Kraken Fest brings the noise to Northwest Auckland

Guitar Wolf headlined the inaugural Kraken Fest this past Sunday in Helensville, joined by The Jackets and a variety of local artists

March 10, 2026

Kraken Fest took over The Original Kaipara Tavern recently, with local artists joining international acts Guitar Wolf (Japan) and The Jackets (Switzerland).

Presented by Magnus Octopus, Clean Dirt and Under The Radar, the all-ages free music festival took over two stages at the historic Helensville venue, with 10 bands playing almost back to back for the duration of the event. DJs Miss Dom and Johnny Dambuster spun vinyl tunes throughout the day, allowing punters a chance to take a break and grab some refreshments in between some of the later performances.

Photographer Ginny headed along to check out some of the chaos which they day entailed – check out the galleries below!

Guitar Wolf