This Island Sanctuary Will Be Home to a New Food, Wine and Music Festival Next Year

One of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf will welcome a new food, wine and music festival next February, and the only way to get there is by public passenger ferry, your own boat or kayak.

Island Time arrives on the stunning island location of Motutapu as part of a collaboration between Endeavour Live and Ngāi Tai Te Haerenga. The event is also part of summer event series Summernova from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Tucked away on Home Bay, the one-day event invites visitors to enjoy food and drink from a range of producers and dance away to local bands and DJs. The event also presents an opportunity to soak up the history of the 178-million-year-old island, learn from the local iwi, and help the sanctuary remain pest-free.

Former Dance Exponents frontman Jordan Luck and his band will perform back-to-back alongside party duo Sweet Mix Kids across the four sessions (10.30am–2.45pm and 2pm–7.30pm). Also on the bill are up-and-coming songwriter Cassie Henderson and Waiheke singer-songwriter Nick Fraser.

Attendees won't go home hungry with treats coming from the likes of an oyster and cocktail bar run by the Viaduct Harbour's Saint Alice, New Zealand's first floating food vendor Captain Kai Moana and cult smash burger pop-up Baby-G Burger. Beverage partners include Part Time Rangers, Rudi's Beer, Jumping Goat and Brancott Estate.

Found directly behind Rangitoto, Motutapu has an incredible history — it was settled by Māori, has hosted massive Victorian parties and was a base during WWll. Following one of the world's largest island pest eradication programs, it's now home to rare native birds including takahē, brown kiwi, tūturuatu, kākāriki and tīeke.

Island Time will take place on both Saturday, 27 February and Sunday, 28 February, 2021. Passes are available from $65 for those making their way over on their own boats, through to $85 including the return ferry from downtown Auckland and access to one of four sessions. For tickets and more event information, visit endeavour.live/islandtime

Image: WikiCommons.