Island Time on Motutapu

Overview

One of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf will welcome a new food, wine and music festival this March, 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). Up-and-coming songwriter Cassie Henderson will open each session.

Attendees won't go home hungry with Viaduct Harbour's Saint Alice serving up fresh oysters and espresso martinis and Better Burger slinging its mouthwatering burger selection, skin-on fries and fried chicken. Beverage partners include Part Time Rangers, Rudi's Beer, Jumping Goat, Mumm champagne 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.

Boat packages start from $375 per person including Island Time tickets.

Image: WikiCommons.