Dreaming of a Spinny Summer: My New Zealand Dream List of the Hottest Flow Arts and Hula Hoop Festivals Coming This Summer
Kia ora, fellow flow artists and hula hoop enthusiasts! I don’t know about you, but I am really longing for summer today. As usual, I am writing to you from Mohua, Golden Bay. Winter here is usually sunny, warm, quiet, and beautiful, but right now it’s raining a LOT! So, naturally, I am starting to dream of the summer festival circuit. New Zealand's vibrant flow arts community is gearing up for an incredible season of events that will have you spinning, dancing, and flowing your way across Aotearoa. Here’s my non-exhaustive guide to some of my fave festivals and gatherings that celebrate the art of hula hooping and flow arts in NZ. I have either vibe-checked these personally or I have heard many good things from my trusted sources.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your flow journey, these events offer something for everyone. From intimate gatherings in lush forests to large-scale beachside extravaganzas, New Zealand's flow arts scene is more diverse and dynamic than ever (aren’t we SO lucky!?). So, grab your favorite hula hoop, start planning your outfits, and let's dive into the fantastic world of Kiwi flow festivals!
THE BIG ONES:
Luminate Festival
Location: Canaan Downs, Tasman
Date: Early February (Has been a biennial festival, may not be happening in 2025)
Nestled in the stunning Golden Bay area, Luminate Festival is a week-long celebration of music, art, and consciousness. This eco-friendly event has become a cornerstone of New Zealand's transformational festival scene and offers a perfect environment for flow artists to connect, learn, and perform.
Highlights for hula hoopers and flow artists:
- Dedicated flow arts area with daily workshops
- Open stages for impromptu performances
- Fire circles for night-time spinning (with proper safety measures in place)
- A diverse lineup of music that's perfect for finding your flow
- Stunning natural surroundings to inspire your practice
Don't miss: The famous Luminate Talent Quest! It's a great opportunity to showcase your hula hooping skills or other flow arts talents in front of an appreciative audience.
Twisted Frequency
Location: Cobb Valley, Tākaka
Date: 30th Dec 2024
Kick off your year right with Twisted Frequency, a four-day electronic music and arts festival in the breathtaking Cobb Valley. While primarily known for its stellar music lineup, Twisted Frequency has embraced the flow arts community, making it a key event for hula hoop enthusiasts in New Zealand.
What's in store for flow artists:
- Flow arts workshops throughout the festival
- Designated areas for practice and jamming
- Late-night glow performances
- A diverse range of music to inspire your flow, from psytrance to downtempo
Remember: Cobb Valley can get pretty hot during the day, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Your hula hoop practice sessions might be best saved for the cooler evening hours!
Tip: This year is the 10 year anniversary of Twisted! Tickets are selling fast so if you’re keen to attend don’t leave it too late to grab your tix.
Earth Beat
Location: Atiu Creek Regional Park, Auckland
Date: 19th-23rd March 2025
Earth Beat is rapidly becoming one of New Zealand's premier festivals for conscious living, music, and art, I’ve heard great things from loads of folks in my circles. They have a strong focus on sustainability and community, and apparently this gathering provides an ideal setting for flow artists to connect with like-minded individuals and showcase their skills.
Flow arts highlights:
- Daily hula hoop and flow arts workshops
- Dedicated flow zone for practice and performances
- Fire spinning area (with safety team on standby)
- Eclectic music lineup perfect for finding your groove
Don't forget: Earth Beat has a strong emphasis on sustainability. Consider pre-loved and vintage festival-wear, rather than importing new clothing.
Splore Festival
Location: Tapapakanga Regional Park, Auckland
Date: (this is an honorable mention because they're not actually back until 2026!)
Splore is one of New Zealand's most beloved music and arts festivals, and it's also become a hotspot for flow artists and hula hoop enthusiasts. Set against the stunning backdrop of Tapapakanga Regional Park, this three-day festival offers a perfect blend of music, performance, and beachside fun.
Flow arts highlights:
- Dedicated flow zone with ongoing workshops and jams
- Late-night fire spinning circles on the beach
- Opportunities to perform on smaller stages throughout the festival
- A diverse range of music to flow to, from electronica to world beats
Don't miss: Splore's famous costume themes! Each year has a different theme, so start planning your flow-friendly costume early.
THE SMALLER ONES:
Shipwrecked
Dates: 7th-9th Feb
Location: Port o te Ārai, Auckland
Shipwrecked festival seems to fast be becoming the most talked about music and dance festival in New Zealand. So many of my pals went last summer and I heard only great things that gave me huge FOMO. While not exclusively a flow arts festival, creative expression including dance, flow, hula hooping and performance are all encouraged
What to expect:
- World class lighting, sounds and installations
- No less than 5 music stages
- Intimate desert island vibes at the private lakefront location
Tip: There is a total fire ban at this location, so swap your fire wicks for a glow-in-the-dark hula hoop instead for late night hooping (also the whole festival is a glass-free zone, meaning your bare feet will be happy to meet the grass).
Circulation Festival
Dates: 10-14th October 2024
Location: Whare Flat, Dunedin
A spring-time circus festival hosted just outside Dunedin, this festival is a colourful combination of music, workshops, circus and community, surely a must for any flow arts folks and hula hoopers in the South Island.
What to expect:
- Cabaret, flow arts and dance performances
- Fresh and delicious vegetarian food cooked by local chefs
- Workshops in yoga, flow arts, hula hooping, spoken word and just about every other performance you can think of!
