Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival
Date and time
Refund policy
The iconic Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival features more than 45 acts from the US, Australia, Japan and New Zealand at seven venues.
About this event
Sit back and enjoy three days of live music from top jazz and blues musicians from all over New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the US.
Headline acts this year include James Southwell and Dezzie D and the Stingrayz from Australia, Steve Arvey from Florida and Elijah Echeveste from Texas.
Crowd favourites Chihiro Yamazaki + ROUTE14 Band from Japan and Brilleaux and Kokomo, both from Tauranga, are back this year.
There is a huge variety of acts - you will be sure to make some exciting discoveries.
Grab some friends and head to the Bay of Islands for an awesome weekend of live music at our seven venues in Paihia, Russell and Waitangi.
The headquarters for the festival is at the Scenic Hotel, 58 Seaview Road, Paihia.
The venues this year are:
- In Paihia: Scenic Hotel, Paihia Sports Bar, Paihia Ex-Servicemen's Club.
- In Waitangi: Waitaha Room at Copthorne Resort Hotel
- In Russell: Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell Hall
Your badge gives you access to all venues and to the free shuttle bus.
Weekend ferry passes cost $16.50 for badge holders for the festival weekend only. They can be bought here or from Fullers Ferry Terminal. Please note you can exchange for ferry passes only at the Scenic Hotel. If you are staying on the Russell side you can exchange your tickets at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell.