What types of events are held at Ilam Homestead (87 Ilam Road)?
Ilam Homestead is a versatile function venue. It hosts private bookings (weddings, corporate dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries, club and university events, etc.) as well as some annual public festivals. Notably, it’s known for hosting the South Island Beer Festival (a craft beer tasting event) and the Gindulgence gin festival each year. Otherwise, any group event needing a historic setting can book the space (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz) (ucc.org.nz).
How do I purchase tickets for an event at Ilam Homestead?
Tickets for public events (festivals or open shows) are sold through the event organiser’s channels (online ticketing). Ilam Homestead itself does not operate a regular box office. For example, the South Island Beer Festival sells tickets on its website, and the Gindulgence gin festival sells theirs online, often months in advance (ucc.org.nz) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Plan ahead: these events typically require advance purchase. Door sales are rare or limited (for instance, SIBF 2020 had only limited $45 tickets on the day (ucc.org.nz) (ucc.org.nz)). Always buy through official festival or club outlets – no tickets are sold at the Homestead address by default.
Is there on-site parking at 87 Ilam Road?
Yes. Ilam Homestead provides free on-site parking for guests (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz). When you arrive, enter the gate to find a small car park next to the building. During busy events this lot can fill up, so arriving a bit early helps. Street parking on Ilam Road is also available (though it follows normal road rules and limits). Overall the venue’s website even advertises convenient “off street parking for your guests” (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz).
Which buses stop near Ilam Homestead?
Metro bus lines 120 and 17 serve the Ilam area. You can catch Route 120 (Burnside) or 17 (Huntsbury via city) to Ilam Road. The closest stops are a few blocks from the Homestead – for example, Clyde Rd at Ilam Rd (about a 5-minute walk) or the stop on Wairakei Rd (around 8 minutes’ walk) (moovitapp.com). From those stops it’s a short stroll south along Ilam Road to number 87. Many visitors prefer a taxi/Uber for direct drop-off, especially with gear or after dark.
What is the capacity of the venue?
Ilam Homestead’s main hall can accommodate up to about 95 diners or 120 people standing (www.sharedspace.co.nz). In fact, a venue listing lists it as fitting 95 dining guests or 120 cocktail guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz). In total, the indoor space is roughly 100 m² and is rated for up to 120 attendees (www.sharedspace.co.nz). (Additional guests can sometimes gather outside on the lawn under a marquee if needed.)
Are children allowed at events at Ilam Homestead?
It depends on the specific event’s license. Many events at Ilam Homestead are all-ages, meaning children can attend if accompanied by adults. For example, the South Island Beer Festival is “All Ages: Licensed” (www.eventfinda.co.nz), so kids could come along (they just can’t taste alcohol). By contrast, special events focused on spirits, like Gindulgence, are age-restricted. In 2025, Gindulgence was strictly R18 (www.eventfinda.co.nz), so no minors were admitted. Always check the event details: family-friendly or licensed events allow kids, while 18+ events do not.
Is Ilam Homestead wheelchair accessible?
The venue is a heritage building, so full accessibility can be limited. The main floor is largely on one level and does have wide doors into the reception areas, but there are a couple of small steps at entrances. For guests requiring ramps or special access, it’s best to contact the venue in advance. In general the ground-floor spaces (lounge, dining hall, restrooms) are accessible once inside, but there is no elevator to any upper floor. The Homestead’s facility info lists “on-site parking” and does not advertise an elevator, so assume only reasonable ground-floor access.
What amenities are available inside?
The Homestead is well-equipped for events. A full bar is provided on-site (www.sharedspace.co.nz) (staffed when alcohol is served). The venue has Wi-Fi and air conditioning (www.sharedspace.co.nz). There are restrooms (toilets) inside on the main level. Tables and chairs are provided as needed, plus sound equipment is installed for speeches or music (www.sharedspace.co.nz). There is no permanent coat-room or gift shop, but cloak facilities can be arranged for large functions. Snack or catering services vary by event: weddings and conferences almost always include hired caterers, and festivals may have food stalls. In short, expect a bar, seating, and basic AV/wifi amenities compared to most function halls (www.sharedspace.co.nz) (www.sharedspace.co.nz).
Can I tour the venue or see the gardens when no event is on?
The Ilam Homestead does not generally offer public tours. It is used for private functions most days. Occasionally there may be open days (for example, when special garden tours or club events are held, since the famous gardens are noted attractions (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz)). If you simply wish to see it, your best option is to phone ahead and politely request a visit. Otherwise, you might only view the outside grounds during an event (guests at a wedding, for example, often walk the lawns). In any case, photography of the exterior gardens is common, but interior access usually requires being an invited guest or attendee.
What is the dress code for events at Ilam Homestead?
There is no fixed dress code imposed by the venue; it depends on the event. For weddings or formal dinners, guests typically dress semi-formal to elegant (jackets for men, cocktail dresses for women). Many events, like the beer festival or casual party, are much more relaxed (jeans or shorts can be fine in summer). Because space is partly indoors with fireplaces, smart casual is a safe bet. In summer, sun hats and flats may be practical for the lawn. Remember the homestead is an old house – try to avoid overly muddy shoes or anything that might damage the old wood floors.
Can I bring my own food or drink to Ilam Homestead events?
Generally no. For private bookings (weddings, parties) the caterer brings all food, and any outside alcohol is typically prohibited because the venue provides bar service. For ticketed affairs (like beer or gin festivals), all beverages come from the event’s licensed bars. You may bring small snacks for personal use, but large coolers or picnic baskets are not allowed. In short, plan to use the available catering services: either those arranged by the organizer or the Homestead’s recommended partners (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz).
Are service animals or pets allowed?
Pets are not normally allowed, as the Homestead is a private venue. However, trained service animals (such as guide dogs) for guests with disabilities would typically be permitted. Check with the event manager beforehand to ensure accommodations. For weddings, occasionally couples may include a well-behaved family dog in portraits, but this is always pre-arranged. Uninvited pets should not come to events.
When should I arrive for my event?
Aim to arrive about 15–30 minutes before the posted start time of your event. This allows time to park and find the entrance. For weddings, guests often arrive early for photos on the lawn. For concerts or festivals, earlier arrival ensures a good spot (and often lines form at the door at “doors open” time). Events at Ilam Homestead generally run on schedule, so latecomers may miss the opening announcements. The venue is peaceful, so you won’t need to queue outside long before indoor space fills up.
What notable features or history does Ilam Homestead have?
In addition to its event function, Ilam Homestead has rich heritage. It was originally built by early settler John Watts-Russell and later owned by ornithologist Edgar Stead (www.ucc.org.nz). Its gardens are rare relics: over 100 years old, the protected azaleas and rhododendrons are heritage plantings (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz). As mentioned, the house was used as the University rector’s residence. Its polished wood panelling, bay windows and fireplaces give it a stately but cozy feel. The site’s unique Byzantine of events – e.g. being a favourite backdrop for garden tours and the filming location for “Heavenly Creatures” (www.ucc.org.nz) (www.ilamhomestead.co.nz) – adds to its collectible charm. These aspects make Ilam Homestead more than just a hall; it’s a preserved piece of Canterbury history.
