FAQ's
What time do gates open on the day?
10am
Can I buy tickets at the gate on the day?
Yes, from 9.30am - 5pm. Tickets are available online on the day from 8am.
Can we use digital tickets?
If you have purchased a ticket online, you don't need to print it, you can present it on your phone at the gate.
Can I bring my dog to the festival?
No dogs allowed at the festival (service animals are permitted).
Can I bring Food, Drinks or a Picnic?
We have plenty tasty treats onsite, including plenty of seafood and local wine/beer, s ono need to bring your own. Please leave your food and drink at home. You are allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water or an empty bottles to fill onsite.
Can I bring a deck chair?
Absolutely! You are also more than welcome to bring a a sun umbrella - please no gazebos.
Is there EFTPOS available onsite?
There is Eftpos/PayWave available at the Bar.
Most stall holders will have their own Eftpos.
As a last resort there is a bank onsite where you can get cash out but it has a limited amount of cash so once it's gone the bank will close.
There is also an ATM at the Havelock Four Square if you need additional cash out.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Ticketing
General Admission
Earlybird Tickets until 1st Jan - $40 +bf
1st Jan - 15th March - $45 +bf
On the day - $55 (+bf online) or $60 at the Gate
Includes festival entry, live entertainment, cooking demos, free kids zone and Industry tent. Doesn't include food and beverages.
Kids Under 16 - Free*
*Two children under 16 can attend with a paying adult.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets can be purchased online or from the Blenheim I-SITE Visitor Centre, 8 Sinclair Street (situated in the Blenheim Railway Station carpark).
Gate sales will be available on the day from 9.30am.
Aged 18-25? Proof of I.D required
Proof of age will be requested if you look under 25 years. Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport are accepted as proof of age. The Festival is very much a family event - but you must be 18+ to drink alcohol.
Anyone under 16 and accompanied by an adult will have free entry.
On arrival
On arrival at the Festival, your ticket and Id will be checked through the main Marina Entry gate. At the beverage outlets, you can collect your reusable festival cup (plastic) for $2 to use for drinks. The wristband also lets vendors know you are 18+ or have entry into other areas. All attendees will need a wristband.
Free Water
You are allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water or an empty bottles to fill onsite. Water is available at bars, at the Summit Tent as well as at the Pavillion.
Marlborough is hot! Be prepared
Marlborough knows how to turn it on and can be a little colder it the morning, but turns into a stunning afternoon! Please don't forget the sunblock, hat and sunnies. Be prepared for the weather!
Is there onsite parking?
Yes, we have plenty of parking and overflow parking onsite at the Havelock Marina by way of gold coin koha. We also provide a carpark shuttle to get you to and from the festival.
Is there transport available?
Yes, we run festival buses out of Blenheim, Picton and Nelson - note there is an additional charge for this.
I have a campervan, can I park close by?
Campervan parking is available through Havelock School and also at the Canvastown Pub. These tend to full up. The other option is to stay in Blenheim/Picton and jump on one of the festival buses.
In case of accidents or medical emergencies
St Johns is located at the Main Gate.
Code of Conduct
We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees.
Upon entry to the Festival site, you’re agreeing to abide by our code of conduct and that any decisions made by the event organisers will be final.
Any form of discrimination, harassment, or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, please inform a staff member or security personnel. We do not condone intoxication, if you feel unwell, St John provide a safe and confidential space to regroup if needed.
Water will be available on all beverage stands, at the Pavillion and at the Summit Water Tent for FREE.
The Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival will be taking photographs on the day. Entry to the festival means you will be permitting us to use such photographs for future promotion and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please politely ask our photographer to not photograph you.
The Event Organisers and Committee reserves the right to prohibit entry to, or remove from the event, any person under the influence of drugs and alcohol, showing disorderly or inappropriate behaviour.
