Sun, Sails, and Steel Guitars: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival - If you’re planning a trip to the "Winterless North," there is no better way to see it than when the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival is in full swing.
The term "winterless" is a bit of a local secret, while the rest of New Zealand is starting to feel the first real bite of May , Northland stays famously mild. In May, you’re looking at golden afternoons and crisp, clear nights that are perfect for a festival that spans two coastal towns.
Mark Your Calendar: May 8–10, 2026
Because the Bay of Islands stays so temperate, the "festival uniform" is usually pretty relaxed—think denim jackets and boots rather than heavy parkas. You’ll be spending your days moving between the sunshine of the Paihia waterfront and the historic, cozy corners of Russell. Catching the performances, enjoying a beach walk, catching the ferries that run regular services both vehicle and person from Paihia to Russell to on the walk on ferry and a short drive from Paihia to Opua to catch the regular vehicle ferries.
### 2026 Lineup Snapshots ###
Sisters in Country: Are NZ Music Legend Jodi Vaughan who recently became double inductee to not only the “Hands of Fame” in Gore but also in Tamworth, she teams up with singer songwriter Aly Cook & they have Wendy Thornton as a special guest. Enjoy the stunning 3 part harmonies.
Marian Burns: The one, the only Marian Burns returns to the festival in 2026. A loved NZ entertainer that will have you clapping along.
Bevan Gardiner: Bringing those iconic John Denver melodies that sound even better with a view of the Pacific.
Craig Adams: A real deal Southern cowboy. Craig Adams returns to the festival by hot demand.
Coopers Run: New Zealand's premier duo Cooper's Run always put on a show with their real deal band the Bandits, including fiddle and steel guitar.
Cam & Amelia Luxon: Welcome back to the smooth tones of Cam Luxton and wife Amelia. You don't want to miss this polished act.
The Dollys: Providing those powerhouse vocal blends that represent the next generation of the genre.
Sophie & Stevie Toyne: Bringing their award-winning stunning sister blend to the festival
Kylie Austin: Kylie Austin is a festival favourite, multi award winner and international recording artist. Kylie will once again put on a stellar performance.
Wahine: The Duo from the south featuring MLT Gold Guitar Winner Aroha Williams. These girls will make you laugh and make you cry as their silky vocals and harmony take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Annette & Kim: Paving the way on how a New Zealand Country duo should sound is the amazing Annette & Kim. An asset to the festival.
Holly Muirhead: Holly's back for the third year running and this rising star holds her own as a solo artist. A beautiful vocal that will deliver incredible story telling.
Molly Harrison: Festival newcomer Molly Harrison is a rising singer songwriter from Ashburton. Highly recommend you check her out!
Te Whanau: Son Ngakau, Nanny Millie, Mum Jane and Dad Jessie are Te Whanua. Need we say more about beautiful family harmony and Jessie's bad jokes?
Rowdy's Rose: This husband and wife duo are smashing goals everyday! International award winners, recording artists and songwriters. Rowdy's Rose is the whole package.
Pro Travel Tips
Apart from catching the acts some local attractions you might like to do . A nice beach walk along the beach at Paihia, nice first thing in the morning or in the early evening.
One of the venues is Twin Pines out a Hururu falls. A perfect opportunity to go check out Hururu Falls. Where the boats are launched during Waitangi its literally a 2 minute drive from The Twin Pines Venue. One of several waterfalls in the area, more so around Keri Keri.
When you’re staying in Paihia for the festival, you’re just a 20-minute coastal stroll (or a two-minute drive) from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, arguably the most significant patch of land in New Zealand. Known as the "Birthplace of our Nation," this is where the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed in 1840. Walking onto the grounds, you immediately feel the weight of history—it’s a beautifully kept estate with sweeping views of the Bay that offers a profound contrast to the high-energy twang of the music festival down the road.
A visit here is a full sensory experience. You can stand on the very spot where the Treaty was signed, gaze up at the towering ceremonial flagstaff, and marvel at the Ngātokimatawhaorua, one of the world’s largest ceremonial war canoes (waka taua), which requires 76 paddlers to move. Make sure to spend time in the two world-class museums on-site: Te Kōngahu, which tells the story of the Treaty through high-tech interactive displays, and Te Rau Aroha, a moving tribute to Māori service and sacrifice in the armed forces/
The Experience Pass: Your entry (around $37 for NZ residents) includes a guided tour and a powerful Māori cultural performance in the carved meeting house, Te Whare Rūnanga.
Since it’s the "Winterless North," accommodation in Paihia and Russell fills up months in advance for this weekend. People love escaping the southern chill to catch some sun and some songs. If you’re heading up, grab your $90 weekend badge early. This ticket allows entry to every Bay of Islands Country Festival venue on everyday of the festival. Please redeem your badge using this ticket from Festival HQ at the Scenic Hotel from 11:00am Friday 8th May. You will receive one complimentary programme. Tickets for Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival
This husband and wife duo are smashing goals everyday! International award winners, recording artists and songwriters. Rowdy's Rose is the whole package.
Festival newcomer Molly Harrison is a rising singer songwriter from Ashburton. Highly recommend you check her out!
Double Hands of Fame inductee in Australia & New Zealand and legend Jodi Vaughan's duet with award winning singer songwriter Aly Cook is Sisters in Country along with their guest Wendy Thornton
New Zealand's answer to John Denver. Bevan will perform only 3 1hr shows, backed by the Bandits
The one, the only Marian Burns returns to the festival in 2026. A loved NZ entertainer that will have you clapping along.
A real deal Southern cowboy. Craig Adams returns to the festival by hot demand.
New Zealand's premier duo Cooper's Run always put on a show with their real deal band the Bandits, including fiddle and steel guitar.
Welcome back to the smooth tones of Cam Luxton and wife Amelia. You don't want to miss this polished act.
Kylie Austin is a festival favourite, multi award winner and international recording artist. Kylie will once again put on a stellar performance.
Two multi award winning sisters Sophie and Stevie Toyne bring their stunning voices to the festival.
These girls will make you laugh and make you cry as their silky vocals and harmony take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Dolly's are taking the industry by storm. Their powerhouse vocals, harmony and blend is literally music to the ears
Paving the way on how a New Zealand Country duo should sound is the amazing Annette & Kim. An asset to the festival.
Holly's back for the third year running and this rising star holds her own as a solo artist. A beautiful vocal that will deliver incredible story telling.
Son Ngakau, Nanny Millie, Mum Jane and Dad Jessie are Te Whanua. Need we say more about beautiful family harmony and Jessie's bad jokes?
FIND OUT MORE...
Republished Courtesy of https://greenroomdoor.com/