’ve never explored New Zealand’s music scene, this festival lineup was a perfect crash course in what makes Kiwi music so special.
- Alofau opened the day with a set of originals in English and Te Reo Māori (the Māori language). Her voice—light and jazzy—floated over acoustic guitar like Sade meets modern waiata (Māori contemporary music).
- Ness took the stage next, funktified rhythms coursing through her Ibanez semi-acoustic. Her cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” had a fresh, moody edge, while her originals revealed a powerful, husky voice and pop sensibilities.
- Blind Eyes, a young up-and-coming Whangārei band, delivered tight, rock-reggae fusion with soaring classic rock inspired guitar solos. The sound of a group of musicians refining their craft and preparing for bigger things.
- Kohia, began their set with a goosebump-inducing mihi (a Māori greeting) before settling into their more laid-back reggae-rock vibe. Multiple vocalists harmonized beautifully over reggae beats, delivering crowd favorites like Bob Marley’s “Jammin” and The Black Keys’ “Lonely Boy.” If there’s a Kiwi version of a backyard BBQ band, this is it.
- Osheen provided one of the night’s biggest surprises—an all-original set that could have easily belonged on any international festival lineup. Think touches of early U2 meets Hozier — fresh, new, and utterly festival-ready.
- IllumiNgāti brought the ultimate party vibes, with a horn section and powerhouse vocals delivering a mix of funk, soul, pop, RnB, waiata, and even gospel. Pure dance band energy with exceptional musicianship.
- Otium, the final local act, was something special. Bending pop, reggae, disco, and rock into an original set that was dynamic, unpredictable, and joyfully immersive. Fans sang along to their track “Summer Sun,” while their new single “Hold The Line” instantly hooked the audience into singing along. They even threw in surprise rap remixes, half-time breakdowns, and unexpected metal twists—showing off their ability to be both playful and incredibly polished. If you’re looking for a new Kiwi band to follow, Otium should be on your list.
The Black Seeds: New Zealand Icons
If you’ve seen AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” you might remember The Black Seeds—their track “One by One” was featured in the series. But beyond that, they’ve been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s music scene for over two decades, known for their laid-back grooves, brass-driven melodies, and messages of love and unity.
By the time they took the stage, the crowd was buzzing, and as soon as they launched into hits like “Cool Me Down,” “So True,” and “Fire,” the whole street turned into a dance floor. Their set had an effortless legacy band energy—seasoned, confident, and completely at ease. They even wove in an apt message, blending “Let’s Get Down” into “Send the Message” into “What We Need,” reminding the audience that reggae has always had a voice for change, and that the message of the day is love.
They closed the night with “Take Me Home,” joined by their young whānau (family) on stage, tossing beach balls back and forth with the crowd as the festival reached its joyous finale.
The New Zealand Festival Experience
Vibes on Vine wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of music, culture, and community, the way only New Zealand can do it. The combination of sun, reggae, and waiata created an atmosphere that was welcoming, joyful, and effortlessly cool.
For anyone outside of NZ looking to explore the country’s music scene, this lineup showcased the diverse and deeply talented artists coming out of Aotearoa right now. Whether you love laid-back reggae, indie singer-songwriters, or full-throttle party bands, New Zealand has something special to offer—and festivals like this are where you’ll find it.
So, next southern hemisphere summer, experience a Kiwi festival for yourself! Grab a drink, find a spot under the summer sun, and let the music take you away. 🌞🎶
Well described Maggie, it was a joyous event.