What if I can no longer make the 2025 festival?
If that is the case, we are so sorry not to have you joining us for feasting, dancing and incredible wines next March! You may transfer your ticket to someone else – even better, what an excellent birthday or Christmas present. The gift of good times and festival vibes – the best!
When do the gates open?
You can enter the festival from 10.30am, with the entertainment kicking off at the same time. Bring your ticket with you - this can be on your phone or printed.
Where exactly is the festival?
Head north from Christchurch, hang a left at Waipara and park up in the Glenmark Domain. It’s about a 55-minute drive. More specifically...
Take SH1 to Amberley
Continue north on SH1 a further 10 minutes
Turn left at the Hanmer Springs turn off (Waipara Flat Rd)
Follow this by a quick right into Glenmark Drive
Follow Glenmark Drive through the Waipara Township
Glenmark Domain is 300m north of Waipara Township on your right, on the corner of Glenmark Drive & Church Road,
Can I get a ride there?
Bus transport is available to and from the Festival with 11 different pick-up points including Lincoln, Halswell, Cashmere, City, Bealey Ave, Cranford St, Papanui, Northwood, Rangiora, Woodend and Amberley. Book your seat ASAP as it is first in first served for seat numbers.
What can I bring to the festival?
You're welcome to bring along a rug, deck chair or cushions to keep comfy during the day. Please no gazebos, there is plenty of shade amongst the trees. We're all about sustainability so BYO reusable coffee cups, an empty water bottle to fill up at one of the free water stations, and a reusable bag for any goodies you find.
Please leave your own food and drink at home. We're lucky to have over 60 stallholders joining us with amazing food and drink options and cater to dietary requirements.
What is included in a Loula Lounge ticket?
A brand-new experience at the 2025 North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival! Elevate your festival day with this stylish, exclusive spot featuring:
- A welcome drink upon arrival
- Prime main-stage views
- Comfortable seating and a private space tailored for your group, you will be assigned a seating area based on your group size, which may include a bar leaner, lounging area, or low table.
- Special wine tastings curated by local producers, exclusively for Loula Lounge guest.
A festival ticket is required to access the Loula Lounge. Must be 18+ to enter.A huge shoutout to our partners at Loula for sponsoring stunning furnishings to make this space unforgettable.
Is there seating provided at the festival?
We have hay bales for your tush scattered through the festival site so park on up and help yourself.
Do I need cash or EFTPOS?
Many of our stallholders hold EFTPOS, however, cash is very useful as you can’t always rely on the EFTPOS signal Under the Oaks. We'll have an ATM available on-site.
Will there be gate sales?
Yes, there will be, but the price per ticket price increases, you can purchase these using cash or EFTPOS.
Where do I park?
Welcome to the country! We have fields of grass for parking, so follow the signals from our amazing volunteers and they will see you right.
Do you have camping onsite?
While camping isn’t permitted onsite, the New Zealand Motor-Caravan Association run an event for their members with parking adjacent to the festival site. For all the details refer to their website.
Can I bring animals?
No sorry, we don't allow pets in the festival with the exception of service dogs. We do have pony rides and a petting zoo for children to enjoy.
Is there wheelchair access?
The festival is located in a reserve, there is a single shingle road running through the festival. Please be mindful on the grassed area as there are number of roots and acorns lying around under the big old oaks, so please take care. For those needing accessible parking please talk to our car park volunteers. There is an accessible toilet onsite.
What time does the day wrap up?
The North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival finishes at 5.00pm, with all alcohol sales stopping at 4.30pm.
What if it happens to rain?
It is an all-weather event, so make sure you pack suitably as we'll be partying away no matter what.
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