FAQs
All you need to know, before you go.
When do the gates open?
You can enter the festival from 10.30am. 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 under the oaks at 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 Dr & Church Rd
Can I get a ride there?
BUS
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's first in first served for seat numbers.
TRAIN
Train transport is available to and from the Festival. Embark on a scenic rail journey to Waipara and make the trip part of the experience. This special festival train takes you directly to the North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival, with a friendly crew, a licensed bar onboard, and modern, comfortable carriages. Book your seat asap as it’s first in first served for seat numbers.
Can I camp or bring my campervan to the festival?
Yes, the NZMCA operates a site for the event in the paddock adjacent to the festival car park, only a short walk away from the main festival gates. All the details can be found here.
Please note you cannot camp at the main car park of the festival.
Will there be gate sales?
Yes, unless sold out prior, there will be - but the price per ticket knocks up to $60. You can purchase these using cash or via FLICKET.
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. 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 so lucky to have not just a few, but 70 stallholders at this year's festival. They have amazing food and drink options and cater to dietary requirements.
Are there non-alcoholic options?
For all the good sorts taking one for the team by sober driving there will also be a selection of non-alcoholic options throughout the festival.
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?
The majority of our stallholders hold EFTPOS, however, cash is always handy to be able to get everything including raffle tickets for the Glenmark Parish raffle. We'll have an ATMs on-site.
Where do I park?
Welcome to the country! We have fields of grass for parking, so follow the signs and we'll see you right.
Can I bring animals?
No sorry, we don't allow pets in the festival. We do however have pony rides and a petting zoo for children (or yourself, should you need a floof fix).
Is there wheelchair access?
It is an open field without radical obstacles, so it is accessible for wheelchairs and we have suitable facilities provided. However, be mindful that the grass isn't perfectly flat, and there are a number of roots and acorns lying around under the big old oaks. Take care.
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's typically a superb, sunny day under the oaks! We'll have sunblock on hand from the Cancer Society but make sure you slip, slop, slap and wrap in advance. However, it is an all-weather event, so make sure you pack suitably as we'll be partying away no matter what.
TICKETING FAQs
Q: What ticket types are available?
Sober Driver $30 + BF
Super Early Bird $40 + BF
Early Bird $45 + BF
Standard $50 + BF
Under 18 FREE (Are to be accompanied by a parent/caregiver)
Fill a Car $180 + BF (4 Standard + 1 Sober Driver)
Loula Lounge $110 + BF
Bus Tickets (Cost varies by location)
Q: I didn’t receive my ticket confirmation email, what do I do?
Check your spam/junk folder.
Search your inbox for emails from Flicket.
Log in to your Flicket account using the same email you used to purchase, your tickets will be there.
Q: I can’t log in to my Flicket account.
Use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen to reset your password.
If you originally checked out using Guest Checkout, you may need to create an account with the same email used for purchase to retrieve your tickets.Still stuck? Contact the NCWFF team on ncwineandfood@gmail.com
Q: Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Only if the event is not sold out prior to the event
There will be cash sales at the gate on the day of the festival and ticket sales available online
Q: Do I need to print my ticket?
No, digital tickets are preferred.
Simply have the QR code ready on your phone when you reach the gate.
Q: My QR code isn’t showing / is blurry.
Ensure brightness is turned all the way up on your phone.
Screenshot the ticket so you’re not relying on reception.
If the code still won’t load, gate staff can look you up manually using your name and order number.
Q: Can I change the name on my ticket?
Yes you can indeed
1. Log in to your Flicket account
2. Go to "My Tickets"
3. Select “Edit Ticket”
4. Update the details to the new ticket holder
5. The new ticketholder will receive the updated ticket by email.
Q: Can I upgrade or change my ticket type or add on a bus order?
Yes, absolutely!
1. Log in to your Flicket account
2. Go to "My Tickets"
3. Select “Exchange Tickets”
4. Select the new ticket type you would like, if adding a bus ticket be sure to select the correct departure point, and you will be prompted to pay the difference between the tickets.
Q: Can I sell my ticket to someone else?
Yes, you are welcome to sell your ticket to another person if you can no longer attend
1. Log in to your Flicket account
2. Go to "My Tickets"
3. Select “View Tickets”
4. Select “Sell or Transfer or Rename Ticket”
5. Enter the new attendees email address and Flicket will send them a secure link where they can make payment.
Please note the following:
When sold you will receive a refund of the price you paid minus any fees
A resale fee of $5.00 will be subtracted from the ticket sale price.
The sale can be cancelled at any time before the payment is made. If the buyer adds it to their cart, they have 72 hours to complete the purchase.
Once sold your ticket will no longer be valid and ownership will transfer to the new buyer.
Q: Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable unless, you opted to take out the Ticket Protection Cover when you purchased your tickets.
Q: I have the Ticket Protection Cover, how do I claim this?
Please review the Ticket Protection Cover Terms and Conditions to see if you can apply for the refund
Locate your original confirmation email and click the link “Request a Refund” at the bottom of the email.
If you cannot locate the original email, go to the application form page to apply. Please note, you will need to know your booking order number to complete this process.
Q: Do I need all tickets in one order, or can we arrive separately?
Each person needs their own ticket with its QR code, your group does not need to arrive together.
Q: Can I leave the festival and come back later?
Pass outs will be determined on a case by case basis and are at the discretion of the event team and security.
If you are permitted You must see the gate team as you leave the festival and receive a stamp to permit re-entry to the festival.
Your Exclusive Festival Experience
Treat your clients, colleagues, or partners to an unforgettable day in the heart of North Canterbury. Our corporate hosting packages offer the perfect blend of business and pleasure, with exclusive seating under the oaks, premium food and wine, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes conversation flow. It’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate successes, and create lasting impressions against the backdrop of one of New Zealand’s most iconic wine and food festivals.
Spaces are incredibly limited, with only four hosting packages available making this a truly exclusive experience.
Raise a glass, share a plate, and host with style — all while soaking up the music, flavours, and charm of the festival.
“Thank you-so easy to gather information and an excellent day out, Love that you can buy wine by the glass or bottle-great for a group!.”
- Jeanine S., 2025 Attendee
