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There’s something about summer that makes Sunday afternoons feel a little slower - warmer, brighter, and perfect for living a little. At Awastone in Mangaweka, we take that feeling and turn it into something you can share with whānau, friends and fellow travellers: the 2026 Sunday Sessions.
Whether you’re camping by the Rangitīkei River, stopping through on a North Island road trip, or you live just down the road, Sunday Sessions are your invitation to unwind, enjoy great music, and make the most of Aotearoa summer.
If you’ve visited Awastone between January and April before, you’ll know the magic: every Sunday afternoon, our licensed Riverside Café thrives with the sounds of friends catching up and live music. It’s easy, unpretentious, and designed for exactly the way we like to finish off a weekend in New Zealand - outdoors, with good company and tunes to match the vibe.
Think:
11th - Mangaweka Miles
18th - Gravel Trax
25th - River View Band
1st - Mangaweka Miles
8th - Tim Bryant
15th - Kitset
22nd - Richard Johnson
1 - Zonnis - Canadian Duo
8th - Craig Loader
15th - TBC
22nd - Joe Kennedy
29th - Moxy
5th - TBC
Sunday Sessions are more than music. They’re a way to slow down after a big week, or add something special to your holiday travel. Here’s why people keep coming back:
Awastone’s Riverside Café sits right beside the Rangitīkei River, framed by majestic papa cliffs and a peaceful riverside vibe. Grab a table on the patio, listen to the water, and let the day unwind around you.
These sessions aren’t about loud stages and shouting over speakers - they’re about acoustic-led, heart-forward sets that fit Sunday afternoons and low-effort enjoyment.
Sunday Sessions are family-friendly. Kids can play nearby, parents can relax, and everyone gets to enjoy a bit of summer together. The café menu means no one goes hungry.
Whether you’re a Manawatu local, camping at Awastone, staying in the region, or simply passing through on the way between Taupō and Wellington, summer Sundays become something to plan around - not just another travel day.
Here are a few simple ways to elevate your Sunday at Awastone:
Get a riverside spot at the café, tuck into lunch, and settle in before the music begins.
Combine a Sunday Session with an overnight stay in our riverside campground or cabin - because once you’ve heard the music, you’ll probably want to wake up to those river views.
These sessions are relaxed, social and best when shared. Pack a picnic rug for the grass, or let the kids wander close by while you enjoy the set.
Even when Sunday Sessions take a break, Awastone remains a favourite stop in the heart of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. With a licensed café open daily through the summer season, riverside camping and cabin stays, easy access to river adventures like kayaking and rafting, and a relaxed vibe that’s uniquely Kiwi, it’s no wonder visitors keep returning.
Whether you’re here for the music or the river - or both - there’s a rhythm to Awastone that makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Our Sunday Sessions run from January to April, with headline acts, local performers and plenty of laid-back afternoons beside the Rangitīkei River.
The best way to catch every session is to join the Facebook Event or pop in to the café and ask our friendly team what’s coming up next.
In a world that moves quickly, Sunday Sessions at Awastone remind us how good it feels to stop - sit, listen, laugh, and savour the day. Whether you’re local, a camper, a road-tripper or a music lover, these are the afternoons that become unforgettable memories.
See you by the river this summer.
