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FAQ'S
See below for our frequently asked questions.
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Where can I see what Ciders will be on offer?Click here for a list of all the Cider Makers that will be at this years festival. Each Cider stand will also have tasting notes about their Ciders with style of Cider, ABV’s, and any dietary inclusions.
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Can I take any Cider away with me?Nope! We do not hold an off-licence, so anything purchased at the festival must be consumed at the festival. Check with the individual Cider Makers where you can buy their products so you can enjoy the at home!
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What will be available to drink other than Cider?If Cider is not your jam, then we have a great range of alternatives. Visit the Wine bar or for Beer see the crew at the Brave Brewing stand. https://www.nzciderfestival.com/wine-and-beer There will be FREE WATER all day at various stations around the event, plus on each Cider Makers stand – we appreciate you being responsible with your alcoholic consumption! All food carts will have non-alcoholic drink options, plus there will be a coffee cart onsite.
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What’s the deal with the Cider Festival glasses?On entry, all ticket holders over 18yrs will get an official NZ Cider Festival Souvenir glass, to use for all your drinks throughout the day. Yes, these are real glass! be careful with them, as we may not have replacements on the day. The pour line on the glasses are: 80ml for tasters, 150ml for a half pour and 330ml for a full pour. Take Note: not ALL Ciders are available at the full pour amount due to their ABV%
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How much do drinks cost?Please check the ABV % of your chosen Cider on the signage at each stand, or chat with our friendly Cider Makers if you are unsure. And we operate the prices on a sliding scale based on the ABV% of the Cider, tasters from $3 through to a full glass for $10.
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I’ve broken or lost my glass, can I get another?"Yes, if we have any left! They are $5 and can be purchased from the front entry. Don’t forget to let one of the Cider crew know if there is any broken glass that needs cleaning up
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What time do you stop serving alcohol?Last call is 6.45pm, so make sure you have sampled everything that you want to prior to that time. (Event finishes at 7pm)
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Where can I get water?There will be FREE WATER all day at various stations around the event, plus on each Cider Makers stand – we appreciate you being responsible with your alcoholic consumption! Fill up your glass at the HUGE water truck, kindly sponsored by Dynes Transport. You are welcome to bring an empty water bottle in with you. Keep hydrated and enjoy your day!
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What non-alcoholic drinks are available?All food carts will have non-alcoholic drink options, plus there will be a coffee cart onsite. Click here for more info.
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I have dietary requirements, will there for food options for me?"Yes! Click here for the list of all our local food carts that will be there. We have listed those that cater to special dietary requirements.
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Can I bring my own food?Sorry no, please don’t bring any food or drink in with you. There are lots of yummy food and drink options available onsite. Security will be checking bags on entry. Click here for more info. If you have any specific requirements around food, please get in touch with the festival crew before you arrive - info@nzciderfestival.com
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Where is the event?NZ Cider Festival is held at Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings. 5 mins drive from Hastings City, approx 20mins drive from Napier City. 122 Kenilworth Road - CLICK HERE for a map Entrance for both cars and pedestrians is off Kenilworth Road. Get the BUS to and from festival! CLICK HERE for bus info (tickets must be pre-booked)
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What hours is the event?Gates open at 1pm and close at 7pm.
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Where can I park and how else can I get there and home?There is plenty of FREE parking onsite at the Showgrounds, please do not park along Kenilworth Road. Please be respectful to residents that live in surrounding streets. Entry for cars is off Kenilworth Road, drive all the way to the end to Gate 1. Better yet, catch the bus there and back! pick up locations from various locations. CLICK HERE for bus info. Return bus tickets are $20 ea, Bus tickets must be pre-purchased, there are no on-the-day sales Please ask our event crew if you need assistance with getting home safely.
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Can I park overnight in my self-contained camper?Yes! for the first time at Cider Festival, we are offering overnight parking options for certified self-contained campers. For all information, t&c's and tickets CLICK HERE
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Is there disability parking and toilets?Please check with our car parking attendants on arrival, they are there to assist. Please ask event staff for directions to the accessible toilets.
