Buckle up, there is a new kid on the block this New Years.

The Rock, Christchurch City Council and Novus proudly present Rock the Park on New Year's Eve! This is a free event for all of Canterbury to enjoy, hosted by the awesome Mel from The Morning Rumble. There will even be fireworks at midnight to bring in the New Year with a bang!

With a rock’n’roll line-up, Rock the Park is best suited to an adult audience and teenagers over 15 years.

Check them out below: 

  • Elemeno P
  • Racing
  • Volts
  • Dolphin Friendly 

Brought to you by The Rock and Novus. Damaged windscreen? Crack or chip on ya windscreen? NOVUS it. Just drop into your local NOVUS branch.

Got kiddies? Don't want a late night? Don't miss the free NYE Kids Countdown from 4pm to 7pm in North Hagley Park with iconic Kiwi children's entertainer, Suzy Cato. See all the details. 

Get to know the artists

Elemeno P

Kiwi music icons Elemeno P return to play their first live show in New Zealand in over two years and will headline Rock the Park NYE 2023.

Elemeno P have a sound that can be best described as guitar driven, melodic rock. Their debut album, 'Love and Disrespect' delivered multiple hit singles including, 'Verona,' 'Nirvana,' 'Everyday's A Saturday and the mega hit ‘Fast Times In Tahoe ’.

Come and hear all their rock ‘n roll anthems, as they ring in the New Year in Hagley Park.

 

Racing

Auckland-based four-piece, Racing, take rock and roll and inject it with a chemical haze so potent the listener is left both pleased and punished. Once likened to “the thoughts of a crocodile in the flood season”, the band crafts a swirling sea of groove and hypnosis into rock anthems drenched in weird tropical dance music.

Racing released their debut album 'Real Dancing' in 2019. They were subsequently nominated for Best Rock Artist at the 2019 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. Singles ‘Motel Pool’, ‘Run Wild’ and ‘Party Slow’ all reached number one on the rock music charts.

 

Volts

Volts are a dynamic alternative rock band known for their electrifying sound and high-energy live performances. Comprised of five fiercely talented individuals, Volts has released a string of rock radio hits including, ‘When You Go’ and ‘Bleeding Hearts’ and performed throughout New Zealand at range of big festivals including The Rock 2000 @ Spark Arena and Electric Avenue.

With their captivating melodies, impassioned vocals, and raw energy, Volts continues to push musical boundaries.

 

Dolphin Friendly

The band are an emerging revolutionary soundscape destined to be remembered by their hard-rock anthems, cemented together by a visionary of greater consciousness designed to empower humanity. Their latest single ‘Radical Desire’ has been all over the airwaves.

Dolphin Friendly have been relentlessly touring and selling out shows and are quickly gaining status as being one of the best-emerging rock acts in New Zealand.  

What you can and can't bring

Before entry, all eventgoers must agree to a bag search. 

You can't bring in

  • Beverages of any kind, including alcohol
  • Illicit drugs
  • Dangerous goods and weapons
  • Animals (except service animals)
  • Offensive signs or banners
  • Gang insignia
  • Glass
  • Drones
  • Bags larger than 30cm x 30cm
  • Scooters and bikes

You can bring in

  • Small chairs and blankets
  • Self-packaged non-commercial food items (non-liquid items)
  • Sunscreen
  • Prams and baby products
  • Cameras (personal use only)
  • Empty water bottles can be filled on-site

Food and drink

This event is alcohol-free.

There will be a range of tasty food vendors onsite to keep you fed throughout the night.

Eftpos is available.

You can bring an empty plastic water bottle with you and there will be heaps of free water available.

Transport and parking
  • Driving? The Botanic Gardens Armagh Street car park will be closed to incoming traffic from 3pm. Drop off point is on Rolleston Avenue, near Christ’s College. Use our interactive map to easily find central city parking: https://bit.ly/34y1nuW(external link)(external link)
  • Biking or scootering? Bike stands will be located inside Hagley Park. Scooter parking zones are on Park Terrace.
  • Mobility parking will be on Chester Street West (off Park Terrace). A mobility pass must be visible to gain access.

Other info + map
  • The event is smoke and vape–free.
  • There is a 24-hour alcohol ban around the event. If you carry or consume alcohol in the streets around the event site, or within Hagley Park you won’t be permitted entry, and risk being fined.
  • Please respect Hagley Park and its neighbours so that we can continue staging events here.
  • While we do our best to communicate as much as possible, event operators may change these conditions of entry at short or no notice for your safety and security.