About The Cliffs
The Cliffs is a distinctive open-air event venue nestled in rural Carterton, in the Wairarapa region (Greater Wellington) of New Zealand. It’s not a conventional indoor theatre or hall, but a riverside reserve at the end of Dakins Road in East Taratahi (Carterton District) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The site sits on the sheltered banks of the Ruamahanga River and is famously named “The Cliffs” for its dramatic riverbank topography (www.ticketfairy.com ). Instead of walls and columns, the venue is framed by native bush and steep grassy banks (www.ticketfairy.com ), creating a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Visitors often come as much for the scenery as the events – trout fishing in the clear river, riverside picnics, campervan camping and kayaking are popular pastimes on-site (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because it lies on working farmland with open fields, the venue has a wild, pastoral feel that’s unlike city concert halls.
The Cliffs came into prominence in the early 2020s when the riverbank clearing was first used for large festivals and outdoor gatherings. In particular, since 2022 it has been the annual home of the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival – a wine, food and music celebration – which put East Taratahi on the regional map (www.ticketfairy.com ). This festival and a few others are the main reason The Cliffs matters to Carterton’s local scene. When big events aren’t happening, the land is general farmland or a council-managed campground, but each summer event organizers transform it into a buzzing festival playground. All ages are welcome, and the venue can comfortably accommodate several hundred or even a few thousand people during major events (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Over the years The Cliffs has developed a reputation for high-quality, scenic entertainment and community gatherings in the Wairarapa (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Events and Programming
The Cliffs plays host mainly to outdoor festivals and special events rather than regular performances. The flagship event is the **Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival**, held each summer (typically mid-February). This is a wine-and-food festival celebrating the grape harvest, with dozens of local wineries, top regional restaurants and producers pouring their best wines and dishes. The program usually includes multiple live music acts on an outdoor stage, chosen to suit the laid-back countryside vibe – a gentle mix of folk, jazz and country bands (www.ticketfairy.com ). In recent years the festival has expanded to two days due to popularity (for example, 2023’s edition ran over 17–18 February) (www.ticketfairy.com ). At Harvest Festival you can wander among tasting stalls and pop-up bars, listen to live music, shop at artisan and wine stalls, and enjoy kid-friendly activities. (The festival is explicitly family-friendly – children of all ages are admitted (www.ticketfairy.com ) – though under-25s must show ID to buy alcohol.) Past line-ups have featured local Kiwi acts and entertainers, and events incorporate winemaker “masterclasses” and regional chefs to highlight the Wairarapa’s food and wine scene (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ). Notable performers on recent bills included bands like Uncle Monkey, The BeatGirls, The Satisfactions, The Blueprint and Steve Carlin (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ).
Beyond the annual wine festival, smaller events are occasionally held at The Cliffs. These have included rustic farm weddings, corporate days and community gatherings (often private or invitation-only due to minimal built infrastructure). During these events, organisers will similarly set up marquees, portable stages and food/vending areas on the grass. However, outside of scheduled events the site is generally quiet open farmland and river reserve. In effect, The Cliffs comes alive for one or two big outdoor events each year – most notably the Harvest Wine & Food Festival (by late dozen wineries, local chefs and musicians) – and is otherwise dormant countryside (www.ticketfairy.com ). Whether you’re a wine lover, music fan or just looking for a unique day out in nature, events at The Cliffs offer a one-of-a-kind Wairarapa experience with panoramic river views and live entertainment.
Tickets and Booking
The Cliffs does not have its own permanent box office or ticket counter. Instead, tickets are sold exclusively through event-specific channels. For the major events (like the Harvest Festival), tickets are typically sold online via the festival’s official website or authorised ticketing partners. For example, Harvest Festival tickets for 2025 and 2026 went on sale in early October of the previous year (usually announced on the festival website and local newsletter around September/October) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Because events here often sell out, it’s advised to purchase as soon as they go on sale – sign up for the festival’s newsletter or social media alerts so you don’t miss the launch announcement (www.ticketfairy.com ). Once sold out online, there are seldom any tickets available at the gate.
As a guide, ticket pricing for Harvest Festival (the principal event) has been around NZ$75 to $85 for a general-admission day pass in recent years (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). For example, entry in 2025 was NZ$75 plus fees (www.ticketfairy.com ), and the 2026 festival listed GA at $75 (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Apart from general admission, organisers sometimes offer a limited number of VIP upgrades – such as “First-In” early entry passes, patron upgrades or meet-and-greet packages – with perks like reserved viewing areas or extra experiences (www.ticketfairy.com ). There may also be small discounts or family/group packages announced (watch official sources for details). To buy tickets, you’ll need to use the designated online platform. Tickets are digital (often via Flicket or similar), so after purchase you typically receive an email/ticket barcode.
