About TUKI Festival
TUKI Festival is an outdoor, family-friendly music festival held each Waitangi weekend near Wanaka in Otago, New Zealand. Hosted on Glendhu Station (a working farm by Glendhu Bay), the event is known for its breathtaking lakeside and mountain views (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ) (www.glendhustation.co.nz ). Organised by Lake Wanaka SouNZ Inc, TUKI launched in 2018 as the “cute and chubby offspring” of the longtime Rippon Festival, effectively carrying on Wanaka’s local music tradition (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ) (www.centralotagoarts.com ). It showcases a broad spectrum of Kiwi talent – from classic legends to rising stars – under the guiding ethos of te wāhi, te iwi, te waiata (“the place, the people, the music”) (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ) (www.muzic.nz ). Typically capped at a couple of thousand attendees (about 2,400 in 2020 (crux.org.nz )), TUKI is treasured for its relaxed, all-ages vibe. Unique features include two stages (a main stage and a shady “Forest Stage” for local acts (www.odt.co.nz )), an adults-only “LushZone” viewing area with its own bar and facilities (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and a dedicated children’s FunZone with waterslides and giant games (crux.org.nz ). The festival highlights Wanaka culture, with local food, wine and craft beer stalls and a strong community focus (over 75% of early ticket buyers were local residents in 2020 (crux.org.nz )). All these elements – scenic setting, community roots, and a diverse Kiwi lineup – give TUKI Festival a special place in the Southern Lakes music scene.
Events and Programming
TUKI Festival is a one-day music event, usually held on the first long weekend of February (Waitangi Weekend). Inaugurated in 2018, it featured acts like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Marlon Williams, Aaradhna and The Phoenix Foundation (www.centralotagoarts.com ). The second edition took place February 8, 2020 at Glendhu Bay. That year’s lineup was deliberately eclectic – from the indie-pop legends The Chills and soul-rock singer Tami Neilson to Kiwi rap sensations Alien Weaponry and dance acts like Chelsea Jade (crux.org.nz ) (www.muzic.nz ). According to organizers, the 2020 roster spanned a “spectrum of legendary and emerging Kiwi talent” (www.muzic.nz ), reflecting Wanaka’s open-minded culture (www.muzic.nz ). Local artists and school groups often appear (for example, a Wakatipu High pupil performed on the forest stage in 2020 (www.odt.co.nz )), alongside headline acts Tiki Taane, Anika Moa, Mittai Arrowsmith and more (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.odt.co.nz ). The festival runs from early afternoon until late evening (gates around 1pm, music through 11pm) and includes two stages (main and forest) so performances overlap. It also features daytime kid-friendly programming (waterslides, sports and games in the forest amphitheatre (crux.org.nz )) and a special R18 “LushZone” area. As of 2023-2025 no additional TUKI events are listed, suggesting the festival has been on hiatus since 2020 (likely due to the pandemic). When active, TUKI offered an all-ages, community-focused lineup with diverse ticket tiers (general admission and premium packages). A glimpse of typical pricing: earlybird and standard GA in 2020 were around NZ$123–$134, with a top-end LushZone ticket around $222 (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for TUKI Festival are sold through the festival’s official booking channels and authorised outlets. In practice, attendees can buy tickets online via official vendor sites (and sometimes local ticket agencies) once the lineup is announced. For example, 2020 tickets ranged roughly NZD$110–$140 for general admission, with add-ons such as transport or VIP LushZone passes pushing the top price into the $180–$220 range (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ). Early-bird or group deals are often offered (in 2020 a referral scheme let fans reduce their ticket price by bringing friends (www.ticketfairy.com )). Popular acts can sell out, so it’s best to purchase as soon as tickets go on sale (often late spring to mid summer ahead of the February event). There is no on-site box office at the remote location, so all sales are online or at partner outlets. Closer to the day, if unsold tickets remain, door sales may open – but it’s safer to secure tickets in advance. Keep an eye on local community channels or the festival’s announcements for on-sale dates; historically, 2020’s lineup and ticket info were released around August–December of the prior year (www.muzic.nz ) (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ). Avoid unofficial sellers – book through official channels to ensure valid entry. Children’s tickets (12 and under) are free with a paying adult, so you’d simply register them at checkout as needed (www.ticketfairy.com ) (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ).
