Some History And Advice for New Zealand’s Premiere House Adventure – Shipwrecked Festival
Every festival starts somewhere, and some have more humble roots than others. I was lucky enough to attend the very first incarnation of Shipwrecked Festival in 2015. The first arrangement was sure a long way from the luxury festival it has evolved into over the years. Today we will go over some bits and pieces of things I’ve seen over the years. Followed by some general and fashion advice for anyone entering this pirate themed paradise.
The Origins
The first Shipwrecked occurred in 2015. It was a much less opulent affair then it is now. First of all just by it’s scope. Always aiming to provide a top level experience, the ambitious first incarnation had some great statistics. There was just under 60 international acts brought over to entertain a crowd of roughly 500 people. The camping around the lake side had not been figured out yet, so the campground was actually located a (!!) half hour walk from the stages! This was addressed by having a regularly scheduled shuttle being Chauferred back and forth between the campground and the stages. The shuttle was an old school bus which had had it’s top peeled off to create an open air safari style experience.
The other massive factor was the fact that they could not figure out an agreement with the locals to let the music keep going through the night. That’s right, the tunes got shut off at some incredibly early point in the evenings, I believe from midnight until sunrise. With all of these limiting factors, it was still an absolutely amazing party. In fact the campground night party becoming a vibrant feature forcing the ravers to adapt. All that said and done, it has now evolved into New Zealand’s premiere house music festival. Having some of the most luxurious arrangements anywhere in the country.
What It Looks Like Now
Now days, Shipwrecked is a stunning 5 stage affair, brilliantly arranged around a clear lake. It is a very pirate themed affair. One of my favourite spots: the iconic beached yacht: “the janky mermaid” serving as one of the pumping stages. There is the Humming Hut which features a mix of live bands and house and funk DJ’s and sit’s right on the lakeside. This stage can be viewed from the comfort of the cool lake! The main Shipwrecked stage is a spectacular arrangement with world quality sound and an immaculately set line up. There is a pit stage for the dubstep and drum and bass fans.
Some Pro Tips
Bring a bike! Shipwrecked is arranged conveniently around a flat, sandy lake, which makes getting around on your bikes ideal! You will see heaps of bikes around, with some people bringing epic art designed ones that are a treat to behold.
Be prepared for high winds when setting up your tent. Each time I have gone to this party, I remember some stressful moments trying to set up the tent in the wind tunnel which occurs over the lake. I have seen more then one tent drop into the lake during set up. Remember to bring extra long tent pegs, and immediately weigh your tent down with your possessions as the sandy soil is not ideal for keeping pegs in against a strong wind!
Bring your togs! The lake is absolutely amazing, clear and clean. Make sure you don’t miss your chance to chill out enjoying a swim while watching one of your favourite artists jam on the lakeside stage.
Bring a pirate flag for your camp. You will see quite a few campsites with their own pirate flag set ups to help find your campsite easily, get creative and make or find a unique one for your crew.
Some Fashion Advice
It being a shipwreck themed event you will see a lot of pirate themed outfits, and various takes on trippy sea captains. A lot of steampunk and night time LED gear is seen at this event. Make sure to pick up either one of our Blue Moon or Pink Stud Captains hats, or one of the 4 colour choices of Captains hat and refraction goggles combinations to blend with the crowd of shipwrecked captains and their crews.
Wrapping Up
There is nothing in New Zealand quite like the extraordinary Shipwrecked festival. Come check out the hype, and enjoy this unique experience. I’m sure once you have been once this will remain a staple of your party calendar for years to come!
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