The 48-hour non-stop festival, which started at noon on Friday and finished at noon yesterday, attracted about 4600 people.
It was a roaring success, based on feedback to organisers and the reaction of emergency services assisting it.
Organised by Mission Controlled Events Management of Christchurch, it was the first major festival planned by Rosie Moore and Fiona Page.
Area9, which stands for Aoteroa Rock Extreme Adventure, will now become a biennial event.
It is hoped to stage it again at Ohau Downs, making it bigger and better.
There were about 150 people helping with the event, and emergency services provided by police, Red Cross and Waitaki rural fire.
Those who attended the festival had to camp onsite and, if they left, were not allowed back.
Police and security staff had few problems.
Ms Moore said the festival took about 18 months' planning; the first six months researching what was wanted and needed.
Originally, the festival was planned for a block of land near Twizel, but after about 2500 tickets were sold at $200 each, it was thought even more could be sold.
Ms Moore found the site on Ohau Downs Station.
She hoped the same site could be used again at Waitangi weekend in 2011, for the next festival.
"It has plenty of room for more people, is isolated and has spectacular views which adds to the event."
Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper, of Oamaru, was impressed with the behaviour.
There were only two arrests, one for assault and another for possessing cannabis.
Both will appear in the Oamaru District Court.
Snr Sgt Hooper said the site was a good venue, and the festival was well organised and controlled.
"There is sufficient security for young people to be safe and enjoy themselves," he said.
Those at the festival had plenty of events to keep them entertained.
There were cafes, bars, stalls, extreme motorcycling and bungy jumping.
There were 30 bands, from John Grenell to Salmonella Dub, Phoenix Foundation, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, Rhombus and The Valves.
