Kia Ora Whanau from New Zealand

Fly 24 hours from Europe, 14 from America and 3.5 from Australia and you hit the two Islands of New Zealand; home to 4 million people and 60 million sheep! Stunning scenery, temperate climates and an abundance of large open spaces lead people to think that New Zealand has a vibrant Psy community, but the reality is somewhat different.

Although it has matured a lot in the past 5 years, the scene is growing up slowly. However more and more people are returning home after being abroad to realise that New Zealand needs more Psytrance. Many are having a go at producing their own music, giving it a unique New Zealand sound and putting on parties to share it with others.

Whether indoors or outdoors, the only people you see at our parties are there for the music. Although not as glamorous as in many countries, parties aren’t plagued by the problems the larger scenes around the world seem to face. Less publicity and fewer drugs mean that parties attract a smaller yet more dedicated following, creating a friendly, inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Auckland has the largest population base in New Zealand and has seen more action of late with indoor parties provided by Blue Sphere productions (Liam from Enzyme recs UK) and Phat Productions hosted by Big Dave whilst the Rural Remix Crew and friends are catering for the local outdoor scene.

Wellington, the cultural capital, is home to Cosmic Conspiracy Records, New Zealand’s only Psy label. Headed by American DJ Wizdumb, it has put New Zealand on the Progressive map with quality releases and great parties, both in Wellington and the Golden Bay area. For those after a touch more grunt, Full-Om are pushing pure Psychedelic Trance and after 5 years they show no signs of abating.

The South Island’s main area for Psy, the Golden Bay area, is "the" place for Psy parties in NZ and is renowned for its hippy culture and alternative lifestyle. The Innocent Bystanders are leading the way with powerful Psychedelic Trance being blasted up the Cobb Valley while Psyd show productions are heading up the Progressive side of things. The Stardust Collective are on a new mission and their events will be more of a mixture of Electronica and Dub than pure Psytrance. Christchurch has Psyclik Vision who are starting to make a name for themselves with increasingly frequent events.

Facts

Illicit drugs are available, but not as easily and in the quantities seen elsewhere around the world. Oh, they definitely aren't cheap either....

Expect to find the right kind of people and parties happening frequently over the summer months (November to March).
Marijuana is illegal, but grows really well here. Discression is advised.