About 1207 Waimatenui E Rd
1207 Waimatenui East Road is a rural event venue known as Schepens Farm , located in Donnellys Crossing, Northland (Kaipara District), on New Zealand’s far north-west coast. It’s not a conventional building or theatre but an open farm property that has been developed as a music festival grounds. The site is nestled along the banks of a clear fresh river in a forested valley. Schepens Farm became famous in the Kiwi music scene as the remote, scenic host of Phat Productions’ Dimension festivals. In late 2015 it hosted the *Dimension NYE* party , and in early 2017–2018 it held multi-day psytrance festivals. Those events featured crystal-clear water views and high-end festival tech (Opus sound system and NZ’s “biggest laser”) . Although there is no permanent indoor auditorium, the open-air site can support stages, lights and crowds numbering in the low thousands. Its combination of riverfront bushland, camping fields and pro production gear make it a unique destination venue. Schepens Farm matters locally as one of the most remarkable concert grounds in rural Northland – a spotlight for underground dance music and a “consciousness-raising” festival environment .
Events and Programming
1207 Waimatenui East Rd has primarily hosted outdoor music festivals and concerts. Its most notable events were the *Dimension* psytrance festivals, where international and local DJs played non-stop for days. For example, *Dimension NYE 2015* ran Dec 29–31, 2015 at this location , with line-ups including Chromatone, Legohead, Cylon and New Zealand acts (Dr Freakstein, Adamint, etc.). *Dimension Festival* returned here in February 2017 and Feb 2018 www.ticketfairy.com , again featuring top psytrance artists and immersive visuals. These festivals featured multiple stages (often three areas) and attracted around a few thousand attendees over four days. Beyond Dimension, other electronic dance events have taken place on the farm. In 2020, New Zealand drum-and-bass duo The Upbeats performed at Schepens Farm . The venue has also been used for smaller DJ nights and community gatherings, though its remote location means events tend to be occasional and big rather than weekly. In recent years (2020–2025) the farm has not hosted a large festival every year, but when it does, programs typically include all-day trance or EDM sets, arts and light installations, and camping. Tickets come in tiers (single-day or full-festival passes) with prices roughly NZ$150–$200 for multi-day festival events . The style of events is almost always general-admission on grass – there are no fixed seats – and music runs late into the night. Local tradition has seen *Dimension* and similar parties in Kiwi summer (around December–February), often on holiday weekends. Any up-to-date schedule would be announced by the event promoters (e.g. Phat Productions, Underwater People, or local dance collectives) well before the event. In summary, 1207 Waimatenui E Rd is known for multi-day outdoor dance parties (psytrance, techno, drum’n’bass) with full festival production and camping options .
Tickets and Booking
Because Schepens Farm is a private rural site, there is no walk-up box office at 1207 Waimatenui E Rd itself. Tickets for events here are sold online through the event organizer. Prominent events like Dimension use festival ticketing platforms (Flicket, Ticketbooth, etc.) months in advance. Early-bird and presale options may be offered, with final sales closing well before the festival starts. For Dimension-style events, full-festival passes (for all days) historically cost on the order of NZ$150–$200 , while single-day tickets or VIP packages (if available) carry a proportionally higher price. It’s wise to buy early because popular headline acts and tight capacity sell out. Payment options usually include credit/debit cards (no cash on most ticket sites). Onsite ticket windows/door sales may be offered only if tickets remain, and even then lines can be long. The best strategy is to watch the official event social media or websites for sale dates, subscribe to mailing lists, or follow promoters. No personal information beyond name and age verification is needed – events at this venue have strictly enforced age rules (usually R18). Confirm ticket refund or transfer policies at purchase; small-venue festival tickets often have restrictions, though some festivals do allow resale. In short, plan ahead: book online from the official event channels, arrive early on event days, and treat your printed or e-ticket like a festival pass (ID check required at the gate).
