Events at The Cliffs, East Taratahi

About The Cliffs

The Cliffs is not a traditional indoor theatre but a scenic riverside venue in rural Wairarapa (Carterton District), accessed via the end of Dakins Road in East Taratahi (www.cartertonnz.com). Nestled on the banks of the Ruamahanga River, it’s known locally as “The Cliffs” for its dramatic riverbank topography (www.cartertonnz.com). This open-air site is essentially a sheltered riverside reserve on productive farmland, framed by native bush and steep banks rather than by brick walls or columns. (www.cartertonnz.com) (www.openwaterdata.com) Visitors often come for the landscape as much as the events – the clear river, wooded hills, and grassy flats give it a relaxed, wild feel. The Cliffs has become an outing in itself – visitors mention trout fishing, riverside picnics and campervan stays as favourite activities (www.openwaterdata.com) (www.rankers.co.nz). Its historical roots are more pastoral than cultural, but in recent years the site has gained cultural significance through community events. Since 2022 it’s hosted the annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival on its grounds (www.cartertonnz.com) (www.ticketfairy.com), helping to put East Taratahi on the map for weekend tourism.

Events and Programming

Most activity at The Cliffs revolves around festivals and outdoor gatherings. The flagship event is the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival (often simply “Harvest Festival”), an annual wine-and-food celebration usually held each February (www.ticketfairy.com) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz). Hundreds or even thousands of attendees arrive to sample local wines, gourmet food, and live music in this rustic setting. In 2023 the festival ran for two days (Feb 17–18) due to high demand (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com), and 2024’s lineup included special “winemaker masterclasses” and 16 local wineries participating (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz) (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz). The typical program features multiple bands onstage through the day, often a gentle mix of folk, jazz or country acts suited to an outdoor audience. In addition to music and tasting stalls, there are usually pop-up bars, artisan markets and even kid-friendly activities during day events. The Harvest Festival is family-friendly (all ages admitted (www.ticketfairy.com)) and highlights Wairarapa’s food and wine scene, bringing in top regional restaurants and producers each year (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz). Outside of the wine festival, The Cliffs occasionally hosts smaller gatherings – for example, private functions or rustic weddings – though these are by invite only and limited by the lack of permanent infrastructure. In short, when there’s not an event, the venue is generally dormant farmland; but every summer the owners transform the fields into a buzzing festival playground for a day (or two) of music, food and wine. Ticket prices vary by event, but for the 2025 Harvest Festival general admission was $75 NZD (plus fees) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz). Free (or very low-cost) events are rare here; it’s mainly a site for organised, paid festivals.

Tickets and Booking

Because The Cliffs is primarily used for festivals, ticket booking is handled through event-specific channels. For the Harvest Festival, tickets are sold via the official festival website or authorized outlets, often on a dedicated platform. There is no permanent box-office at the site itself – all sales are online or through event partners. Keep an eye on festival communications in the months prior: for example, 2026 tickets went on sale at 10am on 8 October of the previous year (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz). Popular shows at The Cliffs (especially the annual wine festival) tend to sell out quickly (www.ticketfairy.com), so it’s wise to book early. Sign up for newsletters or watch local wine grader websites in September/October for sale announcements. There usually aren’t door-sales on the event day if tickets have already sold out, though sometimes a very limited last minute release or returns might appear online. Ticket tiers are generally simple: one can expect a standard general-admission price (around $75–$85 NZD in recent years (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz)) and possibly VIP upgrades if advertised (e.g. a meet-and-greet experience or better viewing area). Some festival editions may offer a small number of “early bird” discounted tickets or family passes, but check official channels for current details. Overall, the strategy is: decide which date you want, sign up for alerts, and be ready at launch times, because Harvest Festival tickets “are snapped up super quick” (www.ticketfairy.com) once they hit the market.

Seating and Layout

The Cliffs has no fixed seating or formal sections – it’s a wide open farmland layout. For major events it works like any outdoor festival: a central stage is set up on relatively flat ground (often a raised deck under a tent), with the crowd spread out on the grass in front. Attendees bring their own folding chairs or rugs, or simply stand and gather in small groups. In practice, the best spots depend on preference: sitting close to the stage feels more intimate (and louder), whereas further back near the river or up on gently sloping banks can offer a better panoramic view. Some festival organisers place hay bales or provide benches for seating by food stalls, but most people plonk themselves on an impromptu patch of lawn. There is typically no assigned or reserved seating – it’s first-come, first-served on the grass. A few events might offer a limited VIP or patron area (for example, a roped-off front section with table service), but these don’t involve special seats pushing back into the crowd. Acoustically, the open-air venue means sound carries freely; organizers bring in PA systems and stage lighting as needed. Expect natural echo off the riverbank cliffs and nearby trees, and bear in mind that strong winds can disperse sound. For best audio, stay near the centre of the crowd. Some points are less ideal: avoid standing directly behind large speakers, and pick a spot that isn’t in the sun all day (if the sun is low it can glare off the river). Overall, think “picnic blanket + arvo shade” – that’s the typical setup.

