Returning in 2026, New Zealand’s most beloved bespoke festival is back. Splore 2026 will return to Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland February 20th -22nd with a bold new vision and a killer line up, as the festival moves to a new era with fresh programming, new creative spaces, and curated experiences. Splore 2026 promises an immersive, three-day celebration of music, art, community, and wellbeing.

Co-curated by Shaquille Wasasala aka Half Queen alongside long-time festival curator John Minty, this stellar international and local line up brings the best of music and art from home and around the world, set across six stages in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world.

“Splore’s not just a festival experience; it’s a seminal musical experience for people in Aotearoa and it’s one of the best festivals I've ever played at, anywhere” says Half Queen. “Curating a festival like this It's been my dream since getting into the music industry and I can't wait to see it come to life this February.”

John Minty, Splore’s sole curator since 2006 adds “Half Queen’s vision with this line up has been incredible. I can't wait to see our audiences enjoy these acts this summer.”

Highlights of this years’ first music release include:

Legendary Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp (DJ Set) will play Splore next February with a special two DJ hour set. Their breakthrough album, Melody AM, was a huge success (selling over a million copies) with singles Eple and Poor Leno becoming international hits. Known for major collaborations with singers Robyn, Goldfrapp and Karin Dreijer (The Knife/Fever Ray) and Lykke Li, Röyksopp has broad appeal beyond instrumental electronica. This is the twice Grammy-nominated duo’s first show back in Aotearoa in 14 years. The visit follows a string of recently sold-out headline shows in Australia.

Pioneering Jamaican dancehall queen, Sister Nancy will make her Splore Festival debut hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed documentary “Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story” featuring Janelle Monae and Pete Rock. This iconic tune is one of the most sampled tracks of all time with Beyoncé and Kanye West both featuring it. It is the ultimate ‘good vibe’ song which is heard at virtually every festival. Sister Nancy will be supported by French soundsystem heavyweight DJ Legal Shot.

UK’s Nightmares on Wax makes a long overdue return to Aotearoa. Playing two exclusive sets at Splore, the pioneer of trip hop and downtempo electronica is Warp Record’s longest serving artist, opening doors to new sonic landscapes for countless producers and musicians. Nightmares on Wax is known for seminal albums like “A Space Outta Sounds”, “Smokers Delight” and huge singles like “You Wish”, “Flip ya Lid” and “Da Feeling”. No surprise then that Nightmares on Wax has accumulated well over half a billion streams.

UK’s legendary ragga jungle MC, General Levy will take the Splore Stage backed by DJ Awira (son of the Mad Professor). General Levy is one of UK’s most booked MC’s, effortlessly delivering quickfire ragga, jungle and drum and bass lyrics with flair. His “Incredible” track (with M Beat) is considered one of jungle’s most iconic songs.

Naarm (Melbourne) music sensation, Miss Kaninna, is heading to Splore following a bevy of Best New Artist awards and sold out shows across the ditch. Her electrifying live performances are strongly rooted in indigenous rights funnelled through the genres of hip hop, punk and neo soul. She is the ‘Blak Britney’

Also from Naarm, underground dance scene sensation, C Frim, delivers heavyweight dub, sick rewinds and mixes and thumping dancehall. And from Berlin, multi sensory techno house DJ Franca joins the Splore 2026 programme.

Local acts are headed up by country/soul sensation, Tami Neilson, whose powerful vocals, stage presence plus tight band make her a popular choice for Splore’s Main Stage next February.

Also appearing is super producer Christoph El Truento who is curating a bespoke live show just for Splore featuring guest artists including Mara TK and Rubi du.

Songstress, Estère, is returning from London to stage with her new flamboyant “Diaspora Baby” show which draws on her Cameroonian roots.

From Whanganui - a Tara comes the powerful soul funk outfit, Romi Wrights, and the totally unique and sensational TeKuraHuia.

Also confirmed are Chiccoreli + Tali, Half Queen, GoldTooth, Benny Salvador, Rio Funk’s Marjorie Sinclair, ORIKoL, DylanBiscuit b2b ajhoneysuckle, Ilish, Waewae Express, Vercetti, Kaiviti and Nymphloads, with much more still to come.

Returning after a years’ hiatus, the 2026 festival will see a consolidated and reshaped experience for festival-goers – one that leans on its heritage and acknowledges changes in audience trends and behaviors and meets them there. From new music programming and artist development to smarter camping options and greater accessibility, 2026 will offer a
curated escape with deep connection, creativity and care at its heart.

Fresh for 2026 includes the addition of the Ultimate Festival Kit - a fresh offering including pre set up camping and camping gear rentals, perfect for those traveling to the region. Thanks to iTICKET’s bespoke flexible PayPlan feature, festivalgoers have the option to pay off their tickets over time on their terms.

Splore acknowledges the support and partnership of Ngati Pāoa and Ngati Whanāuga, Mana Whenua of Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Their embracing of the festivals’ vision and its attendees has been paramount with the welcoming pōwhiri is now a major highlight attended by thousands each year.