Queenstown's inaugural dedicated music event featured some of the best New Zealand live acts and DJs on two stages at the Queenstown Events Centre (QEC).
A crowd of between 1500 and 2000 music fans danced or sat and listened on grass which had hosted the rained-off one-day international between the Black Caps and West Indies only four days earlier.
On Saturday, the QEC's Oval cricket ground starred Auckland funk, drum and bass soulsters Tahuna Breaks, Queenstown favourites dDub, pioneering dub act Salmonella Dub and blues-roots combo Kora in bright, warm sunshine.
Dunedin dub-style band Six60 and Battle of the Bands winners Theorem, of Invercargill, hit the stage as the first two opening groups.
Chart-topping British dance duo Utah Saints were the final act and rocked the crowd with a frenetic mix of rock, funk and house.
Salmonella Dub keyboardist Paddy Free said the festival was "perfect in the sun" as he and the band stepped off the stage.
They rated festivals on the vibe of the crowd, he said.
"A bunch of smiling faces in sunglasses looking at you, happy to groove to the dub numbers and rage to the drum and bass numbers, so what more could you ask for?"Festival co-ordinator Samantha Stirling said feedback had been good overall.
She and promoters Australasian Music Corporation were thinking ahead to the 2010 festival and beyond.
"I felt the vibe from the crowd was strong, the crew in their support far exceeded my expectations, and the bands and their managers have had nothing but positive things to say.
"[They] see the potential this event has for the South Island.
"This year was more about the brand and showing the potential of what is to come."
The audience's ages ranged from toddlers with families to fans in their 40s and 50s while 20- and 30-somethings made up the majority.
Free water and sunscreen lotion were available among the beer, crepes and beverage tents and seated areas.
Audience members said they enjoyed the chilled atmosphere and fine tunes at the festival.
Many said they had bought tickets in advance.
Jordan Davignon, a Canadian residing in Queenstown, danced with poise and said the event had "good energy, good music".
Miss Stirling said she was pleased revellers made a day of the event, with many bringing picnic blankets, food, Frisbees and kicked their shoes off on the Oval.
Artist manager Adrian Montgomery said the acts were "stoked" to be part of the first Peak Festival.