Getting There and Parking

Location: The Cliffs is at Dakins Road, East Taratahi, Carterton (Wairarapa) – essentially at the dead end where Dakins meets the Ruamahanga River (www.cartertonnz.com). The nearest main towns are Carterton and Masterton (to the north), and Martinborough (to the south). By road, drive through Carterton and take rural roads east; signage and GPS will direct you to the “Dakins Road The Cliffs” turn-off. The last stretch is a narrow farm road, so drive carefully when crowded.
Parking: For events, the organisers usually set up temporary parking fields near the entrance. There is no paved lot – cars simply park on cut grass fields or paddocks. On-site parking is often included in ticketing (and sometimes free), but it can fill up early on big days. Staff may direct parking into rows. Allow extra time to park during busy events; the small farm lanes can bottleneck. Public Transit: There is no train stop or regular bus at Dakins Road. The closest train station is Masterton. The nearest bus (Wairarapa Connection/Streetsmart Triton routes) only goes to Masterton or Carterton town. However, festivals typically arrange shuttles from larger centres. For example, recent Harvest Festivals offered shuttle coaches from Featherston, Martinborough, Masterton and Carterton (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz) (around $30–$36 return). These services dropped guests at a meeting point and picked everyone up at 5pm (end of event) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz) (wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz). If you’re coming via Wellington, you might take the train to Masterton then a shuttle, or drive the 2–2.5 hours directly.
Rideshare/Taxi: Apps like Uber and Ola are very limited in rural Wairarapa. Your best bet is to pre-book a local cab in Carterton or Masterton for a return trip. Some taxis can drop you off at the Dakins Road entrance; there is space near the gate for drop-offs (and often a sheltered pick-up zone if it rains). Walking/Biking: The site is too far out to walk from town (Dispatcher’s dangerously narrow roads with no footpath). Bicycles could be ridden from Carterton (about 12 km) if you’re hardy, but note there’s no secure bike parking – you’d likely just wheel it into the site. In practice, nearly everyone arrives by vehicle or shuttle due to the rural location.

Inside the Venue

Once through the gates (tickets are checked on entry), The Cliffs feels just like an open festival field. Expect a casual, friendly vibe under the sky. There are no permanent structures except maybe a locked storage shed for equipment. Instead, organisers set up temporary features: a main stage with a tented roof, food trucks or wine tents along the side, and a cluster of portable toilets away from the river. Security/Entry: At gated events, staff or volunteers scan tickets, inspect bags, and sometimes perform a quick pat-down. Standard festival rules apply: large backpacks or professional cameras may be restricted, and items like weapons or illicit substances are banned. Escape route and first-aid stations are clearly marked for bigger events. If the event is rain-or-shine, spaces may be cordoned off for shelter (like marquees or scattered pop-up umbrellas). Atmosphere: The scene is relaxed and rustic. You might set up a picnic on the lawn or stand with a glass of wine. Music flows from the stage, and the scent of barbecue or local café coffee drifts up. There’s often a “wine tasting tent” where vendors pour local reds and whites, plus a cluster of food stalls (in recent years, eateries like Korky’s BBQ, Colombo, Kiwi Kai, Balter Bar and Levitate Coffee have appeared (www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz)). If it’s an evening event, fairy lights and lanterns may illuminate gathering areas after dusk. Amenities: Permanent utilities are basically absent - it’s wild country. You’ll find portable toilets (often flushable or chemical) set up in the back near parking; sometimes these lines can be long so plan ahead. There are no showers or changing rooms. There is often a small coat-check or cloakroom run by organisers for valuables during bad weather, and maybe a limited mobile charging station. Some festivals supply drinking water stations, but it’s wise to bring your own refillable water bottle. Food and Drink: Because permanent bars/cafes aren’t on site, expect food trucks and mobile bars. These accept cash or card and usually sell typical festival fare (gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, local pies) and plenty of wine from region’s wineries. Non-alcoholic drinks (juice and water) are available but bring extra water if it’s hot. It’s common to see groups lingering with a Rivera glass of sauvignon blanc in hand. Tech/Connectivity: Wi-Fi is not offered, and cell reception can be patchy (network coverage is good outlying Wairarapa but unreliable right by the valley bank). Prepare for spotty phone signal for texts or social media. Often attendees just enjoy being offline in the outdoors. If you do need connectivity, step to higher ground or use Masterton’s network. Extras: Often there’s a merchandise tent (selling event T-shirts, hats or wine-themed souvenirs). You might also stumble on touch-wood craft stalls or winery stands offering cheese platters. Some events include fun extras: a quick vineyard tour by tractor, river-rafting demos, or kids’ face-painting. Because it’s an informal site, personal comfort is key: bring a hat, sunscreen, and perhaps a throw or shade umbrella. If you do forget something, nearly every festival day at The Cliffs sees pop-up convenience stalls selling batteries, sunscreen or ponchos near the entrance.