Seating and Layout
TUKI Festival uses an open-field layout rather than formal seating. The main stage is set up facing the lake, with gently rising grassy paddocks (an amphitheatre) for the audience (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.odt.co.nz ). You can stand or bring low chairs/blankets in permitted areas. The venue has two main performance areas: a large waterfront main stage and a smaller “Forest Stage” tucked under trees (www.odt.co.nz ). The forest stage offered shade and a relaxed vibe for smaller acts, as noted by press coverage (www.odt.co.nz ). There are no assigned seats – it’s first-come in general admission. Best viewing is roughly in front of the stages; being too far to the side or behind the speaker stacks can degrade sightlines and sound. The premium “LushZone” is a raised section close to the main stage, with a marquee, extra seating, and its own facilities (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acoustics in the open air are generally good, but it pays to stand closer to avoid sound dispersion in breezy conditions. If you prefer shade, grab a spot near the edge of the forest area or bring a sun umbrella (no large umbrellas during music). Avoiding the busiest areas (like directly in front of the speakers) can help for comfort. Keep in mind it’s a farm environment – terrain is mostly flat grass, so wear sturdy shoes. The site’s historic woolshed and tennis courts are nearby, but those are not part of the crowd areas (www.glendhustation.co.nz ).
Getting There and Parking
The festival site is at 1015 Mt Aspiring Road in Glendhu Bay, about 10–15 minutes’ drive west of central Wanaka (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). By car, just follow Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road out of town; the entrance is signposted along the lakeshore road. Ample on-site parking is provided (usually flat paddocks) but spaces fill as the gates open, so carpooling is wise. Parking is typically free as part of ticketing, but volunteers may direct you. Rideshare or taxis can drop patrons near the entrance (though phone reception can be limited in rural areas). Public transport is limited – in festival years organisers have arranged charter buses or encouraged taking the Wanaka Water Taxi. A unique way to arrive is by boat: Wanaka Water Taxi runs to Glendhu Bay (20 minutes, about NZ$40 per adult one-way) (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ), dropping you a short walk from the site. Cyclists can ride via the Millennium Track, a scenic lakeside trail connecting Wanaka township and Glendhu Bay (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ). (Note: the road to Glendhu is narrow rural highway, so cyclists should take care.) There is no train or regular bus on-site; if coming by public bus to Wanaka, you’d then need to connect by bike, taxi or water taxi. On-site signage and stewards help guide traffic. After the show, shuttle buses (if offered) and taxis will be limited late at night, so plan your return accordingly. Walking from Wanaka is not practical for most visitors (around 24 km). In short: drive, drop-off or the scenic boat ride are the main options. The Glendhu Bay campground is right across the road, which can serve as overflow parking if notified in advance (www.centralotagoarts.com ).
Inside the Venue
On arrival, tickets are scanned at the gate (either print-out or mobile e-ticket). All patrons must undergo a quick bag check; large backpacks are discouraged. Entry is stroller-friendly and no re-entry into the general site is typical (except maybe egress to/from LushZone with wristbands). The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed. Food and drink stalls line the site: local vendors and food trucks offer a range of New Zealand fare, international cuisines, and a children’s ice-cream van (for instance, past festivals had Barley Wines & Tonic offerings from Cardrona Distillery, craft beers by Rhyme & Reason Brewery, and eats like Italian Way pizza and Yes Chef Asian dishes (crux.org.nz )). You can buy wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks on site (no BYO alcohol). Remember to stay hydrated – bring an empty refillable water bottle (many festivals supply free water stations). Most vendors accept cards, but having some cash is wise, especially for smaller stalls. The R18 LushZone has its own bar, cafe and (flushed) toilets (www.ticketfairy.com ). Elsewhere there are portable restrooms and limited faucets. A limited number of shaded seating areas are provided, but bring sunscreen and hats for midday afternoon sun. Organisers usually set up a merchandise tent selling festival t-shirts and band merch. There is no coat check, so keep valuables on you. Cell phone service in the valley is patchy – expect limited 3G/4G. Worth noting: there’s a full kids’ area (Tuki Forest) with games and rides, so families can spread out. The station’s historic buildings (woolshed, tennis court) are off-limits to the public during the festival. If you have mobility needs or accessibility requirements, the main areas are generally level ground, but check with organisers for any assistive arrangements. Security and first aid tents are located near the entrance. Overall, expect a friendly Kiwiana vibe – people often bring picnic rugs and chill on the grass between sets.
Nearby Amenities
Glendhu Bay is rural, so nearby facilities are sparse. The closest lodging is right across the road: Glendhu Bay Motor Camp (powered sites and cabins) (www.centralotagoarts.com ). For more options, Wanaka township is 8–10 km east; it has numerous hotels, motels and holiday homes (e.g. Edgewater Resort, Wanaka Hotel, boutique B&Bs and vacation rentals) to suit all budgets. Arrive in Wanaka a day early for extra choice during festival weekends. Wanaka’s town centre boasts many cafes (Urban Grind, Kai Whakapai), pubs (Big Fig, The Good Wine Bar) and restaurants (Thai, Italian, burger diners, etc.) for pre-show meals. There’s also a supermarket (Pak’nSave) and petrol stations in town for last-minute supplies. Parking in Wanaka is paid in town (meters, or free street parking a bit further out). After the festival ends (~11pm), local cabs and rideshares become very busy; if drinking or late, plan pickup or use a shuttle. Overnight visitors should note that Lake Wanaka’s weather can chill after sunset even in summer, so have warm layers if camping. Finally, outdoor activities abound in the area: if you’re staying, consider walking the nearby Glendhu Bay track or paddling the lake on the Sunday after the event to round out the Wanaka experience.