On the day of an event, there is no traditional ticket booth or cash box at The Cliffs. Festival entry is by scanning the digital ticket/barcode from your phone. If you need assistance or have questions, staff at the festival’s information booth can help, but always buy in advance. If in doubt, check the event’s official site or Facebook page for the latest updates on ticket sales, shuttle passes and any presale registrations. In short, **book early and online** is the best strategy for popular Cliffs events (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The Cliffs venue is completely open-air and has no fixed seating or formal seating sections (www.ticketfairy.com ). When an event is set up, organisers will typically erect a single main stage (often a raised platform with a canopy) on flat ground in one area of the paddock. The audience then gathers on the surrounding lawn in front of the stage. There are usually no chairs provided (except perhaps a few benches or hay-bale seats near food stalls), so attendees bring their own folding chairs, low stools or picnic rugs (www.ticketfairy.com ). People sit or stand on the grass in groups, creating a relaxed festival “lawn picnic” vibe.
Because it’s a natural field, the best viewing spot depends on your preference. Sitting up close in front of the stage gives an intimate, shouty concert feel (but can get loud), whereas standing or sitting towards the back or on a gentle slope gives a panoramic river view. In practice, when the gates open many concertgoers stake out space near the stage for the best experience. There are no assigned seats – it’s first-come, first-served. A few events may offer a very small VIP roped-off area front and centre (for example, a $150 “Harvest First-In” pass that lets you in early), but otherwise everyone mixes on the same lawn (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Acoustically, The Cliffs is a forgiving outdoor amphitheater. The riverbank cliffs and trees can carry the sound pleasantly, but wind or distant terrain can also diffuse it. The stage area is equipped with professional PA sound- and lighting-systems brought in for each event. If you want the best audio, stay relatively close to the stage and centered between the speakers. Watch out for large speakers and try not to stand directly behind them. Also consider the sun: on a summer afternoon you’ll want shade, so many people scout a spot with shade behind the stage or trees once the gates open. In summary, think “bring a comfy chair or blanket, pick a grassy spot, and relax” – that’s the typical seating setup at The Cliffs.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The Cliffs is located at Dakins Road, East Taratahi, Carterton (in the heart of Wairarapa). If using GPS or a maps app, search for “Dakins Road Carterton” or the Harvest Festival address (sometimes given as “Cliffs Riverside Reserve, Dakins Rd”). From Carterton town, head east on Gladstone Road/Carterton-Masterton Road, then turn onto Dakins Road (look for signs to “The Cliffs”). The final stretch is a narrow rural lane that terminates at the riverside paddocks. Turn carefully – large event signage usually marks the entrance on event days. (The Wellington regional transport website notes the site is about a 10-minute drive from both Carterton and Masterton (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ).)
By Car: Driving is the most common way to reach The Cliffs. There is no formal paved car park – instead, organisers set up large grass paddocks on the farm for parking (www.ticketfairy.com ). Usually the cost of parking is included in your event ticket (e.g. Harvest festival admissions included on-site parking) or simply free. Volunteers or staff will direct drivers into organised rows of cars on the cut grass, so allow extra time to park on busy days (www.ticketfairy.com ). On event days the farm lanes can bottleneck, so arrive early (gates often open by 9:30–10:30am) and be patient as attendants guide you. If driving from out of the region, note that The Cliffs is about a 2 to 2½-hour drive north of Wellington, mainly via State Highway 2 (through the Remutaka Tunnel and Masterton) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Public Transport: There are no train or bus stops at Dakins Road itself. The nearest train station is Masterton (Wairarapa Connection), about 20 minutes north of Carterton. Local bus routes (Metlink Wairarapa buses) go to Carterton and Masterton town centres, but none serve the rural venue. However, for major events like the Harvest Festival, shuttle coaches are arranged from regional hubs. In recent years, festival organisers have run multiple shuttle buses from Carterton, Masterton, Martinborough, Featherston and even from Wellington/Hutt Valley (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ). These shuttle services will usually drop attendees at a meeting point near The Cliffs and pick them up at the end of the day (around 5pm) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Shuttle tickets (often ELINK or Tranzit coaches) must be booked in advance – check the event FAQs or website for routes and prices. In short, if you don’t have a car, a common strategy is to take the train or bus to Masterton/Carterton and catch one of the event shuttles from there. If using a taxi or rideshare, note that Uber and Ola coverage is very limited in rural Wairarapa (www.ticketfairy.com ). Your best bet is to pre-book a local taxi from Masterton or Carterton; many taxis will drop you at the Dakins Road entrance and wait or return for a pickup in the afternoon.
