A Three Day Food, Wine and Music Festival Is Returning to Motutapu Island This Month

If you've always dreamed of partying on your own private island while the sun goes down, this might be the closest thing you can get to it while still, you know, paying rent in Auckland.

Beach festival Island Time is set to return once again to one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf, the stunning island location of Motutapu. Unlike other festivals, you won't be sitting for hours on a hot bus to get to this one. The only way to get there is by passenger ferry or your own boat and once you arrive, a celebration of food, wine and music awaits.

Tucked away in the historic Te Pēhi o Manawatere, Home Bay, on Te Motutapu a Taikehu and taking place over four sessions on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, the attendees will be able to boogie to local music acts like Jordan Luck Band, Sweet Mix Kids, Bontempo and others.

A series of local food vendors will be slinging eats like Spanish paella, real fruit ice cream, classic hot chips, and a unique hāngi experience run by local expert Hangi master, Rewi Spraggon. For those who enjoy a tipple, beverage partners include Mumm Champagne, Stoneleigh Wines, Absolut Vodka and Jameson Whiskey.

Island Time is part of a collaboration between Endeavour Live and Ngāi Tai Te Haerenga and as such a portion of ticket sales will go towards the preservation of the island and it's unique native inhabitants like the Takahē, Brown Kiwi, Tuturuatu, Tuturuwhatu and Kawekaweau. 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, all with a drink in hand. 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.

Session Tahi will take place on Friday, January 28 from 3:45pm - 8:30pm, with the ferry leaving Auckland at 3.15pm. Session Rua will go ahead the next morning, taking place Saturday, January 29 from 11:30am - 4:00pm, with the ferry leaving Auckland at 11am. That afternoon, another sunset session begins, with Session Toru taking place 3:45pm - 8:30pm and the ferry leaving at 3:15pm. On Sunday, January 30, grab the kids for the family friendly day, with Session Whā taking place from 11:30am - 5:45pm and the ferry leaving Auckland at 11am.

Department of Conservation

Island Time will take place on Friday, January 28, Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30, 2022. Passes are available from $70 for those making their way over on their own boats, through to $105 including the return ferry from downtown Auckland and access to one of four sessions. For tickets and more event information, visit the event website.