- A kaleidoscope of live performances including DJs and acrobats
Tickets are on sale now, or check out their website for more info.
Tip: Not being in the height of summer, it can get chilly. Don’t forget to pack your cold-weather gear. (Plus merino is excellent for fire spinning in!)
Evolve Festival
Location: Nelson
Date: 10-12th Janurary 2025
Evolve Festival in sunny Nelson is a celebration of music, art, and conscious living. While smaller than some of the other festivals on this list, Evolve has cultivated a dedicated flow arts community, making it a great destination for hula hoop enthusiasts in New Zealand.
What to expect:
- Daily flow arts workshops, including hula hoop classes for all levels
- Designated areas for flow jams and practice
- Night-time LED and fire spinning showcases
- A diverse music lineup to inspire your flow
Insider tip: Evolve Festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, so it's a great option if you want to introduce the little ones in your life to the joy of hula hooping and flow arts.
Ōtautahi Circus and Dance Camp
Dates: 19th-22nd September 2024
Location: Glentui, near Christchurch
Another spring-time event; the OCDC is an awesome training camp for adults hosted in rural South Island. This year they are hosting a whole plethora of workshops with talented and renowned instructors in acrobatics, aerial silks, lyre, and of course, hula hooping!
Hooping Highlights:
- Professional instruction from a variety of NZ-based circus performers
- Cirque.Emma from The Great Kiwi Circus delivering hula hoop workshops
We're excited about: so much dance at this event, dance lifts, hoop dance, and swing dance. Pack some comfortable shoes and maybe an ultra-lightweight polypro hoop for off-body hooping.
Kiwiburn
Location: Hunterville, Manawatu-Wanganui
Date: 22nd-27th January 2025
Kiwiburn, New Zealand's official Burning Man regional event, is a must-attend for any flow artist or hula hoop enthusiast, and my personal favourite. This week-long gathering in the heart of the North Island is a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and community. While not exclusively a flow arts festival, Kiwiburn offers a perfect playground for hula hoopers and other flow artists to showcase their skills and learn from others.
What to expect:
- Multiple camps with live music and DJs
- Art installations that will blow your mind
- Workshops on various flow arts, including hula hooping
- Fire performances (safety first, of course!)
- A vibrant, inclusive community that embraces all forms of artistic expression
Pro tip: Kiwiburn operates on a "leave no trace" principle (one of 10 excellent principles), so be sure to pack out everything you bring in. And don't forget your glow-in-the-dark hoop or fire hoop for those magical nighttime flow sessions!
CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER?
Winter is Passing is happening this month in Tauranga! Hosted by the Kiwi Jugglers, with an emphasis on juggling workshops, it’s not strictly speaking an all-flow event, but if you’re interested in board games, painting, juggling, spending time with quality folk and you’re in the area go and check it out!
My Top Tips for Staying Safe and Well During New Zealand's Festival Season:
As you plan your summer of spin across New Zealand's fantastic festival scene, please look after yourselves and each other. The conscious festival and circus scenes in Aotearoa pride themselves on caring for their communities. Here are some tips to make the most of your flow arts and hula hoop adventures:
- Pack smart: Along with your favorite hula hoops, don't forget essentials like sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable flow-friendly clothing, and fire-retardant materials if you plan on spinning fire (read more about safely spinning fire here).
- Stay hydrated: New Zealand summers can be intense. Keep your water bottle filled and take breaks between hoop and dance sessions.
- Respect the space: Always be aware of your surroundings when practicing with your hula hoop or doing hoop dance, especially in crowded festival environments.
- Connect and share: Festivals are a great place to meet fellow flow artists. Don't be shy about joining hoop jams or asking for tips- we are a friendly and supportive crowd!
- Try new things: Take advantage of workshops to learn new hula hoop techniques or even try out different flow props.
- Document your journey: Consider keeping a flow journal or taking videos of your progress throughout the festival season. Be conscious of the privacy of others: ask permission before taking photos and videos of others, and try not to get unknowning audiences in the background of your pics.
- Leave no trace: Respect the beautiful New Zealand whenua that hosts these festivals. Pack out what you pack in, and consider bringing eco-friendly flow props, especially taking care with your fire spinning fuel.
Embracing the Flow Community in New Zealand
One of the most beautiful aspects of the flow arts and hula hoop scene in New Zealand is the sense of community. Whether you're spinning at a major festival or a local park meetup, you'll find a welcoming group of fellow flow enthusiasts ready to share, learn, and celebrate together.
Remember, every flow artist started somewhere. If you're new to hula hooping or other flow arts, don't be intimidated! New Zealand's flow community is known for its inclusivity and supportiveness. You'll find plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and express yourself through the art of flow.
Your Epic Flow Arts Summer Awaits!
From the beaches of Splore to the forests of Luminate, New Zealand offers an incredible array of festivals and events for hula hoop enthusiasts and flow artists. Each gathering has its unique flavor, but all share a common thread: a celebration of creativity, movement, and community.
As you plan your festival circuit, remember that the joy of flow arts lies not just in the skill, but in the journey of self-expression and connection. Whether you're perfecting your hula hoop routine for a talent showcase or simply enjoying a sunset spin with new friends, these festivals offer countless opportunities to deepen your practice and expand your flow arts family.
So, polish up your hula hoops, grab those fire wicks, and get ready for an unforgettable summer of flow across Aotearoa. The beats are calling, the community is waiting, and your next level of flow is just a festival away. See you in the flow zone!
Have I missed your favourite event to dance and flow? Let me know!
(Photo Credit: David Herron)