What Makes This Venue Special
TUKI’s setting is one of its biggest draws. The festival site is an open feld and historic farm by Lake Wanaka, with the towering summit of Mount Aspiring in view (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ) (www.glendhustation.co.nz ). This natural amphitheatre gives every performance a cinematic backdrop – it’s not every day you watch live music with glaciers in sight. As a community event run by local volunteers, it retains a heartfelt, down-to-earth Kiwi character: both artists and audiences embrace friendly, inclusive vibes. The festival has a strong family orientation (free entry for kids, waterslide, games) which is rare for music festivals of this size. It also fuses contemporary music with Maori heritage – even its name “TUKI” nods to Matukituki Valley lore and the Māori word for “mouthpiece” (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ). Legendary moments include local hero performances (the Chills and others playing their first Otago gigs here) and thousands of attendees spontaneously performing the haka for Alien Weaponry in 2020 (www.muzic.nz ). Each edition is locally sourced: all food, drink and many performers hail from the Southern Lakes, spotlighting the region’s culture. Architecturally there’s no big stadium, but the venue’s design – with long wooden boardwalks and a marquee lounge area – makes practical use of the farm’s layout. In sum, TUKI stands out for its unique blend: high-profile New Zealand music acts on one hand, and a rustic lakeside farm environment on the other. This combination of great live sound, visually stunning scenery and genuine community spirit is what keeps both artists and fans coming back.
Visitor Tips and Information
Since the festival is outdoors, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly: summer days can be very sunny, so bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water; evenings may be cool. Wear sturdy, flat shoes or sandals (friends in heels often regret it). Hats and clear rain raincoats are allowed – come prepared for sudden showers, as Wanaka weather can be unpredictable. The festival is all ages, but remember: under-17s must be with a guardian (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ), and only one child per adult gets free entry. The LushZone is strictly over 18. Standard concert safety rules apply: keep personal belongings safe, use earplugs if sensitive to loud bass, and respect performers and staff. Leave large bags, weapons or illegal items at home (security is tight). Guests often pack foldable picnic chairs (low models only), ear plugs, cash (for quick buys) and refillable water bottles. Photography for personal use is fine, but drone use is banned without permission. If you have mobility or sensory needs, inquire early – main floors are mostly flat but some paths through the forest stage area may be uneven. Don’t forget ID if planning to drink. Avoid common mistakes like leaving early (some headline sets go late). There is no formal dress code or “glam tent” – just casual summer festival attire. Indoors is nowhere to go, so if it rains hard they’ll likely continue the show under rain or in marquees. Take care on the way home if staying overnight; clear your car of rubbish to avoid speeding fines on rural roads. Finally: soak in the community atmosphere by chatting with friendly Kiwis – locals are proud of the festival and proud to share Wanaka with visitors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the venue and address of TUKI Festival?
TUKI Festival is held outdoors at Glendhu Station, a farm near Glendhu Bay on Lake Wanaka. The address is 1015 Mt Aspiring Road, Glendhu Bay, Wānaka (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). It’s about 10–15 minutes’ drive west of central Wānaka, with signage directing to the fields where the festival stages are set up.
What is the capacity of TUKI Festival?
TUKI Festival is modest-sized (not a major stadium concert). Recent events have welcomed around 2,400 people (crux.org.nz ). This informal site can fit a few thousand. Still, it’s wise to buy tickets early if a big act is playing, as popularity can bring near-capacity crowds.
What kind of seating is available at TUKI Festival?
There is no fixed seating. The festival is a general admission event on grass, so you stand or bring your own low portable chairs or picnic blankets. The breezy sloped paddocks act as natural amphitheatre tiers. There is also a special ticketed “LushZone” area near the stage with some seating and lounge facilities. All other areas are open standing room.
Are there any VIP or special areas?
Yes – TUKI Festival offers an R18 “LushZone” upgrade. LushZone ticket-holders get access to a covered deck with better stage views, chairs, its own bar, cafe and restrooms (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s ticketed separately (about the same price as a premium GA ticket). Outside LushZone is all-ages general admission on grass.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices vary by year and tier but generally fall in the NZ$100–$150 range for general admission. Premium or add-on packages (like LushZone or bus passes) cost more (up to ~$200+). In 2020 early-bird tickets were $123 and standard $134 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Purchase tickets online via official sources – typically the festival’s website or authorised ticketing platforms. Watch for announcements (usually late in the year before the February event) to know when they go on sale. Avoid scalpers and unofficial sellers; only buy through the official channels mentioned by the festival organisers.
