Hilltop Hoods, Keli Holiday & More Added To NZ's Snow Machine Festival

Mary Varvaris

In addition to its live music program, Queenstown's Snow Machine hosts parties, events, and activities for thrill-seekers.

Snow Machine 2025(Credit: Lachie Waite)

Hilltop Hoods

The New Zealand resort town of Queenstown will be the place where you want to be this September.

Today, the line-up for the annual Snow Machine festival has expanded, adding additional music favourites to an event that already features Chet Faker, Kanine, Ninajirachi, Y.O.G.A., and many others.

Joining the already announced acts are one of Australia’s most celebrated hip-hop acts, Hilltop Hoods, UK singer, rapper and producer Example, Dancing2 hitmaker Keli Holiday, Ngarrrindhjeri rapper, songwriter and producer Trials, and Auckland’s own high-energy Katayanagi Twins.

Snow Machine returns from Tuesday, 8 to Sunday, 13 September, transforming Queenstown into the ultimate alpine party extravaganza. Eight stages can be found across the festival’s playground, from its Main Arena to the on-mountain après spots at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

Offering live music, adventures, and parties from a picturesque destination this spring, first-release ticket packages and festival tickets have already sold out due to high demand.

Pre-sale tickets for the second release will be available on Tuesday, 7 April, at 5 pm AEST/7 pm NZST. You can register for access here. The general sale opens on Wednesday, 8 April, at 9 am AEST/11 am NZST. You can find tickets on the Snow Machine website.

In addition to its live music program, Snow Machine hosts parties, events, and activities.

Attendees participate in the fifth annual Polar Bare, a world-record-setting challenge to get the largest number of people down the slopes in swimwear.

Additionally, the Snow Machine Street Party is set to return after a successful debut last year, with an all-star musical line-up to be revealed soon. Meanwhile, the Poof Doof Drag Bunch will feature special guest hostesses and DJ sets.

Beyond the dancefloor, the festival offers exercise and wellness opportunities, such as group pilates, sunrise yoga, run club, and the Queenstown hill hike. For thrill-seekers, other activities are on offer, including the Bungy Launch Party at AJ Hackett Bungy Kawarau Bridge, Slopestyle Competition, and more, with the chance to sign up for ski and snowboarding lessons also available.