New Wānaka event pairs adventure sports with festival vibe

Magic Land, a new adventure sports festival, is coming to Wānaka this month and bringing plenty of heart-pumping opportunities to get wet, go fast, and fly high.

Hosted by Adventure HQ, and inspired by festivals like it in Europe, the first-time event will showcase the beauty of Wānaka and surrounds, with camping opening from March 18 for people that want to spend the week, and the festival weekend scheduled for March 22 to 23.

The festival-base and camping set up at Glendhu Bay is close to plenty of outdoor action - mountain biking at Bike Glendhu, paragliding off Treble Cone, and world class rock climbing in the Matukituki Valley. 

Out on the water, they'll be chance to take a thrill ride on F1 Superboat NZ, which Adventure HQ says is the world’s 1st F1 boat experience.

Meanwhile, in the air, expect to see wing suiting, base jumping, and other high-flying antics, with the national Acro Fest competition teaming up with the event.

Festival organisers are asking those participating in the fun to bring their Go Pros and capture and submit their footage, from which day reels will be compiled, showcasing highlights from all the activities on the big screen for all to see.

And the festivities won't die down as the evening comes, as the inspiring chats and adventure films will start, with pilot and YouTube sensation Benjamin Keller and Redbull X-Alps athlete Kinga Masztalerz both having confirmed they'll be there to present.  

There will also be food trucks, and live bands and DJs.

This is BYO event with no glass allowed, and a "take out what you bring in" policy.

Attendees will have the option to 'plant and tree and grow a forest', with a project onsite to get involved with.

On Friday, expect a Flying Fairy Candy drop for the kids, a Heli bump club fly-in, skydiving and sweet sounds as the sun sets, including from local reggae band Ord Road, disco-inspired DJ Boaz and everyone's favourite DJ Waz.

Then Saturday's festivities kick off with the Acro Fest finals, followed by a Free Flyers’ expression session, aerial silk performances from Uplift Silks, and a drop in Yoga class for those that want stay grounded.

Local rock legends The Execs will take the stage for live music, accompanied by DJs Sion, Brukisan and Pilot, with more to be announced.

General admission tickets including camping are $120. 

It is also a family-friendly event, with kids 12 and under allowed entry for free, although anyone under 18 is required to always be under the supervision of an adult guardian. 

Tickets are available at https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/magic-land-adventure-sports-festival-22mar2024/.

Adventure HQ encourages everyone to purchase them as soon as possible as tickets are limited and selling fast. 

Find information at magiclandfestival.com and follow them on Facebook Magic Land - Adventure Sports Festival and Instagram at @magicland_adventuresportsfest