Seating and Layout
As an outdoor farm festival venue, 1207 Waimatenui East Rd has a sprawling, freeform layout. There is no fixed seating – the “audience” area is open grass for standing, dancing or personal picnic blankets. The typical set-up consists of two or three main stages built on the flat paddocks (often with metal scaffolds and shelter canopies), plus chill-out tents or lounges under shade structures. Camping fields (tents and campervans) surround the stage area. Because of the creek, many attendees stake out spots on the grassy banks or near the trees by the river to watch performances. The best viewing spots depend on the stage: near the front center of a main stage offers close sound, while on a rise or hillock some distance back can give a panorama of lights and lasers without crowd crush. Organizers often mark out “VIP” or lounge areas with raised platforms or seating (if offered), but most people mix freely. Sound is carefully engineered – past festivals boasted Soul Storm lasers and Opus Audio PA systems , so even listeners at the back get clear bass. Acoustically, open-air venues like this lose high frequencies over distance, so friends sometimes bring portable speakers or bluetooth radios to share. The terrain is mostly level or gently sloping, with soft grass underfoot – excellent for dancing barefoot or in sandals. There is plenty of natural shelter (trees and shade cloth) but bring sun cover. In summary: expect a festival “general admission” vibe, with a main dance floor in front of each stage and scattered drop-in lounge corners by the river. There is no fixed seating to avoid, but beware of uneven ground and rain-softened patches. Architecture-wise, the stages are built only for events, so nothing permanent – the unique setting is that all stages face the river valley and forest backdrop.
Getting There and Parking
The farm is truly off the beaten path. From Auckland it’s roughly a 3–4 hour drive north . The most common route is via Whangārei and State Highway 12: head north on SH1 to Whangārei, then west on SH12 toward Dargaville, and turn inland onto Waimatenui East Road. After leaving SH12 at Donnellys Crossing, follow the rural road about 22km into the valley . (The turn-off sequence is along Marlborough Rd, then Kaikohe Rd, then Waimatenui East Road as indicated by festival signage.) The venue is well east of the west-coast beaches. Public transport is virtually nonexistent – the nearest bus drop is Dargaville, 40+ km away – so visitors normally drive or arrange private shuttles. Many festivals charter coaches or coordinate carpools from Auckland or regional towns. Rideshare (Uber/Zoomy) can drop off on Waimatenui East Road near the farm gate (there’s no official station, but drivers can drop safely by roadside at the property entrance). Inside, parking is on adjacent paddocks. On event days, staff will guide cars into grassy lots; bring a torch if arriving at night. Parking fees are typically included in VIP tickets or minimal if sold separately; in practice it’s often free with admission under event management. Expect people to park facing in rows in fields. There are no hard-surface car parks or marked stalls. Accessibility by road: it’s largely sealed roads until you make the left turn onto Waimatenui East Road, after which the farm driveway is gravel. If you are coming from other Northland regions (Kaikohe, Kerikeri, etc.), consult GPS but be aware rural mapping can be tricky – use WGS coordinates or the AHOTServer for precision. In any case, plan to arrive in daylight and be prepared for a slow narrow winding farm drive at the very end. Finally, check petrol and food in towns beforehand, as the farm itself has none.
Inside the Venue
Inside Schepens Farm you should treat it like a full festival site. Entry is controlled by ticket scanning at a main gate entrance. Organizers usually perform basic searches (bag check, wand for prohibited items). Once past entry, you’ll find the main festival paddocks with stages, some vendor stalls, and the riverbank areas. There are usually no permanent buildings – everything (food stall trailers, bars, info booths) is brought in for the event. You can expect portable toilets and (maybe) portable showers if camping is allowed. Drinking water stations are often provided for refill. Electricity is supplied by diesel generators; lighting poles and cables are installed at setup time. The atmosphere is very “festival” – grassy fields under open sky illuminated by stage lights at night. Bring cash and cards: most events have vendors selling food and drink (often local or organic offerings during Dimension festivals ). There may be a bar selling beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Tip: carry an NZ$10–20 note or small bills for food trucks, or use an EFTPOS-capable vendor if available. Mobile phone service can be spotty (camping events usually recommend Telstra or Spark network, but don’t count on it everywhere). Some attendees set up a WiFi hotspot with a mobile booster, but generally communications are limited. Merchandise tables (event T-shirts, CDs, crafts) often line the walkways. There is generally no coat check; if it rains you’ll need your own rain gear. Expect muddy patches if it’s wet – bring a poncho rather than a hat if rain is forecast. Camping ground rules (if applicable) are posted separately, but usually you are allowed to camp on adjacent land near the river. Shower trailers (if any) might be a short walk from stages. As a rural site, pets and drones are typically prohibited. The farm is very spacious and green – you might see horses or livestock beyond the event area (please don’t enter those fields). In summary, inside the venue is a walkable open field festival porch. The key features are the stages with top-tier sound systems (Opus Audio PA, Soul Storm laser rigs ) and the natural setting (trees, river breezes). Be prepared to be outdoors the whole time: bring sunhat, sturdy shoes, and perhaps a chair or cushion for chill zones. Staff and volunteers generally wear identifiable festival gear and there will be signage for first aid, exits and camping zones. Ask at the info booth if unsure – staff are friendly but cell coverage may be needed, so plan routes in advance.