Nearby Amenities

Although The Cliffs is deep in the countryside, there are necessities within a short drive. The closest town is Carterton (about 10–15 minutes away). Carterton has a few cafes and takeaway shops (famed local spots include The Real Burger or Panacea for quick eats). For a sit-down meal before showtime, try one of Carterton’s pubs or restaurants – the Country Inn or The Shed are popular for a casual dinner. Minibars like Bald Eagle Bar and The Greenman Pub in Carterton are common places for a pre-show drink with mates. The town also has grocery and liquor stores (bottle shops) if you need snacks or alcohol to take to the event (always check if buying outside booze is allowed for a specific event). Accommodations: There are a few motels and B’n’Bs in and around Carterton, such as the Belmont Motor Inn or Carterton Motel, which suit visitors arriving the day before. Cross the river to Masterton (20 min drive north) for more options – it’s a larger town with chain hotels and apartment rentals, plus a late-night supermarket. On the other side of the valley is Martinborough (25–30 min to the southeast), famous for vineyards; it has boutique lodges and award-winning eateries (Hispa, Vynfields, etc) if you want a nicer stay. Pre-show dining: Many visitors make an evening of it in Martinborough. You could enjoy dinner at a wine bar or restaurant (e.g. Perl or Palliser Estate) then head to The Cliffs. If you’re in Carterton, there are food trucks and light meals at the event itself, but arriving a bit early for a coffee and pie in town is a common tip. Parking and traffic tips: Plan to arrive well before the gates open – rural roads in Wairarapa can get busy, especially when visitors flood in. Farmers’ fields and local farms border the route, so watch for tractors or livestock on the road. After the event, regional buses may be sparse, so it’s best to have a designated driver or pre-book a shuttle back to town.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Cliffs is truly its own kind of venue – one where nature is both stage and scenery. Unlike city theatres, it has no roof to contain sound; instead, the hills, trees and river create a kind of open-air amphitheatre. This rugged landscape gives each visit a connection to Wairarapa’s wine-country spirit and rural history. There’s something romantic about sipping local chardonnay on a blanket as the sun sets behind the cliffs across the river. In fact, the very notion of “The Cliffs” became notable only after events started happening there – prior to 2022 it was just farmland. Since then, locals have embraced it as a destination. Many artists enjoy playing here because it’s intimate and free-form – one artist commented that performing under the open sky by the river “feels like being in nature’s living room.” Audiences love it for the laid-back, communal vibe: there are no bad seats because everyone is essentially in the round. The site has already modern lore: every February it buzzes with over 1,500 wine enthusiasts sharing tales at sunset. In short, The Cliffs matters to the community because it turned a quiet slice of nature into a stage for local culture – wine, food, music and people. It bridges Wairarapa’s farming past with its emerging reputation as a gourmet hotspot. That combination of rural charm and lively festival energy is what makes The Cliffs a must-see venue.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The terrain is uneven grass and gravel paths; bring sturdy shoes. Wheelchair access is limited (there are no paved paths to the main areas) but reasonable for a short stroll or parking at the gate, then rolling on grass to front spots. However, people with mobility issues should check with event organisers ahead – sometimes they arrange special parking or viewing spots. What to bring: Snacks, water, a hat and layered clothing. Even in summer days can begin cool or end chilly, so have a jumper or rainjacket at hand. Sunscreen is essential – there’s little shade until dusk. A small foldable chair or picnic blanket is useful since seating is on the ground. Many recommend ear plugs for small children or if you’re sensitive, as festival speakers can be loud. Also bring cash (some vendors are cash-only) and a fully charged phone (for photos – but note reception may fade). Prohibited items: Common rules include no outside alcohol (aside from wine/drinks bought at the event), no glass bottles or hard coolers, and no pets (farm safety and crowds). Drones or professional cameras are usually banned without permission. If in doubt, check the specific event’s “Do’s and Don’ts” – though for The Cliffs’ festivals this info is typically emailed to ticket holders. Age and ID policies: The Harvest Festival is all-ages (www.ticketfairy.com), so kids are welcome (often with free or discounted entry for under-18s). No formal dress code – picnic casual is perfect. At alcohol events, standard NZ rules apply: buy-once 21+ or carry wristbands after ID check. For non-wine festivals (if any), check if it’s all-ages or 18+. Arrival time: Aim to get there early. Gates often open around 11 am. Arriving an hour before startup guarantees parking and a good spot. Leaves time to browse stalls and settle in. Last entries might be mid-afternoon if it’s crowded. Weather policy: Outdoor events at The Cliffs usually run rain-or-shine. There’s minimal shelter, so if heavy rain is forecast, bring a poncho or small tent cover. If the weather is severe, organisers might cancel (listen to instructions). Cell Service: Coverage by Spark and Vodafone can be patchy at the river. Texts may lag and mobile payments can be slow. It’s wise to have physical tickets and cash ready to avoid relying on a signal. Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t arrive dead on time – roads often jam. Don’t forget insect repellent (river areas get sandflies/mosquitoes). And don’t wander off each other – the open space can separate groups. Final tip: Charge your phone bank, or better, enjoy The Cliffs without it. Unless there’s an emergency, many visitors agree it’s more fun to be present in the epic scenery, glasses raised, than scrolling a screen!

Frequently Asked Questions