WHERE: Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
WHEN: Mid-January
Sure it’s a Big Day Out, but it’s not like any other BDO you’ve been to. For starters, it’s in New Zealand – the land of kiwis, hobbits, sheep, Steinlager, the All Blacks and Flight of the Conchords (although technically that’s filmed in New York isn’t it?).
And second, it’s the first Big Day Out on the circuit which means the bands are fresh, firing and ready to rock. Plus they have plenty of energy in store, which will only be depleted by big night outs and ravenous groupies as the festival rolls on.
Third, this is your chance to see a world-class music festival and explore a whole new beautiful country at the same time, with the added bonus that they speak the same language (sorta) and will get most of your jokes (well, kinda). And finally, it’s only three hours from the east coast Australia – that’s closer than Perth, people.
- The Prodigy – Firestarter
- Lupe Fiasco – Superstar
- TV On The Radio – Golden Age
- Bullet For My Valentine – Scream Aim Fire
- The Datsuns – System Overload
- The Living End – White Noise
- Sneaky Sound System – Kansas City
- P-Money – Everything
- Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend
- The Ting Tings – Great DJ
- Serj Tankian – Lie Lie Live
Tickets
Auckland BDO tickets go for around AU$115. The festival line-up and ticket details are usually announced in October so keep your eyes peeled for updates. Be warned though – tickets will go like the proverbial hotcakes so don’t dilly-dally. Get in there on the first day.
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Age limit: As with any Big Day Out, if you’re under 15 years old you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18.
Travel info
The Big Day Out happens at Mount Smart Stadium in the suburb of Penrose. It’s a ten-minute walk from Penrose Station, which is just over half-an-hour by train from Auckland.
Approx. travel times
Depart East Coast Australia > + 3 hours flying time > Arrive Auckland > Hey presto, you’re there