Nearby Amenities
Because Schepens Farm is in a secluded area, nearby amenities are very limited. The closest settlement is Donnellys Crossing itself, which has almost no services (there might be a rural general store or petrol station some kilometers back on SH12). The nearest full-service town is Dargaville (~40km south), which offers supermarkets, eateries, hotels and banks. If you need groceries or hardware items, stock up in Dargaville or Waimamaku before heading inland. Immediately en route, roughly 20km south of the farm on SH12, is the roadside small town of Ruawai with a dairy, fish-and-chip shop and a pub – useful for a snack break. Guests often drive into Dargaville the morning after an all-nighter for brunch or breakfast. For pre-event lodging, options include Dargaville motels or holiday parks near Ruawai or Baylys Beach (30–40 min northwest of the farm next to the Waipoua Forest). There are also basic camping grounds by the Kaihu or Waipoua Rivers in the area. Freshwater lakes like Kai Iwi Lakes (a scenic swimming spot 30–40min drive northwest) and the Waipoua Kauri Forest (home to big kauri like Tane Mahuta) make good daytime excursions if you arrive early. As for dining, the *Northern Wairoa Hotel* and local cafés in Dargaville are popular pre-show stops. After events, note that public transport ends; Arrange shuttles or cabs ahead of time. At night, there are no streetlights on Waimatenui Road, so walking anywhere is ill-advised – always use a vehicle or arranged shuttle. Finally, cell service may be unreliable; if you have critical plans (like taxis or next-day travel), confirm details before setting out. The isolating nature of the venue means most people plan to stay put until morning rather than make late-night trips.
What Makes This Venue Special
Schepens Farm stands out for its sheer remoteness and natural beauty combined with high-end rave-level production. It’s one of the most isolated festival locations in New Zealand , down a winding road lined with kauri forest, offering starry skies and an ancient river backdrop. Organizers and attendees have lauded it as the “perfect environment” for psychedelic trance – peaceful yet powerful . Iconic moments include massive laser swirls over the river at sunrise, and dancers floating between stage beams and fern groves. Architecturally, nothing permanent exists except the makeshift stages; instead, the venue’s grandeur comes from scale and setting. For example, Dimension deployed New Zealand’s largest laser rig and MindFunk art installations across the valley . These spectacles, along with full-size sound systems, gave this farm the feel of a world-class concert arena, despite its barn-like farmland roots. The venue also has a cultural edge: it tapped into Māori and global trance culture (“raising consciousness”) by literally centring music in nature . Historic performances (such as New Zealand trance legend Shapeshifter, or international psytrance stars like Alexakis) have become part of the local lore. There’s even a sense of community tradition: returning festival-goers speak of “magic river swims” and fire drummers on the bank. For artists, it’s a chance to play uninhibited by city noise limits; for audiences, it’s an escape to a communal party in the wild. Moreover, farming roots mean on-site meals often feature local produce, giving it a “farm-to-festival” vibe. All told, 1207 Waimatenui E Rd is beloved for being otherworldly – a riverfront rave cottage – and for consistently delivering a full production experience out in nature. Its cultural significance is niche but strong among New Zealand’s dance-music community, marking it as a legendary spot despite (or because of) the lack of conventional infrastructure.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: This is a natural farm site: expect uneven unpaved paths and no step-free ramps. If you have mobility issues, contact the event organizer in advance. Avoid bringing large wheelchairs; foldable devices and strong companions work best. Single-level festival areas mean anyone with limited mobility can find a space, but there are no elevators or paved walkways. Check with organizers for any reserved accessible parking or viewing areas. What to bring: Pack for an outdoor adventure. This means sunscreen, a hat, warm layers (NZ summer nights can turn chilly), and waterproof jacket (rain is possible). Good footwear (boots or sturdy shoes) is essential – the fields can turn muddy if wet. Earplugs come in handy for loud music. If camping, bring your usual gear plus insect repellent (sandflies and mosquitos are common). Don’t forget a torch or headlamp for moving around at night. Many festival-goers also pack a refillable water bottle, camping chair, and Swiss Army knife. Leave valuable jewelry or expensive gear at home; it’s easy to lose items in mud or crowds. What not to bring: Obviously no illegal substances or weapons. Alcohol policies vary, but glass bottles are usually banned. (Check the specific event rules – some may allow BYO wine in moderation, others run fully licensed bars.) Large umbrellas/canopies are discouraged once inside the venue due to crowd space. As with most venues, security will forbid outside food or large coolers – but since food is sold inside, you won’t starve waiting for long DJ sets. Age and dress code: Most events here are R18 (strictly adults). Always carry ID – drivers’ licence or passport – since checking is routine. Dressing is casual and creative: festival attire (bright colors, flowy outfits, body paint) is common. There’s no formal dress code, but note that wearing shoes at all times is mandatory (barefoot in muddy ground isn’t recommended). As weather can shift, layering is smart. Arrival time: If you have a multi-day ticket, arriving by noon on Day 1 is usually best to set up camp and catch early acts. For single-day shows, doors often open mid-afternoon (e.g. 2–4pm) since Noonday on a farm can be hot – use early afternoon for brunch en route. Late arrivals may get stuck in long queues. When planning travel, heed any “last check-in” time set by the event – sometimes in farflung locations like this, gates close by midnight or so even if music goes later. Connectivity: Keep your phone on Airplane mode if concerned about battery – there may be a communal charging station but not always. Save important contacts and maps offline. Family/friends meeting points should be agreed beforehand (the river crossing or “Stage 2” are common landmarks). Health & safety: A basic first-aid tent or station is usually present (marked on site maps or signage). It’s wise to carry some bandaids, painkillers and antihistamines in your bag. Stay hydrated and try to eat enough – dancing all night takes energy. Because the venue is remote, accidents away from the stage (like near roads) would take time to address; stick within the event boundaries. Security/medics often walk the crowd periodically, so flag them if you need help. Local customs: Respect the farmland: keep rubbish in bins or hip bags, remove all litter from campsites (strong pack-in/pack-out ethic). Kiwis are generally laid-back; be polite. If you meet local farmers outside the event area, give way on the road. Lastly, absorb the setting – take a moment by daylight to walk down to the river or forest edge. Many visitors say that disconnecting Wi-Fi and tuning into the environment (birds, water flow) is what really makes 1207 Waimatenui E Rd stand out. Enjoy the unique blend of nature and music!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating arrangement at 1207 Waimatenui East Road?
Schepens Farm is entirely open-air with no fixed seats. Events are general admission: you stand or dance on the grass. Some festivals provide a few lounge tents or shade areas with rugs or cushions near the stages. Otherwise, many attendees bring their own camping chairs or picnic blankets. The best spots are simply on level ground in front of the stage or on higher ground for a view. In short: plan on standing/dancing; there are no numbered or reserved seats .
How do I buy tickets for events at this venue?
Tickets are sold online through the event promoter’s official channels. For example, Dimension Festival tickets have been sold via Flicket or Ticketbooth. There is no box office at the farm itself. You should visit the festival’s website or social media page for sale announcements. Often there are early-bird specials and presales months ahead. If tickets haven’t sold out, sometimes limited day-of shows or door sales may be available at higher price. Payment is by card (no cash) and be sure to bring ID as proof of age at entry.
How much do event tickets cost?
Pricing depends on the event. For multi-day festivals like Dimension, past full-weekend passes have been in the NZ$150–$200 range . Single-day tickets (if sold) run proportionately less. VIP or weekend camping add-ons cost extra. Smaller one-day concerts can range NZ$30–$80. Always check the official announcement for current pricing. Note: tickets usually sell out in advance for popular acts, so act fast when they go on sale.
Are there any box office or on-site ticket sales?
No, the farm does not have a public box office. All tickets are distributed online through the organizer’s ticket agent or website. Sometimes a limited number of tickets might be sold at the gate if available, but it’s not guaranteed. If you plan to purchase at the event, arrive well before the showtime in case of queues. best practice is to buy ahead and bring your printed or mobile e-ticket.
How do I get to 1207 Waimatenui East Road?
The farm is reached by car. From Auckland, drive north via Whangārei and State Highway 12. Turn inland at Donnellys Crossing and follow Waimatenui East Road ~22 km down the valley . Allow 3–4 hours from Auckland. There’s no public transit to the venue – most people drive or use event shuttle buses (if provided). The final stretch is a gravel driveway; GPS coordinates or detailed directions from the event website are recommended. Rideshares can drop off at the property entrance, but confirm your meeting point with the driver. Car-pool if possible, as parking is limited to grassy paddocks on site.
What parking options are available and is it free?
Parking is typically on adjacent farmland fields next to the stages. During events, organizers will guide you into open grassy lots. There are no marked spaces – it’s self-park on lawns. Parking is usually free for ticket-holders (sometimes included with VIP packages). There is no hard-surface lot or overflow parking beyond festival grounds. After parking, note your car location carefully (especially at night). Leave your gear and valuables secure, as access control is limited. In emergencies, keep some cash/petrol left for a quick exit if needed.
Can I bring alcohol or glass bottles into the venue?