Inside the Venue
Entrance and Security: Upon arrival at The Cliffs for an event, you’ll walk through the entrance gate where tickets are scanned. Security staff may conduct a quick bag check to ensure no prohibited items are being brought in (this includes outside alcohol, glass bottles, cans or outside food (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz )). The venue operates on a wristband-access system. When your ticket is scanned, you’ll be given a coloured event wristband which you must wear at all times while on site. This wristband doubles as your payment token for vendors (see below). Note that to buy alcohol you will often need to show photo ID if you look under 25 (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ).
Food and Beverage: Once inside, you’ll find a variety of food and drink vendors under marquees or trucks. For the Harvest Festival, local restaurants and caterers set up gourmet food stalls (examples: local bakeries, barbecue, curry, tapas, and dessert wagons), as well as pop-up bars featuring regional craft beers, cider and especially Wairarapa wines (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The expectation is that you purchase food and drinks on site – no outside food or alcohol is allowed (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Alcohol is served by the glass or tasting portions, typically via tokens or electronic chips. Importantly, purchases inside are cashless: The fastest way to buy wine, beer or food is to use the festival’s digital wristband system (often provided by Wayver) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). You will “top up” credit on your wristband (online beforehand or at top-up stations on site) and then scan it at each stall to pay. This means you do **not** need to carry much cash, although card capability on top-up machines is normal. If you need free water, there are usually refill stations for empty bottles (allowed) and Drinking fountains or bins for trash around the site. No glass bottles or containers may be brought in (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ).
Amenities: The Cliffs is equipped with standard festival facilities. There are flush-hooved portable toilets and hand-washing stations placed along the main areas (and typically an all-weather men’s/women’s restroom block thanks to the site’s reserve management (carterton.infocouncil.biz )). Many comments note that there is even a basic building with a flushing toilet on site (the council campground toilet), making it more comfortable than typical “outhouse” campsites. Information and first-aid tents or booths may be available. There is usually also a tent or stand for festival information, lost & found, and festival merchandise (if any). The Wi-Fi or phone coverage is limited (the site is remote), so it’s best to have your smartphone fully charged and your ticket/wristband ready on arrival. Often there are event programme racks or signage, though many festivals now provide a downloadable timetable or mobile-friendly map (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ) instead of printed booklets to save paper. Many people bring a small bag or backpack for sunscreen, a rain jacket or jacket (in case it gets chilly after sundown), and any personal items. Ask the info booth if you need venue assistance or directions to any area (the festival printers usually post large site maps or directional signs for stages, stalls, toilets, etc.).
Merchandise and Activities: Beyond food and beverage, you’ll typically find stalls showcasing wine bottles or merchandise from the wineries and producers involved. This could include winery swag, bottles to buy at cellar-door prices, branded glasses or festival souvenirs. Keep in mind that because the venue is rural, power outlets are scarce – some vendors may use generators for lighting and refrigeration. If you plan to record video or use electronics, it’s wise to bring a portable battery bank. The general ambience inside is very relaxed – you can wander between booths, lounge on supplied hay-bale seating near the food tents, and enjoy music in the open air. Smoking is normally allowed only in designated outside areas (it’s a rural field but still treat it as a smoke-free eating area except in the peppered smoking zones). Dress for the weather and ground: Floppy hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are common in daytime, and many women might wear “floral fields” or aloha-style dresses in keeping with the festival vibe. Sturdy footwear is recommended – the terrain is flat grass, which can get uneven or muddy if it’s rained recently. There is no coat check, so large items should be kept to a minimum. Overall, expect a casual, picnic-like concert atmosphere under the summer sky.
Nearby Amenities
The Cliffs is quite rural, but the nearest town centre – Carterton – is only a short drive away (roughly 5–10 minutes). In Carterton you will find cafes, restaurants, grocery and liquor stores, which can be useful before or after your visit. For pre-show dining or drinks, popular local spots include:
Carterton Hotel & Café: A pub with a bistro menu and beer garden, offering burgers, pub fare and local brews.KiwiStreet Café & Larder: A nice bakery/café on High Street for coffee, breakfast and sandwiches to-go.The Sandwich Bar & Eatery: A casual lunch spot known for hearty sandwiches, salads and milkshakes.Other pubs and eateries: Golden Shears Brewpub (craft beers and pizza), Colonial Hotel (modern bistro), and Melrose Motor Lodge’s bar & restaurant are also in Carterton.