Is TUKI Festival all ages or 18+?
TUKI is officially an all-ages music festival (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Children under 13 get in free with a parent or guardian (limit one child per paying adult) (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Under-17s must be supervised by an adult ticket-holder. Only the special LushZone area is restricted to 18+ entry. So families are welcome, and kids have their own fun zone attractions too.
What time do gates open and when does the music start?
Gates typically open in the early afternoon (around 1:00 or 1:30 pm) (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Performances usually kick off around 2pm and run until late evening (often until 10–11pm). Exact times vary by year and are announced on the event schedule. Plan to arrive soon after doors open to find a good spot and see opening acts.
What transportation options are there?
Driving is most common – follow Mt Aspiring Road west from Wānaka. There is generous free parking on site, but it fills quickly. Some years there are charter shuttle buses from town (sold with tickets) – check official updates. A unique option is Wanaka Water Taxi: they offer boat rides to Glendhu Bay (roughly 20 min, about $40 one-way) (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ). You can bike via the Millennium Track along the lake (wanakawatertaxi.co.nz ). There’s no regular public bus to Glendhu Bay, and rideshare coverage is limited out in the country. Plan your travel and return ride in advance.
Is there parking available and is it free?
Yes, parking is available on the festival grounds. It’s generally free for ticket-holders and volunteers usually direct cars upon arrival. The parking area is on grass paddocks near the site. Because it’s limited and fills fast, carpooling or arriving early is recommended. Overflow may be handled by the Glendhu Bay campground across the road (www.centralotagoarts.com ) if needed.
What can I bring into the festival?
You can bring personal items like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, blankets, low-profile chairs, phone cameras, and empty water bottles (there are free refill stations). Allowed: reasonable snacks, sealed water bottles, medical supplies, small folding chairs. Prohibited items typically include weapons, fireworks, professional video cameras, outside alcohol, large umbrellas or shade tents. Dressing in layers is wise. Check the final festival FAQ for the exact current list of prohibited items before you pack.
Are outside food and drink allowed?
Outside food is generally permitted (enough for your own consumption), but no outside alcohol or glass containers are allowed. There are plenty of food and beverage vendors on site (crux.org.nz ), so most patrons buy food + drinks there. Recycling bins are provided, so please dispose of rubbish properly.
What food and drink options are available?
You’ll find a variety of local foods and beverages at the festival. Past vendors have included Wanaka’s Cardrona Distillery (spirits), Rhyme & Reason brewery (beer) and Italian Way pizza (crux.org.nz ). Food trucks often serve Asian, Indian, burgers and other cuisines. There are vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free choices. Cash or card payment options vary by stall, so bringing some cash can make small purchases easier. Don’t miss local ice-cream trucks for a sweet treat!
Are there toilet and washroom facilities? Are they accessible?
Yes. Portable toilets (porta-loos) are placed throughout the site for general admission. There are also flush toilets in the LushZone VIP area (www.ticketfairy.com ). Accessible (wheelchair) toilets are usually available near the main toilets. Bring hand sanitizer and baby wipes just in case. Expect long lines at busy times, especially during main acts.
Is it an indoor or outdoor venue, and what if it rains?
TUKI is fully outdoors on a farm. The venue does not have indoor stages. The show goes on rain or shine (small showers don’t stop a NZ festival). If rain is forecast, come prepared with waterproof layers and boots – light rain gear (like a disposable poncho) won’t obstruct others' views. The main stage has some canopy cover for the band, but audience areas are open. In heavy weather, organisers may add extra shelter, but generally performances continue with wet weather conditions. Tickets are typically non-refundable for weather, so dress for all conditions.
Are dogs or pets allowed?
No – pets are not allowed at TUKI Festival. Service animals might be accommodated; contact organisers in advance if needed. The farm environment and crowds mean most animals are better left at home.
What are the age restrictions for alcohol and LushZone?
The main festival is all-ages, but alcohol is restricted to 18+. You must be 18 or over to enter the LushZone area or to purchase alcohol on site (wanakasounz.wixsite.com ). Children under 17 must stay with a parent/guardian. IDs are checked at entry if there’s any doubt. Enjoy responsibly and have someone sober to drive or arrange safe transport if needed.
Can I refund or transfer my ticket if I can’t attend?
Refund and transfer policies are set by the ticket seller and festival organisers. Typically, festival tickets (especially earlybird) are non-refundable after purchase, but sometimes transferable (check the fine print). If the event is cancelled, the organisers usually announce a refund plan or credit. Always review the ticket terms at checkout and consider insuring travel if needed.