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Can I bring my children?Yes! NZ Cider Festival is a family friendly event, under 18yr olds are free with a parent/guardian holding a valid entry ticket. Please 'purchase' your under 18yrs ticket when you purchase your event ticket. The Kids Zone is open from 1-5pm only.
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Is there a kids area?Yes! Thanks to our Kids Zone sponsor - Miharo Event Hire, we are able to offer a Kids Zone, there will be lots of games and entertainment for kids of all ages. Plus there will be face painting available at an additional cost. The Kids Zone is open until 5pm Please note; this is not a drop off zone, all children must be supervised, this area is also a Cider Free zone!
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Where can I breastfeed and are there baby change facilities?You are welcome to breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable at the festival. Please check with event staff for baby change facilities.
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What bands are playing?Click here to see all the 2023 line up, it’s a good one!
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Is smoking/vaping permitted?All buildings and marquees within Tomoana Showgrounds are smoke free. Smoking and vaping is only permitted away from the crowds or outside the park.
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What if I get injured whilst I’m there?The awesome team from Medics on Scene will be onsite all day, you will find them beside the grandstand. Please ask for assistance from any of the event crew if you need help
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I’ve lost my jacket, shoe, child, where can I find it?"Lost property (and lost children) during the event can be tracked down at the main entrance. If you find something that’s not yours, please take it there. After the event, if you are missing something, please contact the team from Tomoana Showgrounds on 06 871 5000
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Is it still on if its raining?Yes! You can still drink Cider and dance in the rain!
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Can I bring a chair/picnic blanket?You are welcome to bring a chair or blanket, in fact we encourage you to!
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Can I bring my dog?Sorry, no pets. Only registered service dogs.
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Is there an event photographer?Yes, we will have Steve Hussey Photography there on the day to capture all the awesome event shots. Entry to the event automatically grants permission for the event photographer to take event photos which may appear in future marketing of the event. Photographic rights are retained by the NZ Cider Festival promoters.
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Do I need to print my ticket?No. Well, you can if you want to! But just show the entry crew your ticket bar code on your phone and you are good to go! If you have a bunch of tickets, please make sure each person has their own ticket.
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I can’t find my ticket, can you help?"It happens, log into your ticket fairy account, click on 'my tickets' and you will find your tickets, if you are still having trouble finding them, email the team at support@theticketfairy.com If you need more help email the Cider Festival crew here
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Do I need to bring ID with me?Yes, on entry our event crew will ID check you if you look under 25. So please have your valid ID ready – drivers licence, 18+ card or current passport. You will then be given a wristband to wear for the duration of the event. Please don’t be offended if our Cider Makers also ID you at the bars, they are just doing their job!
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What does my ticket include?Your ticket includes entry to the festival, a festival glass and a day full of fun! (All Cider & Food purchases are an additional cost)
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How do I buy drinks & food?Eftpos (incl payWave) and cash purchases will be available at all Cider and Food Stands in the festival. If cash is your preferred method of payment, please come with plenty as there will be no onsite cash out facilities.
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Do I need a ticket for my child?Under 18yr olds require their own ticket and are free with a parent/guardian holding a valid entry ticket. Grab their ticket when you purchase your event ticket online.
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How many people will be there?Based on previous years, there will be approx. 1,500-2,000 Cider loving fans there on the day!
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Will there be gate sale tickets?Yes, unless we are sold out prior. So, we recommend buying tickets now to avoid disappointment.
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Can I leave and come back later?You sure can, just keep your wristband on.
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Will there be a line to get in?Depends on what time you arrive, but yes there likely will be. You can help us to keep the lines moving quickly by having your ID and ticket ready, and also have your bags ready for checking. Our event crew will be working as hard as they can, we appreciate your patience!
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What can I/can’t I bring in?Alcohol – Obviously, no. Theres plenty there. Food - No, unless required for any infant. Chairs/Picnic Blankets – Yes for sure! But please be considerate of others around you. Umbrellas – It won’t rain, its Hawke's Bay! But if it does, yes you are welcome to bring your brolly - just don't be a dick with it!. We take no responsibility for lost umbrellas.
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