For groceries or last-minute supplies (water bottles, snacks, sunscreen), pattern Carterton’s main stores or fuel stations on the way. There is a Four Square supermarket and a local liquor store (“bottle shop”) in Carterton town. If you’re making a night of it, Carterton has several places to stay including the Carterton Hotel (often called "The Carter"), Carterton Motel & Apartments, plus charming bed & breakfasts like Le Petit Chateau or the Rathkeale Homestead and Boutique Lodges just outside town. The larger town of Masterton (20–25 minutes north) has even more dining and accommodation options.
After the event, local taxis can be hard to come by, so plan in advance. If you drove, expect to leave when the festival closes (around 5pm) and local roads can get busy. The shuttle buses will do a final run back to the designated pickup points in Carterton, Masterton and Wellington. If you missed the last shuttle, be prepared to hire a taxi or have a driver friend. Note that Carterton township has a small rural airport (Carterton Aerodrome) but no regular flights. In summary: arrive early via car or shuttle; confirm your return transport in advance; and in Carterton you’ll find friendly pubs and diners to round out the day.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Cliffs stands out because of its stunning natural setting and how an otherwise ordinary farm has been turned into a premier festival site. Few local venues offer a riverside backdrop like this – with ancient native trees and grassy hills along the Ruamahanga River. The steep cliffs give the venue a bowl-like, amphitheater feel, making music and speeches carry well across the water. It’s a place that intertwines Wairarapa’s wine-country character with outdoor adventure: you really feel like you’re seated in nature, not a city auditorium. This bucolic charm has not gone unnoticed – even local news credit The Cliffs for boosting tourism and spotlighting the region’s wineries and chefs in a unique outdoors experience (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Another special aspect is its community-driven origin. Rather than a gleaming corporate arena, The Cliffs grew from local initiative. The Carterton District Council supports camping here and encourages the Harvest Festival as a way to showcase the valley’s best food and wine (cartertondc.co.nz ). In fact, the Harvest Festival has become something of a homegrown hometown success story, with organisers priding themselves on using local musicians, chefs and sustainable practices. The festival was even a finalist in the Wellington Gold Awards for its impact (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ). Locals often speak of the convivial, neighbourly vibe at The Cliffs events: it’s common to see families dancing on the grass, vineyard owners mingling with visitors, and guests wandering the farmland grounds, blurring the line between concert and weekend village fête.
Finally, The Cliffs has a bit of local lore and tradition around it. It earned its nickname simply because of the high riverbank edges, and those river cliffs have been a favourite fishing and picnic spot for decades. Annual patrons now have traditions of returning each harvest season with hats and picnic baskets, wearing flourishing flower crowns or country chic outfits. Musicians often say they love playing here because the crowd is so close and the view is unbeatable. All these factors – scenery, community roots, and the sheer novelty of a riverside music venue – combine to make The Cliffs a uniquely beloved destination in the Wairarapa cultural landscape (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Cliffs site is mostly level grass fields, which can be traversed by wheelchair or mobility walker. There is a proper restroom block with accessible facilities (flush toilets with handrails) on site (carterton.infocouncil.biz ). On event day, drop-off parking near the entrance can bring you close to the stage area. However, keep in mind that paths are unpaved and can become muddy; a little extra care is needed to reach the front. If you have specific mobility needs, contact the event organisers – staff and volunteers are usually happy to help find a suitable viewing spot. The festival setup typically includes clear signposting and ramps at entrances. Assisted-listening gear is not generally provided, so if you use hearing aids bring your own earplugs or amplifier as the PA can be loud. Schools and community groups occasionally run the wristband scanning tables, so allow time at entry for everyone to pass through security.
What to Bring: Pack for an outdoor summer event. Bring sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses for daytime. Even though New Zealand has long sunsets, a light rain jacket or jumper is wise – Wairarapa weather can change, and evenings by the river can cool off. Wear comfortable shoes or gumboots (jandals/flip-flops are not recommended if rain is forecast, as paddocks can get slippery). Since seating isn’t provided, most visitors also bring a folding chair, picnic rug or beanbag. A small backpack or tote bag can hold extra layers, a camera, cell-phone power bank and any personal items. You may also want to bring a refillable water bottle (empty when you arrive – free potable water is available on site at fill-up points). Don’t bring large umbrellas (they will block others’ views and may be taken away).
