Organisers Andy Parsons (left) and Dylan Rasburn, both of Dunedin, are pictured taking a quick break to enjoy the music performed by Live Like Kings.
The men said the extreme fire risk in the area meant extra precautions had been taken, including a water tanker and tractor being on site.
The three-day event is being staged on farmland at Waikerikeri Valley and more than 40 bands, featuring metal, acoustic folk, reggae, blues, rock'n roll, and indie music, will play.
About 600 people are expected to attend today and most are camping on site. Joyce Lepperd and Dave Carter, of Dunedin, were among the campers.
''There's a group of seven of us, aged from 51-65 - we're probably among the oldest people here,'' Ms Lepperd said.
The venue was ''fabulous'' and it was nice to attend a family-focused event, she said.
''It's quite a different atmosphere, much nicer than the big commercial music festivals.''
