The First-Timers Guide to: Twominds Festival 2026

People dancing in swimwear on the beach at Twominds Festival

Each March, music lovers from across Aotearoa and beyond flock to the stunning Spencer Beach in Ōtautahi/Christchurch for the Twominds Festival – one of New Zealand’s most exciting boutique music events. 

Twominds Festival offers a fresher, more connected, and thoughtfully curated kind of festival experience. Where great music, community values, and nature all come together. Whether you’re camping under the stars, dancing across multiple stages, or chilling on Spencer Beach between sets – it’s an experience that blends rhythm with relaxation!

If you’re new to this festival, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit, including some top picks from the festival co-director Dan Stewart and Neat Places to explore before and after the event.

Key Event Details

Crowd dancing in front of Twominds Festival DJ stage

About the Festival

Twominds Festival is a three-day celebration of music and culture held at the Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, with the fourth iteration of the festival taking place this March, 13-15th. A uniquely beautiful and varied location, the festival is set among coastal trees, across green fields, and overlooking the ocean. 

A diverse mix of individuals help to activate Twominds every year, and it has quickly become a favourite for those who are passionate about music, art, and community. Expect a mix of international icons and some of Aotearoa’s most iconic and beloved artists, across genres like house, dub & reggae, garage, and more. The 2026 edition is scheduled to bring together 80+ artists for dancing and connection.

Get Your Tickets

Friday 13 – Sunday 15 March 2026
Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Buy tickets here

Attendees can enjoy the festival to a variety of degrees. With full weekend and singular day pass options available, plus a variety of add-ons available, such as the option to camp or bring a motorhome to stay on-site! 

Those who choose to stay are placed right in the heart of the action, with easy access to stages and festival facilities. As well as all the good comforts, such as showers, toilets, and power outlets.

Inclusivity and accessibility are a big part of the Twominds kaupapa. They offer Access tickets to make it easy for d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse people to experience the festival.

Drone footage overlooking forest at sunset

Location

Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park – the festival’s home – is located about 20 minutes from Central Christchurch and the airport. The grounds feature several stages for music, plus food vendors, chill zones, a market, art installations, and a camping area. The locale makes getting to the festival straightforward! Just a short walk from Spencer Beach itself, you can cool off between music acts or watch the sunset. To promote sustainability, Twominds encourages carpooling and offers festival bus services to and from the festival.

Insider's Secrets

People camping in the forest at Twominds Festival lit up by colourful lights

Tips for First-Timers

- Arrive early and stay: Getting in on the first day gives you a feel for the layout before it gets busy, and many stay for the whole weekend for the full experience.
- Explore beyond music: Twominds is about community - check out art spaces, chill zones, market stalls, the vibrant nature, and workshops.
- Plan your transport: Bus services help you avoid parking stress, and makes planning your entrance and exit easy. If driving, parking passes are refunded if you bring 3+ people.
- Respect the vibe: Twominds crowds are known for being friendly and respectful – return the favour and make new friends.
- Kaitiaki: a welfare space at the festival with seating, comfort items, charging stations, and a sensory-friendly vibe for anyone needing a break.

Press photo of Eva Lazarus

Artist Recommendations

Festival co-director Dan Stewart shares his top three must-see artists at the festival:

- Salmonella Dub: A beloved act from right here in Aotearoa. This is a very special performance - a reunion of the group’s original lineup, who haven’t played together for 20 years.
- Mungo’s Hi Fi & Eva Lazarus: Some “succulent sunset reggae dub”, the group are pioneers of sound system culture, a community-focused music movement with impassioned fans around the world.
- MPH: A fast-rising star of the UK’s Garage scene. MPH had a big 2025, with appearances at some of the world’s biggest festivals, his own sold-out shows, and even an official remix from Calvin Harris!

Nearby Neat Places to Explore

Switch New Brighton

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7/78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton. A great spot to grab a coffee in the sun and recharge before and after the festival. The cabinet is always stacked with delicious baked goods and there's an all-day breakfast menu (a good idea for those who plan to be dancing all weekend). 

Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom

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34 New Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

Playing a key role in the neighbourhood’s revival, this laidback aqua-blue brewery welcomes everyone, whether you’re fresh from work or the waves. Head to the bar for a range of beers inspired by the duo’s American travels but brewed with New Brighton personality.

He Puna Taimoana

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195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch

Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping ocean views, a plunge pool, steam room, and a rejuvenating sauna. Consider it the most healing end to your festival weekend.

Dune Café

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51 Bridge St, New Brighton, Christchurch

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café. This is a true community hub, mostly frequented by loyal locals and offers a place for neighbours to chat across tables. The cafe epitomises what South Brighton is about – relaxed, friendly, casually cool and a love of being by the seaside.

Saturdays

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195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch

Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink. This cafe opened in mid 2020 alongside He Puna Tai Moana hot pools and has become one of the most lovable brunch spots in Canterbury.