Prohibited Items and Behaviour: Follow the festival rules to ensure a smooth day. No outside alcohol, food, glass bottles, fireworks or drones are permitted in (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). (Alcoholic drinks outside are confiscated at entry.) Smoking or vaping is typically allowed only in designated open-air zones – ask staff or look for a “smoking area” sign if needed. Children under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult, and all patrons should observe common safety. Security screeners and marshals will remove anyone behaving dangerously or overly intoxicated. Please also dispose of rubbish in public bins and recycle where possible– the events here emphasize the rural, clean environment. Be prepared for mobile reception to be patchy – most people top-up their wristbands and enjoy cashless kiosks rather than needing stable internet on the field.
Timing: Plan to arrive early if you want prime camping or seating spots. Gates generally open a few hours before the main program (for example, 9:30am for VIP first-in ticket holders and 10:30am for general admission at recent festivals (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz )). The associated events run through the afternoon into early evening, typically wrapping up around 5pm (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Set your watch so you don’t miss the headline wine tastings or final acts. If weather threatens, large tents cover parts of the audience and stage, and events usually proceed unless there is serious lightning or danger. Always check the www.wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz website or social media feed for any last-minute notices (cancellations or grab-a-bus alerts).
Age Restrictions and Rules: Most festivals at The Cliffs are alcohol-licensed events, so attendees should bring photo ID if they plan to drink. Despite that, children are welcome at the wine festival (and there are kid-friendly activities) (www.ticketfairy.com ), but in practice it’s often more of an adult crowd. Under 25s will be asked for ID (NZ driver’s licence, passport, or 18+ card) if they buy wine or spirit tastings (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). The only strict age restriction is that infants (under 2) are usually free but kept on laps. There is no formal dress code, but the atmosphere is smart-casual – many guests wear summer dresses, hats, and even harvest-themed outfits for fun. Lastly, if you’re bringing a reusable water bottle or picnic blanket, remember not to block walkways and always leave no trace when you depart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cliffs located and how do I get there?
The Cliffs is on Dakins Road in East Taratahi, Carterton (Wairarapa). It’s a rural riverside farm location, about 5–10 minutes east of Carterton township. By car, drive east out of Carterton on Gladstone Road (Carterton-Masterton Road) and turn onto Dakins Road when signposted. The last stretch is a narrow country lane ending at the river reserve. The address is often listed as “Cliffs Riverside Reserve, Dakins Road, Carterton.”
What parking options are available at The Cliffs?
Events at The Cliffs use grassy paddocks for parking. Typically, on-site parking is organized by event staff and included free with your ticket (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz ). Just follow the signs to the parking fields once you turn off Dakins Road. Cars will be parked on cut grass in rows. It’s a good idea to arrive early on event day to secure a spot, as space can fill up. Note that there's no paved lot or fees – parking is straightforwardly on grass near the river.
Are there shuttles or public transport to The Cliffs?
There is no public bus or train that goes directly to Dakins Road. The nearest train station is Masterton, and local buses serve Masterton and Carterton but not the venue. For major events, shuttle coaches are arranged from Carterton, Masterton, Martinborough, Featherston and even Wellington (www.ticketfairy.com ). These must be booked in advance through the event organisers. The shuttles will drop you close to the site and return after the event. Otherwise, the most practical way is to drive or car-pool to the event.
What types of events are held at The Cliffs?
The Cliffs is primarily known for annual outdoor festivals, most notably the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival (a wine, food and music event in mid/late summer) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This festival showcases local wineries, restaurants and live bands in a riverside setting. Other events have included rustic weddings, private functions and community gatherings. However, outside of these organized events The Cliffs is mostly quiet farmland or campground. There are no regular weekly shows – it’s a venue that “wakes up” for a few big occasions each year (www.ticketfairy.com ).
How do I buy tickets for an event at The Cliffs?
Tickets must be purchased online through the specific event’s website or ticketing link. For example, Harvest Festival tickets are sold on the festival’s official site or platform. Purchase early in advance — when tickets go on sale (often in October for a February event) — as popular events generally sell out fast (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is no physical box office at The Cliffs, so you cannot buy tickets at the venue on the event day (unless any limited door sales are announced spur-of-the-moment, which is rare).
What is the capacity of The Cliffs?
