An epic new mud and music experience for awaits festival fans with the announcement of the southern hemisphere’s first Mudtopia Festival, to be held in Rotorua from December 1st till 3rd. The three day festival at Arawa Park will boast an awesome line-up on Saturday 2 December, with work well underway to attract international headliners to perform on the night.
Festival directors Scott Rice and Simon Brady describe Mudtopia as being uniquely New Zealand and a festival designed with something for everyone.
“As well as the mud stage and mud arena, there will be mud sports, mud pools, mud obstacle courses, a mud run and a dedicated mud zone for kids,” Rice says.“When you’re not in the mud or chilling out in front of the stage enjoying the music and entertainment, you can check in to a day spa treatment or check out one of the other interesting exhibitors on site.”
The three-day, high-energy festival is designed to create a playful sensory experience that awakens the world to Rotorua and the world of mud, by enabling people to get muddy and unleash their inner child.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says the concept of an international mud festival for the city was first developed more than 10 years ago, but has gained traction in recent years through a growing relationship with its sister event in Boryeong City, South Korea.
“Part of Rotorua Lakes Council’s economic development vision for Rotorua is to become a spa and wellness destination, based on its unique geothermal and mud properties,” Mayor Chadwick says.
“Mudtopia will really put Rotorua on the map for its unique spa and wellness attributes, as well as cement our position as a leading events destination.” Rotorua mud is extremely high in minerals, particularly silica, due to its contact with natural geothermal and mineral waters that come from deep within the earth. This high mineral content ensures the mud stores heat easily when warmed, making it ideal for wellness treatments – as well as for the activities planned for Mudtopia.
Rotorua Lakes Council major events coordinator Jason Cameron says over time, the event is forecast to attract a significant number of domestic and international tourists, which will generate strong economic returns for both Rotorua and New Zealand.
