Splore for the whole family

Splore festival will once again grace the shores of the sublime beach setting at Tapapakanga Park, just 70km south east of Auckland from 14-16 February.

What sets Splore apart from other summer festivities is that cannot be labeled as just a music concert, a dance party, a performance, or an artistic hub. It is all of these and more.

"Splore is an immersive experience where the audience expects to be surprised, entertained and stimulated," says Splore festival director Amanda Wright.

"Splore stretches demographics, ethnicities and psychographics to bring a representation of New Zealand in one place. At Splore you get a sense that there are no barriers, only a shared sense of community where individuals can find freedom in being themselves."

Splore's audience is multigenerational. Anyone from five years old to seventy will find a place at Splore and activities and entertainment that they can enjoy.?

Families are a huge part of Splore and kids love it, says Splore families' coordinator, Anne Larnach.

"It's not uncommon to hear kids demand their parents take them to Splore festival which only occurs every two years," says Anne, "and why wouldn't they - the beach is safe and easy for kids and there's a fully programmed children's zone called 'Charlie's Rumpus Room' where they are entertained for the entire weekend."

Activities are free and kids can be entertained all weekend, kicking off on Friday afternoon with a giant bubble making workshop. Then there is a workshop to make LED lanterns to help guide young Splorers around the site at night.

Friday evening festivities include the Fantasy Factory who will make music using a fruit orchestra. The Castle Circus Studio (which includes some of NZ's leading circus teachers) will share their knowledge of juggling, acrobalance, hooping and diabolo on Saturday morning. Face painting and costume making is on offer on Saturday afternoon as is Captain Festus McBoyle, New Zealand's ultimate rotten pirate entertainer. He is a master of music and mischief - a perfect fit for Saturday afternoon at Splore. Captain McBoyle will regale the children with stories of piracy on the high seas, maritime disasters and true life piratical legends of yore.

Not to be outdone by the adults having too much fun, on Saturday night the kids zone will be all aglow with UV Playdough (made with non-toxic material of course).

Charlie's Rumpus Room will come to a close on Sunday morning after an interactive storytelling session.

Splore also offers a camping area especially reserved for families of all sizes which is tucked away to ensure more peace and quiet, but also close enough to all amenities and the entertainment precinct to make the Splore family experience a comfortable and safe one.?
Check out Splore's extensive programme of entertainment at www.splore.net.