Laneway Is Loading: These Are The Sips And Fits You Need In Your Lineup

Laneway is one of the most highly-anticipated events in the festival calendar, not least because the lineup always slays. The one-day festival’s allure goes beyond the promise of the perfect soundtrack to summer, perpetually flipping the script on what we expect a music festival to look, feel, sound–and taste–like. This year’s iteration, headlined by Chappell Roan, and with help from Suntory, is set to be your next core memory. 

In the meantime, we’ve whipped up a countdown guide to help you get the most out of this gem of a festival. And because the legends at Suntory -196 are experts in the festival field they helped ensure our reccomendations are top-tier. 

Day 7: Sort Your Festival Fit 

It’s seven days out from Laneway so it’s high time you nail down your festival fit–a wildly exciting but potentially anxiety-inducing set of decisions. Mosh pit energy demands comfortable shoes, and given Auckland weather is reliably unreliable, a poncho or raincoat, hat and sunglasses are a great shout too. 

Since sustainability is a core value for Laneway (but also, like, the planet) if you’ve burned through your entire wardrobe to no avail, consider supporting the kaupapa by thrifting your fit at one of Auckland’s best op shops. Just skip the sharp studs—they’re on the banned list and could get you bounced. 

Day 6: Get The Pre-Game Prep Underway

Seasoned festivalgoers know the party starts before you get to the festival. Curate an elevated pre-game hydration menu with a summery sip that matches Laneway’s bold, refreshing and fun atmosphere. We reckon Suntory -196 (pronounced Minus one nine six) is just the ticket. The brand new 6% RTD is Suntory’s extreme Japanese spirit in liquid form with a twist—Suntory’s patented Freeze Crush Infusion Technology™ takes a whole fruit, freezes it to -196 degrees Celsius then crushes and infuses it with premium vodka, shochu and soda for an unmatched crisp and refreshing taste.

If that sounds like a bit of you (it does), snag a four or 10-pack in Double Lemon, Double Grape or Double Peach—available in stores from January—and keep your eyes peeled for plenty of cans available at the festival and for the secret Extreme Vending Machine that will transport you from Laneway to Tokyo’s neon nightlife zones of Shibuya and Shinjuku. 

Day 5: Sip Smarter And Fuel Your Body

It’d be a bit of a drag if a festival-sized hangover steals the rest of your long weekend, but with a couple of measures in place, the only thing that’ll linger after the festival will be good vibes. We reccomend, a pre-drink before you start pre-drinking. Or a few in that case, because it's better to be safe than sorry.  

Kick things off by stocking up on electrolytes—aka the wellness It-girl of 2025. Load your pantry with your go-to flavours, then level up by dissolving them in water and freezing into ice cubes ahead of time. Future you will thank you when it’s time for a next-day cool-down revival.

Then, lock in your caffeine situation. Right now, we’re firmly in our matcha-in-all-forms era, but if green milk isn’t your vibe, a cheeky Suntory Boss Coffee is always a failsafe. Reliable, delicious and exactly what the doctor ,probably, ordered.

Day 4: Pack Your Festival Survival Kit 

Photo ID is essential to making it past the ticket gate, along with sunscreen (this one’s our fave) for when the sun decides to go full noise and a credit/debit card or phone wallet to avoid ending up hangry or faint. Earplugs, a battery pack and a small, empty plastic water bottle so you can make use of the festival’s free hydration stations will ensure you go the distance. But the MVP has got to be a hair tie–load them up on your wrist–because nothing pulls you out of that festival energy than sweltering under your own sweaty mop. 

Day 3: Plan It Out

Look, planning might feel like a bit of work but a festival where everyone gets to see their favourite acts, nobody gets lost and you’re able to make a quick getaway afterwards is downright sexy. Use this time to plan out your schedule and know where (and when) you’ll be regrouping, in case the phone networks get overloaded. It’s worth noting where the low sensory and chill out spaces are going to be, too, in case anyone needs to take a moment. 

While you’re at it, figure out how you’re going to get to the festival, and get home afterwards. Western Springs is well-catered to with public transport (free for ticket holders) but you might plan to walk a stretch first, to cut down on wait times. 

Day 2: Soundbath In Some Serious Festival Sonic 

With all the essentials covered, it’s time to crank the vibes and what better way to do that than by throwing on Laneway Festival’s official playlist for 2026. Packed with 4.5 hours of festival bangers, from Chappell Roan, Benee and PinkPantheress to Wet Leg, Wolf Alice and Alex G it’ll certainly get you hyped. 

Day 1: Double Down On Your Pre-Show Rituals 

It’s Laneway Festival Eve and the excitement’s palpable. Cue: a tall glass of pineapple juice. Benee’s pre-show ritual, she claims it helps with singing and clearing the throat, so we imagine it’d also be a useful primer for all that cheering you’re going to do. Not vibing pineapple? Brew yourself a tea spiked with mānuka honey like Chappell Roan instead. 

For more on how to prep perfectly for this Laneway thanks to Suntory -196, visit here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Suntory -196 and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Hero image credit: Supplied.