Policies vary by event, but by default most concerts at rural venues enforce strict rules. Glass bottles are almost always banned for safety, and some events prohibit bringing any alcohol at all. Officially licensed bars or beer gardens are usually set up inside the festival area, or events may allow a limited number of one-liter sealed alcohol bottles per person. Always check your particular event’s FAQ. If in doubt, assume “no outside alcohol” and plan to purchase drinks at the venue’s bars. Bringing empty reusable bottles is wise, since water refill stations are often provided.
Are minors or children allowed at the venue?
Most events held on this farm have been age-restricted (R18), meaning no minors admitted. For example, past Dimension parties enforced 18+ attendance strictly . Always check the age restriction on your event ticket – if it’s R18, no one under 18 can enter, ID required. No childcare or family areas are available. If a special all-ages event is announced, it will be clearly stated.
What facilities (toilets, food, water) are available on site?
Expect festival-style amenities. There are portable toilets (and sometimes portable showers) divided by gender and mobility needs. They may be basic but usually adequate. For food and drink, organizers bring in vendors: past festivals have had food trucks and stalls selling meals, snacks and local specialties , plus water refill stations. There is usually at least one bar for alcoholic beverages (beer/wine) and probably coffee stands. No permanent shops or kiosks exist – outside food isn’t sold by a café or store, only by the event suppliers. Bring water or stay hydrated with provided taps. Some areas may have first-aid tents staffed by medics. If you need cash, ATMs are often not on site, so withdraw beforehand or rely on card payments if accepted.
Is 1207 Waimatenui East Road wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately the venue offers limited accessibility. The terrain is unpaved and uneven, with grass, gravel and earth paths. There are no ramps or hard surfaces, so moving around by wheelchair can be very difficult. Some events may offer a special viewing platform or parking close to a stage, but you would need to contact the event organizer in advance to arrange (ask about disabled access provisions before arrival). Service animals or support staff may help but overall this is a rural environment. If mobility is a concern, consider the challenges of tall grass, curbs near toilets, and potential mud.
Can I swim or bathe in the river at Schepens Farm?
Yes, swimming in the river is one of Schepens Farm’s highlights . The farm’s creek is clear and cool, often used to cool off between sets. Events typically allow attendees to dip in the water. However, use caution: no lifeguards are on duty. Stay near populated areas of the river, and don’t swim after dark without flashlight. Also follow any festival rules (some may cordon off parts of the river during performances). Respect the environment (no soaps or detergents). Overall, taking a swim midday is a refreshing treat that many visitors enjoy.
Are there weather or rain policies?
Events at Schepens Farm are typically outdoors and run rain or shine. Festival organizers expect summer rain showers at least occasionally. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing and gaiters or gumboots. Stages usually have canopies, but large open areas do not, so find cover when needed. If weather is severe (lightning storms, heavy winds), the event may pause or secure equipment, so listen for announcements. Overall, have a rain poncho or tarp on hand. The ground drains reasonably well, but plan for mud. In the extremely rare case of severe weather warnings, organizers will communicate any changes (venue is non-retractable, so total cancellation is a last resort). Advisable: check the forecast and be prepared.
What should I know about local wildlife and environment?
Schepens Farm is set in a rural area by forest and river. You’ll likely encounter insects (sandflies, mosquitoes) especially near the water – bring repellent. The farm land may have wandering livestock (e.g. kiwi-friendly cattle or horses) but festival areas are fenced off from any farm animals. Be careful when walking at night – use a flashlight to avoid tripping over roots. The forest’s big trees often mean there is shade, but they also can drop branches in wind, so stay alert in storms. If you drive off-road for photos or a walk, watch for hidden potholes. Always respect the land by not breaking branches or picking native plants. The event team will keep the main zone clean, but if you venture out, stick to marked paths to avoid disturbing private farmland or protected areas. Overall, this is a “leave no trace” outdoor venue: pack out everything you brought and do not feed the animals. Notably, New Zealand has no dangerous predators—your biggest wildlife encounter will likely be with curious grazers or seabirds along the river.
Is there mobile phone coverage or Internet at the venue?
Cell coverage at Schepens Farm is intermittent. Some 3G/4G might be available at the stages for major networks (Spark, Vodafone) but do not count on continuous service – it’s a remote valley location. Many guests purchase a mobile booster or set up mesh Wi-Fi. Organizers occasionally run a local wi-fi hotspot near the info tent for checking schedules or safety info, but it’s usually temporary. In practice, treat this like camping: there may not be reliable signal. Plan your meetups ahead, and download any maps or emergency contacts beforehand. Remember that uploading photos/videos may not work well on site, so enjoy the moment knowing connections may be limited.
