Why Auckland City Limits needs to be on your radar

Auckland City Limits (ACL) is one of the biggest festivals in the country. It’s a place where you can find good music, good food and Coachella inspired outfits.

Who was there?

ACL definitely delivered when it promoted the event as all ages. From littlies running around with their parents enjoying the Kiddie Limits festival, to every other age imaginable, ACL is not just for the energetic 20-somethings but for anyone looking to have a great time.

Image credit: Chris Zwaagdyk

The event

The team at ACL have everything running like a well-oiled machine.

• Lots of security
• Food options galore (including options for vegans)
• Free water stations
• Cashless wrist bands
• Port-a-loos to rival any event
• Great signage
• Amazing light installations to help you make the most of the night (and to make you an Instagram goddess)

Image credit: Jared Donkin

The stages were also well set apart, but not so far that you felt like you were walking a marathon just to get to your favourite act. There were five stages in total and each featured some amazing acts. We love that there was almost always someone playing on each stage zone so you never had to wait around for the next act.

We have to say that what we enjoyed most about the event was the positive energy that radiated from everyone who attended. People were there to have a good time, dance to some great music and maybe make out with a stranger or two. There was no alcohol induced violence witnessed by us and while there may have been the odd tear here and there amongst friend groups, it is one of few festivals we’ve attended where everyone seems to be on the same wave length.

Our highlights:

Silent disco: One word, genius! A spectators dream, the silent disco down by the Golden Dawn stage drew a range of faces (hipsters, teens, kids, golden oldies) for some ridiculous fun. Everyone who entered the silent disco was given a pair of headphones so they could hear what the DJ was playing – it was your own mini party.

Picnic style: If you’re planning on spending the whole day listening to music and relaxing in the sun, you can pop down with a blanket and some fold-down chairs and make yourself at home. While outside snacks and alcohol are not permitted into the event, you can pick up a smorgasbord of delicious food and have yourselves a ploughman’s style set up.

Image credit: Doug Peters

The acts

One of the biggest draws to the festival is the line-up. Beck and Grace Jones were highlighted as headliners and they did not disappoint! Almost more enjoyable however were the smaller acts who surprised and delighted with their original songs and karaoke-esque covers that had the crowds dancing like there was no tomorrow.

Our highlights:

ACL was packed with incredible artists, but we would be lying if we didn’t admit we were drawn to certain acts. Check out the original line-up and the top tracks from some of our faves and let us know in the comments who you would’ve loved to have seen.

Would we go again? 

We’ll be first in line to grab tickets for next years show. For roughly $180, this 12 hour event is well worth the money. The line-up is so diverse that you are bound to find a handful of acts to enjoy, there are snacks galore if food is your life, and you get to meet some cool people who may just become your new besties.

Check out some of our amazing below average shots below.