L.A.B and Sir Dave Dobbyn Bring Live Anthems to Ayrburn

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Aotearoa music royalty Sir Dave Dobbyn joins chart-topping reggae-funk powerhouse L.A.B and rising talent Taylah for an electrifying open-air showcase at The Dell, marking both headline acts' first Queenstown appearances in more than six years. Held within the natural amphitheatre of the historic Ayrburn farm estate near Arrowtown, the landmark gathering on Saturday 7 November 2026 brings together cross-generational Kiwi anthems, lush Central Otago scenery, and an outdoor festival atmosphere designed to open the Whakatipu Basin's summer concert calendar with serious momentum.

Reggae Grooves, Timeless Singalongs and Estate Vapour

The Dell transforms into a natural amphitheatre where sound rolls smoothly over manicured lawns and gently terraced hillsides framed by the rugged silhouettes of Coronet Peak and the Crown Range. In the golden warmth of late spring, the sensory experience begins well before dusk. Crowds filter across stone footbridges as Taylah lays down smooth neo-soul and R&B rhythms to open the afternoon. As the light softens across Speargrass Flat, Sir Dave Dobbyn takes the stage to lead thousands in collective, spine-tingling choruses of homegrown classics that have soundtracked New Zealand summers for decades.

As night falls, L.A.B steps up to shift the tempo into overdrive. The thick low end of dub-reggae basslines, brass riffs, and rock flourishes reverberates against the historic stone buildings of the estate. While afternoon revellers relax on low picnic rugs with local Central Otago pinot noir and crisp craft beer, night owls gravitate straight towards the pit to dance under the alpine stars until the final encore echoes through the valley.

Generations of Music Lovers on the Historic Lawn

What sets this gathering apart is the remarkable mix of concertgoers drawn to the venue. You will spot lifelong fans who grew up singing along to Dave Dobbyn sharing blanket space with university road-trippers and young families who know every lyric of L.A.B's modern radio hits by heart. The vibe across the lawn is warm, communal, and distinctly relaxed, anchored by the heritage stonework and flowing waterways of a farm estate that has stood since the nineteenth century. It feels less like a sterile arena tour and more like an elevated, collective celebration of Kiwi songcraft in Queenstown's scenic backyard.

Know Before You Go

• Official primary allocation is sold out; secure verified, authentic passes solely through the authorised resale platform on Loop Flicket Resale to avoid invalid tickets.
• Gates open at 15:30 with live performances concluding by 21:30, so plan an early arrival to navigate security and settle into prime viewing positions on the grass.
• Event parking on site is tightly restricted; book dedicated event shuttle transfers departing from central Queenstown, Frankton, and Arrowtown rather than relying on on-demand rideshares.
• Check official updates directly via Loop Recordings before heading out for confirmed gate procedures and prohibited items.
• High-country spring temperatures drop rapidly once the sun slips behind the mountains, so bring a warm woollen knit or windproof layer alongside your afternoon sunhat and sunscreen.
• Ayrburn operates completely cashless across food stalls and bars, so ensure your phone or bank cards are ready for tap-and-go payment.

Make a Weekend of It

Turn your concert journey into a wider exploration of the picturesque Whakatipu Basin. Before heading into the natural amphitheatre, take time to explore the historic hospitality precinct at Ayrburn, where you can wander between historic stone stables, sample cellar-door pours, or pick up house-churned gelato at The Dairy. Just down the road, Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen offers an exceptional long-lunch setting, serving seasonal South Island fare and refined wines beside the tranquil waters of Lake Hayes.

If you prefer base camp nestled along the river terraces of the wine region, Kinross Winery, Cellar Door & Cottages delivers tranquil boutique lodgings tucked among the vines of the Gibbston Valley, complete with hot tubs and an artisan bistro. Morning thrills can be found nearby at the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, where you can watch brave leapers or plunge towards the river yourself at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre.

Heading back towards central Queenstown after the weekend festivities, celebrate with fresh waterfront dining. Stop in at Public Italian Kitchen along Steamer Wharf for antipasti and wood-fired bites, or enjoy fresh South Island seafood with a lakeside view at Finz Seafood & Grill.

Pack your layers, bring your best singing voice, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music in the vines with Alyssa for What's On Queenstown.