Splore will return this summer after a year off

Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp, pioneering Jamaican dancehall queen, Sister Nancy and local legend Tami Neilson are amongst those set set to take the stage at the return of Splore.

The vibrant three-day music and arts event will return to Auckland's Tāpapakanga Regional Park from 20-22 February, 2026.

Splore took a break in 2025, at the time telling RNZ it was on the back of a "challenging" season the year before.

'Festival producer at the time, Fryderyk Kublikowski said economic considerations were a leading factor in the call. The high-content festival in 2024 was not able to break even, he said.

"We suffered a financial loss, but we paid all our performers and suppliers, and we were able to pay our bills in full. Splore's been going for 25 years, so we're a real touchstone event. Splore will be stronger for taking a fallow year."

The 2026 festival has been co-curated by Auckland DJ, Shaquille Wasasala (also known as Half Queen), alongside long-time festival curator John Minty.

Minty told RNZ's Midday that 2025 was the first time they had lost money.

"Splore has always been profitable so it was a bit of a challenge last year when we hit a bad one financially," he said.

But he reassured fans there was "a bit of fat in there" so the only "streamlining" they had to do was behind the scenes and this summer's set would not be affected.

Amongst the big names to fill the six stages are Röyksopp, known for collaborations with singers Robyn, Goldfrapp and Karin Dreijer (The Knife/Fever Ray) and Lykke Li, back in NZ for the first time in 14 years.

Also on the bill are UK trip hop artist Nightmares on Wax - known for singles like 'You Wish', 'Flip ya Lid' and 'Da Feeling' - who will play two sets at Splore.

Splore began in 1998 at Karioitahi on the rugged west coast south of Tāmaki Makaurau. It relocated in 2006 and has previously staged the likes of Erykah Badu, Future Islands and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

Tickets and camping options are available now.