Summer Vibes in Matarangi
I love many things about the Coromandel, and our summer season is definitely one of the strongest reasons I’ve chosen to call this place home for the past twelve years. People from all over the world come to enjoy the best of this magical region, and of course, this attracts epic festivals right to our doorstep.
At the start of this year, the Coro Classic brought its third edition to Matarangi, solidifying itself as a go-to event for an audience dressed in vibrant colours and ready for a good time on a perfect sunny day!
Two well-positioned stages at Coromandel Luxury Escapes hosted more than 20 national and international top-tier acts, including local legends DJ Sunray, DJ Matt Rapid, and the band Flaxxies, who share a strong connection to the area. The lineup also included Chaos in the CBD, David Dallas, Cassö, Daily J, Cassie Henderson, Beccie B, Frank on Tap and many others.
Luckily, the event organisers are perfectionists who know how to throw a great party, so the festival ran smoothly. Buses travelled around the peninsula to ensure festival-goers arrived safely, wristbands allowed pre-event top-ups to minimise queuing, along with well-positioned, accessible toilets, ambulances, and rest areas staffed with professionals ensuring everyone stayed hydrated. The organisers also nailed their social media game. Their promos were engaging, but my favourite move was a direct message posted two days before the event: “Don’t be a d*ck – the Coro Classic is a party for everyone. Inclusion and diversity are at the core of our event.” It encouraged respect and asked attendees to report any behaviour that made them uncomfortable. Great move!
Even though our crew had access to backstage and VIP areas, I’m all about the mosh pit. So, I wandered around asking people which artist they were most excited to see. The majority of the crowd was in their early twenties, so it wasn’t surprising to hear Mozey and Camo & Krooked mentioned often. But the most popular name by far? Katchafire. The legendary Aotearoa reggae band delivered a solid performance celebrating 25 years of music, with fans worldwide. Funny story: the first time I saw Katchafire was back in Brazil, fourteen years ago, long before I ever thought about moving to Aotearoa, at a festival in front of a historic building at 5 a.m. in the heart of São Paulo. But that’s a story for another article … The Coromind team even put together a cool video showing some highlights of the festival and me chatting with the audience. It’s great fun – scan the QR code below to check it out!
The Coro Classic sold out days before the festival, bringing 5,200 people to Matarangi (official numbers confirmed by the organisers at Nexgen Touring). I loved how easy it was to spot locals dancing and having a great time. Keep the locals happy, and they’ll always support you.
Coromind appreciates the good vibes the Coro Classic crew brings to our rohe (region)! We’re already looking forward to the next edition in January 2026.
Follow the festival on Instagram @coro_classic and Facebook: The Coro Classic. And of course, you can count on Coromind to keep you updated about this epic festival!
Let the good times roll!
Words by Leonardo Magri
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch
