Wairarapa Country Music Festival at Tauherenikau

The Wairarapa Country Music Festival at Tauherenikau is fast becoming recognised as a weekend full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. The 2020 festival is set to be the biggest event yet with an epic lineup of Kiwi talent that is sure to get you kicking up your heels. Hosted at the iconic Tauherenikau race course, the Wairarapa Racing Club once again looks forward to welcoming visitors from all over the country to the picturesque grounds at the base of the Tararua ranges.

Legendary band The Warratahs are set to headline the 2020 festival, bringing their classic Kiwi style to our Saturday night show. Returning after a great reception in 2019, Bevan Gardiner (of John Denver tribute fame) alongside James Davy will perform some of the legend’s greatest hits as well as plenty of country music classics. Bevan had never performed in the Wairarapa until last year so we are honoured to have him return to our festival a second time.

Joining them over the course of the weekend we will have New Zealand Country Entertainer of the Year for 2018, Ainslie Allen. All the way from Nelson, duo Dust and Gold (who opened for UB40) will be hitting the stage along with Jackie Bristow who has returned home from Nashville to enjoy some time in the homeland. Tui award nominees, Melissa & The Dr will be playing a collection of stripped-down classic country duets as well as alt-country and Americana tunes and local artist Sue Dyson will be playing tracks from her debut EP. Last but definitely not least, Grandaddy of Country, Wayne R. Heath will play his Nashville to New Zealand show that celebrates his, more than, 50 years in show business.

We are also excited to announce that for the first time ever the prestige classic car rally, Cruise Martinborough, will be on site for the Saturday afternoon from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. Our guests will have the chance to see hundreds of classic and muscle cars while enjoying our afternoon show. The rally brings together the best classic and muscle cars all in one place with lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with these magnificent machines.

Get your tickets now so you can enjoy, relax and take away some fond memories.

- Single passes available.
- Family passes (Two adults and two children 15 and under. Each additional child over 16yrs $10.00)

Stay at the Tauherenikua Racecourse in your motorhome or caravan for the festival:

We have plenty of ticket and accommodation options for Certified Self Contained Motorhome and Caravan parking. Event open to the public and all NZMCA members.

- Festival Package for Two: $130.00
(Three-day pass per adult, with parking per Motorhome or Caravan for three nights)

- Premium Festival Package for Two: $170.00
(Three-day pass per adult with allocated grandstand seating on Saturday, and parking per Motorhome or Caravan for three nights)

- Motorhome & Caravan Festival Package for One: $80.00 ( Premium: $120)
(Three-day pass per adult, with parking per Motorhome or Caravan for three nights)

Certified Self Contained Motorhomes and Caravans are welcome to arrive early and pay $10 per vehicle, per night. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Motorhome parking area only.