Laneway festival spans Australia and New Zealand as a popular one-day music event. In Auckland, it’s known for its outdoor setting, previously held in Albert Park, as its popularity skyrocketed, it moved to Western Springs Outer Fields (now Western Springs Bowl) to cater to crowds above 20,000. I attended in 2025 & 2026!
Where to stay for Laneway
I recommend looking on AirBnB or checking local hotels on Booking.com – search for places in Auckland below!
Getting to Laneway
This festival has kept to central locations, making it easy to get to via public transport. As with a lot of large events in Auckland, holding a laneway ticket also means that public transport to and from the event is often free!
By Bus
To get to Western Springs, you’ll want to catch the 18 bus (Route goes from Auckland Central to New Lynn and vice versa). There may also be specific event buses from Waitemata / Britomart (also in Auckland central).
By Train
You can also catch a western line train and walk to the venue from either Baldwin Ave or Morningside Stations, however, it will be over a 20 min walk from either one.
By Car
You can also Uber or Taxi. If you decide to drive, be aware that the closest roads will be closed off for the event, and you’ll have to find parking a significant distance away. Stay safe and be sure to have a sober driver!
The Festival – Laneway
This information is based on Laneway held in Auckland, New Zealand. As it is also held in other locations around Australia, the amount of stages, areas and everything in between, could be totally different!
Keep an eye out for some of the helpful brand activations – Skinnies had a sunscreen station, which is super important during a hot summer day at an outdoor festival.
State Insurance had a charging station for phones, as well as a photobooth & spinning wheel for some fund spot prizes. They were also next to the info booth, where you can also inquire about lost property.
There were a few more brands running giveaways with floating ambassadors as well.
Good, Better, Best / Never Let it Rest
Two large main stages placed directly next to each other – acts would alternate across each side. This is where you’ll find the headliners – In 2026 it was Chappell Roan!
Everything Ecstatic
Another large stage for big acts.
In 2025, it was mainly for electronic music acts and this stage had more visual effects too – great for Bicep’s set with lights and lasers!
Lakeside / Paraiso / Harikoa Stage
A more chilled out zone with a small stage. In 2025, it was more like DJs playing under a shade tent.
This space had a lot of the brand activations – McDonalds were giving out free ice cream, Rimmel had a makeup station set up and a spinning wheel with prizes, Lylo had a barber service available. In 2026, Mitre 10 had this festival garden, full of art installations with great photo opportunities.
Food & Drink
In 2025, there were two main areas for food vendors. One was close to the entry point and some smaller vendors could be found by the Lakeside. In 2026, I feel the layout of Laneway vastly improved, the area by the entrance was the main bar area, but food vendors could be found along the entire outline of each of the main stage area.
I recommend eating before you get to the festival, as lines for food are often very long, even with the amount of options available.
One of the coolest brand activations at this event during 2026 was run by -196 degrees, involving a hidden rave behind one of the bars, through an entrance that looked like a fridge!
Interested in working this event?
You can apply to work for Laneway through their website, where you will be directed to an Expression of Interest Google Form.
Volunteer roles are available as well through Auckland Stadiums or paid bar staff roles through Multi Events.
Media & Content Creators can apply for accreditation here.
Thanks for joining me on my journey!
If you’re looking for more summer festivals take a look at my other event blog posts!
