Events and Festivals of New Zealand Part 2

Concerts for Conservation

‘Live at the Islands’ is a series of concerts that will celebrate two of New Zealand’s popular island conservation projects. You can choose to visit Urupukapuka in the Bay of Islands or Motutapu in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Led by dedicated conservationists, thousands of volunteers have worked on these islands over recent years. They’ve begun the restoration of natural vegetation, removed introduced predators and released rare native birds back into the wild. Now you can salute their hard work with great music and nature rambles against a backdrop of South Pacific marine scenery. Bliss! 

Urupukapuka Island -28 December to 22 January

Rich in Maori and European history, Urupukapuka is the largest island in the Bay of Islands. With sheltered white sand beaches along its western coast and towering ocean cliffs to the east, it’s everything a getaway island should be. Hire a kayak for a guided tour of the bays or follow trails over rolling hills to discover secluded beaches, archaeological sites and 360-degree cliff-top views.

The ‘Live at the Islands’ events on Urupukapuka Island will benefit Project Island Song, a major local conservation effort to restore native wildlife to the Bay of Islands.

Live at the Islands, Urupukapuka Island 

• 28 and 31 December 2010. Plus 3, 5, 7 and 22 January 2011
• Ferries will shuttle from Paihia and Russell to the island and back
• Family groups will be given priority for the earlier returning ferries
• Bookings are essential

Motutapu Island -12 February 2011

Motutapu Island is a short ferry ride from Auckland city. Believed to have been settled by Maori tribes from the early 1300s, Motutapu lost its ancient forests to numerous volcanic eruptions that created Rangitoto Island on its western shore.

For the special one-off Motutapu ‘Live at the Islands’ concert, an amazing line-up of New Zealand’s leading musicians will provide continuous entertainment until evening. If you’d like to linger longer, after sunset the ‘ZM DJ Afterparty on the Beach’ will keep you rocking through to 10pm. Ferries will depart regularly, giving concert goers the opportunity to return to the city when it suits. 

‘Live at the Islands - Motutapu’ will benefit the Motutapu Restoration Trust, which leads the public volunteers who are breathing new life into this historic island.

Live at the Islands, Motutapu Island 

• Saturday, 12 February 2011 from 12:30 to 10:00pm
• Ferries depart from downtown Auckland and Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa
• Family groups will be given priority for the earlier returning ferries
• Ferry capacity is limited so book early or bring your own boat