Wairarapa MUSIC IN THE COUNTRY 9 – 11 January 2026
CELEBRATING 11 YEARS RUNNING
MORE ARTISTS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FUN!
Our BIGGEST Line-Up Yet – 25 Acts!
Shaun Preston, Dan Cosgrove, Denis August, Roger Tibbs (back by popular demand), Doug Brooks, Jo Emett & Gavin Pene, Adam McGrath – The Eastern, Richard Cook, Shane Clarke, Rowdy’s Rose, Jenny Bennett, George & Jocelyn Tuahine, Charmaine Puriri & Matty Otene, Dave Ewart Jnr, Sam Auger, Tararua Moonshine, Ray Solomon, Jan McKay, Avril Williams, Aileen Silver, Grant Reha-Timoti, Karra Rhodes – Backing band the fabulous Hired Gunz band.
Plus Even More!
- Walk-up performance segments for everyone
- Lively line dancing for all levels.
Festival hours:
🕐 Friday 1pm–10pm (Headlined by the incredible piano man, Shaun Preston)
🕙 Saturday 10am–10pm (Featuring Saturday’s headliner, the hugely talented Dan Cosgrove)
🕙 Sunday 10am–2pm
Tickets & pricing
*Children 15 years and under are free
Motorhomes, Caravan & Tent Packages:
| 3-day Premium Package | 3-day Standard Package |
| $115 pp – Includes named grandstand seating. | $95 – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 3-day Premium Package *For Two People | 3-day Standard Package *For Two People |
| $200 – Includes named grandstand seating. | $160 – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 2-day Premium Package | 2-day Standard Package |
| $105 pp – Includes named grandstand seating. | $85 pp – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 2-day Premium Package *For Two People | 2-day – Standard Package *For Two People |
| $190 – Includes named grandstand seating. | $150 – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
Standard Passes (no accommodation):
| 3-day Premium Pass | 3-day Standard Pass |
| $85 pp – Includes named grandstand seating. | $65 pp – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 2-day Premium Pass | 2-day Standard Pass |
| $80 pp – Includes named grandstand seating. | $60 pp – BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 1-day Premium Pass | 1-day Standard Pass |
| $60 pp – Includes named grandstand seating. | $40 pp – Friday or Saturday. BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
| 1-day Standard Pass |
| $20 pp – Sunday only. BYO seating on grass in front of grandstand. |
Tell me more about the festival…
Wairarapa Music in the Country is the perfect weekend escape for motorhomes, caravans and tents, a fantastic day and night out for families and a musical paradise.
- Stroll our scenic bush walks
- Take a dip in the beautiful Tauherenikau River
- Dance, sing, and soak up three incredabile days of live music
- Feast on tasty food options
- Relax with a drink from our hospitality bar.
What can I bring?
If you haven’t booked premium grandstand seats, pack a rug and some deck chairs (or even bean bags) so you can secure a great spot to enjoy the entertainment. If you’re bringing shade, please be mindful of those sitting behind you.
We’ll have food options onsite, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own picnic treats!
This is a licensed event, so no BYO alcohol – we will have a bar open across the festival for beverage purchases. Alcohol/ BYO is however permitted at your campsite.
Dogs are welcome on lead at your motorhome or tent site, but are prohibited in the event area.
All Roads To The Wairarapa
Listen to our song – specially written for us by our loyal festival attendee, Rob Skiffington!
With more than 40 years in the New Zealand music scene, Rob Skiffington has built a career defined by authenticity, storytelling, and a deep love for Kiwi music. From his earliest compositions in the 1980s to his most recent work, Rob’s songs capture the essence of New Zealand life and landscape.