Splore essentials

Wellington singer Hollie Smith. Picture / Richard Robinson

What: The three-day biennial festival features live music, DJs, VJs, visual arts, performance, film screenings and workshops

Where and when: Tapapakanga Regional Park, 72km southeast of Auckland on the edge of the Firth of Thames at the base of the Hunua Ranges. The park entrance is on Deerys Rd. Gates open at noon today, with the music starting at 5pm

Performers

Today: Whirimako Black & Russel Walder, Ladi 6, Nomad, Cuban Brothers, Talib Kweli featuring Jean-Grae, Module/Rhian Sheehan, The Nextmen, Turnaround DJs

Tomorrow: Sugarlicks, Little Bushman, Max Maxwell & Carmel Courtney, Hollie Smith, Sola Rosa, Kora, Fat Freddy's Drop, Hexstatic, Axis of Weevil, Pitch Black, Philippa, Baitercell & Bex Riley, Nick D,

Sunday: Dubhead, Olmecha Supreme, dDub, Golden Horse

Tickets:

$140 plus $2 booking fee available at Ticketmaster, Post Shops and Real Groovy. Children 13 and under are free. There are 5000 tickets available.

Transport

One bus will leave downtown Auckland today at 4pm from the Base Backpackers, cnr Fort and Commerce Sts. The return trip leaves on Sunday at 4pm from the camping area. $20 one way or $30 return. Seats must be booked with sophie@splore.net.

Camping

A highlight is sure to be the themed camps, which have been allocated prime spots. There are also sites for families and mobile homes. Gas cookers are permitted, but no fires are allowed.

Facilities

Two licensed bars, internet cafe, lock-up for valuables, cafes, cold-water showers, activities for children, markets

More info: www.splore.net (see link below)