Being an open-field venue, The Cliffs doesn’t have a fixed seat capacity. In practice, several hundred to a few thousand people can gather on the lawn in front of the stage. Harvest Festivals at The Cliffs have drawn “hundreds or even thousands” of attendees (www.ticketfairy.com ). The actual capacity for any event will depend on council safety rules and the space cleared, but attendees usually spread out on the grass freely.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to The Cliffs?
No – outside alcohol or food is not permitted at events at The Cliffs (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). This is because the events are fully licensed for food and drink sales in-house. You may bring an empty water bottle to refill at free water stations, but bottles must be plastic or metal (no glass). All food and beverages (including alcohol) must be purchased from the event’s vendors on site. If any packed food or liquor is found at the gate, it will be confiscated.
Are children allowed at events held at The Cliffs?
Yes, events like the harvest wine festival are family-friendly, and children of all ages may attend (www.ticketfairy.com ). However, since the event is licensed, anyone who appears under 25 must have photo ID to purchase alcohol. Parents should supervise young children at all times (there are no special play areas beyond general festival entertainment). Infants and toddlers are welcome, but note there is no dedicated childcare on site. The lawn can be a safe play area under parents’ eyes. In short: bring the kids if you want, but come prepared to look after them.
Is The Cliffs wheelchair accessible?
Yes – the site is generally flat and accessible. The main circulation areas are grassy but level, and the organisers ensure paths to toilets and the stage area are as smooth as possible. There is a permanent restroom building with accessible facilities on site (carterton.infocouncil.biz ). For musical performances, wheelchair users can choose a front or side spot with good visibility. If intimate, the festival staff will do their best to assist, but note that this is a native bush reserve with no paved sidewalks. Bringing a companion who can handle any very short grass sections is advisable if needed.
Are pets allowed at The Cliffs events?
Generally not. Festival sites like The Cliffs do not permit pets or animals (except service animals). Since events involve food, wine and large crowds, bringing a pet would not be safe or practical. Only trained medical/service dogs are usually allowed, and even then you should notify organizers in advance. It’s best to leave pets at home.
What payment methods are accepted inside The Cliffs events?
All on-site purchases (wine, beer, food, merchandise) are cashless via a wristband system (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Usually you top up your wristband with credit online before arriving, or at top-up stations using card or cash, then scan the band to pay at any stall. There are no on-site ATMs, so prepare by adding enough funds to your wristband and carrying some card or small cash for top-ups. Credit and EFTPOS are widely accepted through the wristband portal.
What is the dress code at The Cliffs?
The dress code is totally casual. Given the outdoor setting, most people wear summer casual or “wine country” attire – think sundresses, shorts, polos, or Hawaiian shirts – and comfortable shoes or sandals. Many attendees even dress up with floral crowns or farm-chic outfits for fun photo ops. Weather-appropriate layers are wise: bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and a hat or sunglasses for daytime. Rain hats/boots are good choices if rain is forecast. In short, wear what you’d wear to a relaxed outdoor picnic with friends.
Can I camp overnight at The Cliffs?
Yes – outside of festival dates, The Cliffs (Cliffs Reserve) is actually a free camping area run by the local council. Self-contained RVs and campervans can camp here with basic facilities. The Carterton freedom camping bylaw allows up to 21 nights per 12-month period at The Cliffs Reserve, and it provides toilets and drinking water so vehicles need not be fully self-contained (carterton.infocouncil.biz ). However, during events the campground may be closed or reserved for attendees, so plan to arrive after the site reopens. Always check the Carterton Council site for any camping fees or restrictions before camping.
What are the costs of tickets to events at The Cliffs?
Ticket prices vary by event, but for major festivals like the Harvest Festival, general admission has recently been about NZ$75–85 per day (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Children’s tickets (if sold) are usually cheaper or sometimes free for very young kids. VIP or “First-In” tickets (which open gates early or include extra perks) cost more, and shuttle bus seats (if offered) are extra. Booking fees are additional. Always check the event’s official site for the current year’s pricing and buy tickets well before they sell out.
What if the weather is bad or it rains?
The events at The Cliffs proceed rain or shine as long as it’s safe (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz ). Performers and stalls operate under tents or covered stages. Organisers usually monitor weather warnings and will announce any changes (for example, delayed opening if a storm hits in the early morning). In wet weather, grounds can get muddy – having a raincoat and sturdy shoes helps. If an event were to be cancelled (rare), ticket holders are typically emailed notices and updates, but this only happens under extreme conditions. Check your email and social media early on event day if weather is threatening.
