Boutique Wairarapa festival Tora Bombora to return in 2027 after four year hiatus

Boutique music festival Tora Bombora has announced it will return in 2027, ending a four year hiatus and bringing the event back to the Tora coastline in Wairarapa.

The festival will expand its capacity to 2,000 attendees for its return while maintaining its focus on a community led experience. Organisers say the event will continue to prioritise sustainability, cultural connection, and support for Aotearoa's music scene.

Festival founder Louis Murphy Harris said the break provided an opportunity to reflect on the event's future before planning its return.

"After four years away, bringing Tora Bombora back feels incredibly special," Harris said.

"The pause gave me time to travel, learn, grow, and fall back in love with the things that made Tora special in the first place. Now feels like the right time to reconnect through music, nature, and community."

Harris said the whakataukī, "Anō ko te marama kua ngaro, kua ara anō," reflected the festival's return, describing it as a reminder that some things simply wait for the right season to come back.

Since its launch, Tora Bombora has focused on showcasing emerging New Zealand artists alongside established acts. Organisers say the 2027 edition will continue that approach with a lineup drawn from across Aotearoa and an emphasis on collaboration and cultural exchange.

The festival's off grid location on the Wairarapa coast remains a defining feature of the event. Limited mobile reception and its remote setting encourage attendees to disconnect from everyday life while taking part in a weekend of live music, food, art, and community activities.

Further details, including dates, ticket information, and the artist lineup, are expected to be announced at a later date.