FAQs

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 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.

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.